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What is enriched uranium? How is it revolutionizing the nuclear energy industry?
Enriched uranium is uranium that has had its composition increased by the percentage of uranium-235 through a process called isotope separation. Uranium in its natural state consists of three main isotopes: uranium-238, uranium-235 and uranium-234. Adjusting the concentration of uranium-235 makes it an important nuclear energy resource, which is not only used in civilian nuclear power generation but also vital for military nuclear weapons. There are currently about 2,000 tons of highly enriched uranium in the world, most of which is used for nuclear energy, nuclear weapons and ship propulsion.
The only remaining isotope of enriched uranium is called depleted uranium (DU), which is less radioactive than natural uranium, although it is still very dense.
The process of making enriched uranium
Uranium is usually mined underground or in the open air, and then it undergoes a smelting process to extract the uranium. This is achieved through a series of chemical steps that produce a concentrated uranium oxide called "yellowcake" that is about 80% uranium. This yellowcake requires further processing to obtain a form of uranium suitable for nuclear fuel production.
The usual requirement for enriched uranium is a uranium-235 concentration between 3.5% and 4.5%, and many nuclear reactors require a higher concentration of uranium-235 to operate normally.
Types and applications of enriched uranium
Low-enriched uranium (LEU) contains less than 20% uranium-235, while highly enriched uranium (HEU) usually contains 20% or more uranium-235, which is a high concentration that is critical for nuclear weapons and certain reactor designs. It is of vital importance. In addition, there is highly enriched low-enriched uranium (HALEU) and slightly enriched uranium (SEU). These different types of uranium expand the application scope of nuclear energy.
Uranium-236 is an unwanted isotope in reprocessed uranium that consumes neutrons, making higher U-235 concentrations necessary.
Technical methods for enriching uranium
The two main current commercial enrichment methods are gas diffusion and gas centrifugation. The development of these technologies has significantly improved the production efficiency of enriched uranium. Gas centrifugation requires only 2% to 2.5% of the energy of older technologies, making it the current standard choice.
The future of nuclear technology
In addition to gas centrifugation, laser separation technology has also received widespread attention. Due to its low energy consumption and excellent economic benefits, it may also reshape the uranium enrichment technology landscape.
Laser separation technology can separate uranium in almost undetectable conditions and has the potential to change the world of nuclear technology.
Conclusion
As uranium enrichment technology develops, the way energy is produced in the nuclear energy industry is also evolving. How will these changes affect new strategies for global energy use and the international security situation?
