Uranium Enrichment Centrifuges, Working Procedure and Applications

Context: Centrifuge enrichment is a process used to increase the amount of uranium-235 (U-235) in natural uranium. U-235 is the type of uranium needed for nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons because it can undergo fission (splitting of atoms to release energy).

What is an Enrichment Centrifuge?

Enrichment centrifuges are high-velocity rotating equipment employed to beget isotopes of an element, typically uranium-235 (U-235) from uranium-238 (U-238) in making nuclear fuel. The process of gas centrifugation is the most important operation in uranium enrichment for nuclear applications and weapons.

How Does a Centrifuge Work?

• A centrifuge is a spinning machine that separates materials based on their weight.
• It works on the same principle as a washing machine’s spin cycle, which pushes heavier water outward and leaves lighter clothes in the centre.

Procedure

• Convert Uranium to Gas: Uranium is turned into a gas called uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) so it can be easily separated.
• Spin the Gas in a Centrifuge: The centrifuge spins at very high speeds (up to 50,000 revolutions per minute).
  • Heavier U-238 moves outward, while lighter U-235 stays closer to the center.
• Collect and Repeat the Process: The gas with a higher percentage of U-235 is passed on to another centrifuge for further separation.
  • This is done repeatedly numerous times to slowly build up the concentration of U-235.

Applications of Enriched Uranium

• Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) (~3-5% U-235) → Utilized in nuclear power plants.
• Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) (>20% U-235) → Applied for research reactors as well as for nuclear weapons.

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