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THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

Explore the detailed sequence of nuclear fuel cycle steps from mining to disposal, its economic factors, long-lived radioactive isotopes, US nuclear plant stats, and advancements in uranium enrichment facilities. Discover key insights into the nuclear industry and its contributions to the energy sector.

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THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

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  1. THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE

  2. THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE • The Nuclear Fuel Cycle consists of sequence of steps in which U ore is mined, milled, enriched, and fabricated into nuclear fuel and then irradiated in a reactor for several years. • The fuel cycle lifetime from mining to discharge is about 8 years. • NEI Video on U Mining

  3. The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Fuel fabrication 25 tons UO2 fuel 220 tons depleted UF6 Reactor 32 tons enriched UF6 1000 MW reactor for 1 year (~7 billion kWh) Enrichment and isotope separation 200 tons uranium oxide 25 tons natural UF6 Convert to UF6 25 tons spent fuel Interim storage (cooling pond) Concentrate Reprocessing Plant 25 tons spent fuel 45 - 50,000 tons uranium ore 750 kg high-level waste Final disposal

  4. Fuel Cycle Economics • Transaction Cost:mills/kwhr(e) • Ore 1.00 • Conversion 0.15 • Enrichment 1.10 • Fabrication 1.60 • Disposal 1.00 • Misc 0.25 • Total 5.10

  5. Long Lived Radioactive Isotopes in Discharged Nuclear Fuel • Fission Products • Over 60 isotopes • 7 isotopes have significant gamma decay during first 20 years that can be useful to identify the source: Zr95, Nb95, Ru103, Cs134, Cs137, Ce141, Ce144 • Actinides • Over 20 isotopes • The gamma rays generated by Actinides have lower energy

  6. Inventory of Nuclear Fuel United States • 103 nuclear power plants • 22% of electrical power World • 438 nuclear power plants (33 under construction) • 17% of electrical power • 30 countries use nuclear power • 16 countries produce more than 25% of electrical power using nuclear energy

  7. US Nuclear Power Plants

  8. WIPP • One of New Mexico’s major contributions to the nuclear industry in recent years has been the opening and operation of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

  9. Transuranic Waste Repositoryat Carlsbad, New Mexico

  10. Uranium Enrichment • Recently, a uranium enrichment facility was opened near Eunice, New Mexico. • This facility, established by Louisiana Energy Systems, brought many jobs and a new economic boon to that area. • The Eunice Enrichment Facility is considered to be the “first of its kind in North America.”

  11. URENCO is a nuclear business that has the main purpose of enriching uranium to provide nuclear fuel for commercial nuclear power plants. • URENCO and LES have the goal of creating a sustainable and carbon-free energy future.

  12. Questions? Debra N. Thrall, PhD Executive Director Wk - 505-883-3114 dthrall@unm.edu

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