Uranium Enrichment

Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the proportion of the fissile isotope Uranium-235 (U-235) in natural uranium to make it suitable for use as nuclear fuel.

Rationale

Natural uranium consists of 99.3% U-238 (non-fissile) and only 0.7% U-235 (fissile). Enrichment boosts the U-235 concentration to 3-5% for commercial power reactors.

How the Technology Works

  • Conversion: Solid Uranium ore (yellowcake) is first converted into a gas called Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).
  • Gas Centrifuge Process: This gas is fed into high-speed rotating cylinders (centrifuges). The centrifugal force pushes the slightly heavier U-238 atoms toward the cylinder walls, while the lighter U-235 atoms stay ....
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