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ABSTRACT
Many uranium enrichment processes have been studied since the beginnings of nuclear energy, from the implementation in laboratories to the pilot plants with the capacity of some hundred thousands of separate work units. Currently, only two processes are used industrially in order to produce enriched uranium, namely gaseous diffusion and centrifugation , which are both based upon the implementation of uranium in the form of UF 6. This article also presents processes which have been the subject of significant research and development. These processes involve uranium either in the form of hexafluoride, or in the metallic form or via other compounds.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Michel ALEXANDRE: Former Research Director, CEA Saclay
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Jean-Pierre QUAEGEBEUR: Former Program Engineer, CEA Saclay
INTRODUCTION
Remarkable progress has been made in the diversity and performance of enrichment techniques since the first calutrons were commissioned in 1944. Despite the considerable research and development effort undertaken on many techniques, only two industrial processes are currently available to meet enriched uranium needs.
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Uranium enrichment
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USEC Inc. http://www.usec.com/
Nuclear Regulatory Commission http://www.nrc.gov/
Uranium Information Centre http://www.uic.com.au/
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