Cascade converters at a nuclear fuel enrichment plant in Kentucky,USA. Naturally-occuring uranium contains only 0.7% of the fissionable U-235 isotope,the remainder being the heavier U-238. The metal is reacted with fluorine to form uranium hexafluoride gas. This is then passed through the series of cascade converters,where the heavier U-238 hexafluoride molecules pass through diffusion filters and are removed. This process eventually produces a concentration of about 3% U-235 hexafluoride. This final product is then reconverted back to uranium metal for use in nuclear reactor fuel rods | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / US Department of Energy |
Bildgröße: | 5053 px × 4204 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |