Nuclear Proliferation TechnologyTrends Analysis - International ...
Nuclear Proliferation TechnologyTrends Analysis - International ... Nuclear Proliferation TechnologyTrends Analysis - International ...
PNNL -14480 3.1.4.2 Time constant for technology development Table 4 shows that the average time for completion of a gaseous diffusion facility is about five years. This includes two to three years to complete construction and another two to three years for successful operation to begin. 3.1.5 Required Concurrent Technologies Materials needed to develop gaseous diffusion enrichment processing facilities can be grouped into several categories. Governmental and international agreements control the acquisition of many of these materials 15, 4 . 3.1.5.1 Fluorine-related equipment • Fluorine specific equipment such as fluorine generators. • Process related equipment such as o Fluorine compatible compressors, o Corrosion resistant valves, o Corrosion resistant piping, 3.1.5.2 Diffusion related equipment • Diffuser housings • Diffusion barriers 3.1.5.3 Auxiliary equipment • Compressors, • Gas coolers, • Motors, • Rotary shaft seals, • Heat exchangers, • Water supplies, • Power supplies, • Uranium Feed systems, • Uranium Withdrawal systems In addition to UF 6 production facilities, other necessary technologies include a large electric power distribution system, cooling towers to dissipate waste heat, a steam plant, a diffusion barrier production plant, and a plant to produce dry air and nitrogen 4 . 3.2 CENTRIFUGE ENRICHMENT TECHNOLOGY HISTORY 3.2.1 Technology Description 15 LA-13131-M, A Handbook for the Nuclear Suppliers Group Dual-Use Annex, April 1996 12
PNNL -14480 3.2.2.1 Origin The first suggestion for separating isotopes by use of a centrifuge occurred in 1919. The method was developed at the University of Virginia. In 1938, the concept was proven through the separation of isotopes of chlorine. In 1941, 1.2 grams of 4% enriched uranium was produced on prototype machines. German scientists in the Soviet Union, in 1945, developed modern centrifuge technology. The first Soviet pilot centrifuge enrichment plant was completed in 1953, the first demonstration plant in 1957, and the first full-scale facility was completely operational by 1964. After the success of the Soviet Union’s program, the German scientists were allowed to return to Germany, and in 1960 a seminal paper was presented that revealed the new technological approach taken by the Soviet Union’s centrifuge program. At this point, a number of countries, especially the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Germany began their own centrifuge programs. 3.2.1.2 Basic theory In the gas centrifuge uranium-enrichment process, gaseous UF 6 is fed into a cylindrical rotor that spins at high speed inside an evacuated casing. Because the rotor spins so rapidly, centrifugal force results in the gas occupying a thin layer next to the rotor wall, with the gas moving at approximately the speed of the wall. Centrifugal forces cause the heavier 238 UF 6 molecules to tend to move closer to the wall than the lighter 235 UF 6 molecules, thus partially separating the uranium isotopes. This separation is increased by a relatively slow axial countercurrent flow of gas within the centrifuge that concentrates the relatively lighter enriched gas at the top of the centrifuge and the relatively heavier depleted gas at the other. This flow can also be driven mechanically by scoops and baffles or thermally by heating the bottom end cap. The separating capacity of a single centrifuge increases with the length of the rotor and the rotor wall speed. Consequently, centrifuges containing long, high-speed rotors are the goal of centrifuge development programs. 3.2.1.3 Important components/materials The main subsystems of the centrifuge (Figure 2) • Rotor and end caps • Top and bottom bearing/suspension system • Electric motor and power supply (frequency changer) • Center post, scoops and baffles • Vacuum system • Outer casing 13
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PNNL -14480<br />
3.1.4.2 Time constant for technology development<br />
Table 4 shows that the average time for completion of a gaseous diffusion facility is<br />
about five years. This includes two to three years to complete construction and another<br />
two to three years for successful operation to begin.<br />
3.1.5 Required Concurrent Technologies<br />
Materials needed to develop gaseous diffusion enrichment processing facilities can be<br />
grouped into several categories. Governmental and international agreements control the<br />
acquisition of many of these materials 15, 4 .<br />
3.1.5.1 Fluorine-related equipment<br />
• Fluorine specific equipment such as fluorine generators.<br />
• Process related equipment such as<br />
o Fluorine compatible compressors,<br />
o Corrosion resistant valves,<br />
o Corrosion resistant piping,<br />
3.1.5.2 Diffusion related equipment<br />
• Diffuser housings<br />
• Diffusion barriers<br />
3.1.5.3 Auxiliary equipment<br />
• Compressors,<br />
• Gas coolers,<br />
• Motors,<br />
• Rotary shaft seals,<br />
• Heat exchangers,<br />
• Water supplies,<br />
• Power supplies,<br />
• Uranium Feed systems,<br />
• Uranium Withdrawal systems<br />
In addition to UF 6 production facilities, other necessary technologies include a large<br />
electric power distribution system, cooling towers to dissipate waste heat, a steam plant, a<br />
diffusion barrier production plant, and a plant to produce dry air and nitrogen 4 .<br />
3.2 CENTRIFUGE ENRICHMENT TECHNOLOGY HISTORY<br />
3.2.1 Technology Description<br />
15 LA-13131-M, A Handbook for the <strong>Nuclear</strong> Suppliers Group Dual-Use Annex, April 1996<br />
12
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