Enrichment Technology

centrifuges & cascades

- centrifuges

Gas centrifuges are made up of a tubular container constructed from highly advanced materials, which contains a cylindrical rotor. This rotates at an extremely high speed in a vacuum on an almost frictionless bearing. The centrifuge motor produces heat at the bottom of the centrifuge. This creates a temperature gradient beside the rotor, through which gas flows, intensifying the separation process.

- cascades

A single centrifuge does not enrich uranium enough for use as nuclear fuel. Centrifuges are therefore used in series, to raise the level of enrichment. Enriched UF6 is piped to another centrifuge, while the depleted gas can be returned into the system. To increase the throughput of a system, centrifuges are also set up in parallel. These serial and parallel systems of centrifuges are known as cascades.

gas centrifuge technology

- Combating cancer

Just imagine: the magic and power of the elements, brought under control for the benefit of humanity. It's closer than you think. Because tomorrow is today, and that calls for new applications. For example: our gas centrifuge technology can be used in a variety of ways to enrich uranium efficiently. In this way enrichment facilities can quickly and safely supply fuel for the production of nuclear energy. But also produce stable isotopes, which can be used by medical science to investigate and treat cancer. It's all about the needs of people today.

- Extracting fuel

The uranium ore that is extracted from the earth is converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6). This gas is pumped into a vacuum centrifuge.
The rotating motion hurls the heavier U-238 molecules towards the wall of the centrifuge, while the lighter U-235 molecules congregate in the middle. These are extracted and concentrated. The centrifuges are set up in a series, a so-called 'cascade'. Enriched uranium travels from one centrifuge to the next, for as long as is needed until it is sufficiently enriched to be used as pellets in nuclear fuel rods: the fuel for nuclear power stations.

nuclear fuel cycle - 1

Before uranium - the fuel of nuclear power stations - can be used in a nuclear reactor, it has to undergo various industrial processes to make it suitable for this purpose. Uranium enrichment is an essential step in the nuclear fuel supply chain. Enrichment Technology has developed a highly efficient and reliable centrifuge technology, which has proved its effectiveness over the years.

- extraction

Uranium ore is extracted from the earth, finely ground, purified and concentrated at the mining location. This produces a stable substance - 'yellowcake' - which is transported to conversion reactors. In its natural state uranium contains 0.7% of the isotope Uranium 235 (U-235). In the nuclear reactor, energy that is needed to generate electricity is released through fission.

nuclear fuel cycle - 2

- conversion

The concentrated ore is chemically converted into a compound called uranium hexafluoride, which is stable at room temperature. This compound is then transported in secure containers to the uranium enrichment facility.

nuclear fuel cycle - 3

- enrichment

In the enrichment process the uranium is concentrated to such an extent (from 0.7% to 3-5%) that nuclear fusion can take place in a nuclear power station. There are two commonly used enrichment processes: the gas centrifuge method and the gas diffusion method. The gas centrifuge method is much more economical than the gas diffusion method, because the amount of electricity used and the maintenance costs are lower.

nuclear fuel cycle - 4

- fuel production

Once the uranium has been enriched it is converted into pellets, which are then loaded into nuclear fuel rods. These rods are then supplied to nuclear power stations, where they are placed in the nuclear reactor, and release heat and energy. A large nuclear power station with a net capacity of 1,300 megawatts needs around 25 tons of uranium fuel per year.

nuclear fuel cycle - 5

- nuclear fission

The most common types of nuclear power stations are light water reactors and advanced gas cooled reactors. Uranium with a concentration of U-235 between 3% and 5% is needed for both types of reactors. Water is heated by the heat generated by nuclear fission within the nucleus, producing high pressure steam. This is then used to drive steam turbine generators.

nuclear fuel cycle - 6

- electricity

Electricity is produced at high voltages, and distributed via high-voltage cables. After a series of processes that reduce the voltage, the electricity is supplied to companies and households.

nuclear fuel cycle - 7

- consumption

People all over the world are increasingly dependent on electricity. Because electricity cannot be stored, it must be supplied at the moment of demand. It is therefore essential that the demand for electricity is met through a sustainable process where accessibility, acceptability and price are in balance.

the market

The d emand for uranium enrichment capacity is rising. Many governments are striving to achieve an energy mix that will enable stable economic development. Dependence on dwindling stocks of fossil fuels is often a key issue here.

In addition, there is also a growing demand for stable isotopes to be used for medical applications, for example in the treatment of cancer.

In principle our technology is suitable for both purposes. We have made the process ten times more efficient over the course of thirty years. Our customers are benefiting from this today, and consumers will do so tomorrow.

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