Centrifuge techniques Enriched uranium

a cascade of gas centrifuges @ u.s. enrichment plant

the gas centrifuge process uses large number of rotating cylinders in series , parallel formations. each cylinder s rotation creates strong centripetal force heavier gas molecules containing u move tangentially toward outside of cylinder , lighter gas molecules rich in u collect closer center. requires less energy achieve same separation older gaseous diffusion process, has largely replaced , current method of choice , termed second generation. has separation factor per stage of 1.3 relative gaseous diffusion of 1.005, translates one-fiftieth of energy requirements. gas centrifuge techniques produce 54% of world s enriched uranium.

zippe centrifuge

diagram of principles of zippe-type gas centrifuge u-238 represented in dark blue , u-235 represented in light blue

the zippe centrifuge improvement on standard gas centrifuge, primary difference being use of heat. bottom of rotating cylinder heated, producing convection currents move u cylinder, can collected scoops. improved centrifuge design used commercially urenco produce nuclear fuel , used pakistan in nuclear weapons program.