Uranium extraction, nuclear fuel preparation and fabrication, and its use in reactors. Articles explore the properties of fuel materials, fuel assembly design, and the changes fuel undergoes during reactor operation.
Uranium concentrate must undergo conversion and enrichment before it can be used to make fuel for conventional light water reactors. Part 3 of the From Ore to Energy series explains why uranium is converted to UF₆, how physical separation changes the proportion of uranium-235, and what happens to the enriched and depleted streams.
How is uranium ore processed into the concentrate known as yellowcake? Part 2 of From Ore to Energy explores uranium mining, in situ recovery and ore processing. It explains the distinction between concentration and isotopic enrichment, and shows why tailings management, worker protection and site remediation are integral to this process.
The journey of nuclear fuel begins with uranium extraction and continues well beyond its use in a reactor. This introductory article in the “From Ore to Energy” series outlines the fuel cycle for light water reactors, from fuel preparation and fabrication to spent fuel management. An overview diagram connects the principal stages, options for reusing materials, and storage and final disposal.
