- published: 02 May 2015
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The nuclear fuel cycle, also called nuclear fuel chain, is the progression of nuclear fuel through a series of differing stages. It consists of steps in the front end, which are the preparation of the fuel, steps in the service period in which the fuel is used during reactor operation, and steps in the back end, which are necessary to safely manage, contain, and either reprocess or dispose of spent nuclear fuel. If spent fuel is not reprocessed, the fuel cycle is referred to as an open fuel cycle (or a once-through fuel cycle); if the spent fuel is reprocessed, it is referred to as a closed fuel cycle.
Nuclear power relies on fissionable material that can sustain a chain reaction with neutrons. Examples of such materials include uranium and plutonium. Most nuclear reactors use a moderator to lower the kinetic energy of the neutrons and increase the probability that fission will occur. This allows reactors to use material with far lower concentration of fissile isotopes than nuclear weapons. Graphite and heavy water are the most effective moderators, because they slow the neutrons through collisions without absorbing them. Reactors using heavy water or graphite as the moderator can operate using natural uranium.
Nuclear technology is constantly in the news. So how exactly do you make nuclear fuel? Special thanks to Life Noggin for animating this video! Check them out: http://www.youtube.com/lifenoggin Read More: Fuel Cycle Facilities http://www.nrc.gov/materials/fuel-cycle-fac.html “The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates uranium recovery facilities that mill uranium; fuel cycle facilities that convert, enrich, and fabricate it into fuel for use in nuclear reactors, and deconversion facilities that process the depleted uranium hexafluoride for disposal.” Uranium processing http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/619232/uranium-processing “Uranium (U), although very dense (19.1 grams per cubic centimetre), is a relatively weak, nonrefractory metal. Indeed, the metal...
The nuclear fuel cycle is the series of industrial processes which involve the production of electricity from uranium in nuclear power reactors. Uranium is a relatively common element that is found throughout the world. It is mined in a number of countries and must be processed before it can be used as fuel for a nuclear reactor. Fuel removed from a reactor, after it has reached the end of its useful life, can be reprocessed to produce new fuel. The various activities associated with the production of electricity from nuclear reactions are referred to collectively as the nuclear fuel cycle. The nuclear fuel cycle starts with the mining of uranium and ends with the disposal of nuclear waste. With the reprocessing of used fuel as an option for nuclear energy, the stages form a true cycle ...
Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry and Fuel Cycle Separations Presented by Vanderbilt University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and CRESP At the Nevada Site Office, Las Vegas Nevada July 19-21, 2011
Reprocessing and Recycle
3D Animation Showing: Uranium Cycle from Mining and Processing to Uranium Enrichment, Fuel and Waste management. Also called nuclear fuel chain, is the progression of nuclear fuel through a series of differing stages. It consists of steps in the front end, which are the preparation of the fuel, steps in the service period in which the fuel is used during reactor operation, and steps in the back end, which are necessary to safely manage, contain, and either reprocess or dispose of spent nuclear fuel. If spent fuel is not reprocessed, the fuel cycle is referred to as an open fuel cycle (or a once-through fuel cycle); if the spent fuel is reprocessed, it is referred to as a closed fuel cycle. For more information and request a FREE estimate, contact us today: Website: www.3danimationservic...
The URENCO uranium enrichment plant at Almelo, Netherlands, enriches uranium for clients worldwide to a maximum licensed enrichment level of 6%. Uranium enrichment is one of the key processes in the nuclear fuel supply chain. After mining and conversion, uranium is enriched to a level that makes it suitable for the fabrication of fuel for types of nuclear power and research reactors. The technology at enrichment plants can also be used to manufacture highly enriched uranium (over 20%) and weapons grade uranium (over 85%). Therefore, there is a risk of nuclear proliferation and facilities of this kind come under IAEA Safeguards Agreements. Through inspections, the IAEA confirms that countries are using nuclear materials or technology for peaceful purposes only. IAEA Safeguards Inspecto...
The background presentations, audio files, kindle booklet and additional material can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lpwxj1rn5migevz/NuclearFuelCyclePeterWilson.zip?dl=0 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Chapter 2 by Peter Wilson former employee of British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL). Reactors - What the various types of civil power reactor have in common and how they differ.