Uranium Enrichment by the Separation Nozzle Method Within the Framework of German/Brazilian Cooperation

In the separation nozzle process, the enrichment of ²³⁵U is achieved by extremely high centrifugal forces in a curved flow of UF₆ diluted by a light gas. Remarkable progress has been made in the economy of the process by bringing up the gas pressure and by introducing a nozzle system with double deflection of the jet. While the specific energy consumption is comparable to that of the American diffusion plants, the separation effect per stage is considerably higher than that of the classical technology. Therefore an economical application is possible for smaller and correspondingly cheaper plants. The process finds its first commercial application within the framework of German/Brazilian Cooperation. A so-called First Cascade consisting of 24 separation nozzle stages is under construction in Brazil. The development of components for commercial separation nozzle plants is well under way.