Uranium Enrichment Process

The enrichment of uranium is a critical process in the production of both nuclear power and weapons. Central to this process is the use of a device called the enrichment centrifuge.

Composition of Natural Uranium

• Natural uranium comprises approximately 99.3% U-238 and 0.7% U-235.
• U-235 is fissile, making it essential for nuclear power generation and weapons production.

Requirements for Uranium Enrichment

• For nuclear power reactors, uranium fuel needs to be enriched to contain 3-20% U-235, depending on the reactor design.
• For nuclear weapons, U-235 must be enriched to approximately 90%.

Functioning of the Enrichment Centrifuge

The centrifuge functions based on centrifugal force to separate isotopes of uranium.

• The centrifuge contains a chamber attached to a rotor that spins at high speeds.
• The centrifugal force acts to push denser materials outward. In this case, U-238 is slightly more dense than U-235.

Separation Process

• Uranium is first converted to a compound form, typically uranium hexafluoride (UF6).
• UF6 is then converted to gas and injected into the centrifuges.
• As centrifuges spin at approximately 50,000 revolutions per minute, more U-235 collects towards the center.
• This enriched mass is diverted to further centrifuges to enhance U-235 concentration through multiple stages.

Materials Used in Centrifuges

• The spinning component is made of light yet strong materials such as carbon fiber, to withstand extreme motion without disintegration.