Uranium gas centrifuge enrichment units C017 / 3756
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Uranium gas centrifuge enrichment units C017 / 3756
Uranium gas centrifuge enrichment units. This stage in the production of fuel for nuclear power plants takes place at a gas centrifuge enrichment plant (GCEP). In its natural state, uranium contains three isotopes. Of these, U-235 is used for fission but only accounts for 0.7 percent of mined uranium. During the process of enrichment, the mined uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride gas. This is spun in a centrifuge and the molecules containing heavier U-238 move outwards, with the gas richer in U-235 passed to further stages of purification before conversion into usable fuel. Photographed in January 1984, at the GCEP in Piketon, Ohio, USA
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Media ID 9342171
© US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1980s 1984 Energy Factory Fission Isotope North American Nuclear Fuel Nuclear Physics Nuclear Power Ohio Rows Units Uranium Centrifugal Isotopes Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate process of uranium gas centrifuge enrichment units at a plant in Piketon, Ohio, USA. Taken in January 1984 by the US Department of Energy/Science Photo Library, this image showcases the technological marvels involved in producing fuel for nuclear power plants. In its natural state, uranium contains three isotopes, with U-235 being the crucial isotope used for fission. However, it only makes up a mere 0.7 percent of mined uranium. To extract and concentrate U-235, the mined uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride gas and spun within centrifuges. The centrifugal force causes molecules containing heavier U-238 to move outward while allowing the gas richer in U-235 to be passed on for further purification before conversion into usable fuel. This complex process ensures that nuclear power plants receive enriched uranium capable of sustaining controlled chain reactions. The rows upon rows of these sophisticated centrifuge units depicted in this historical photograph highlight both the scale and significance of nuclear energy production during that era. It serves as a testament to humanity's pursuit of harnessing clean and efficient sources of energy through scientific advancements. With its blend of industrial aesthetics and technological prowess, this image offers a glimpse into an essential stage in nuclear physics history—an era when humans were unlocking new frontiers in energy generation using isotopic weight separation techniques like those seen here at Piketon's GCEP facility.
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