Uses - hdbk1113cn10129

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Traning for Uranium Facilities

Module 102 - The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Helium, an inert gas, is pumped into the tubes, which are then capped. A cluster

of these tube s separated by spacers for ms a reactor fue l assembly.

Fabrication of other materials, such as weapons parts, may also include materials made

with ura nium.

Uses

The primary goal of the uranium fuel cycle process is to yield enriched uranium. This

product can be used for:

power reactors,

research reactors,

nuclear weapons, and

naval propulsion reactors.

There are also a number of uses for uranium metal depleted in the 235U isotope, such as:

radiation s hielding,

armor-piercing bullets,

catalysts for chemical reactions,

armor plating, and

counter weights.

Depleted uranium typically is cast into ingots or billets, and then shipped to production

facilitie s for appropr iate reshap ing.

Reprocessing

Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel is no longer performed in this country. This

information is provided for the purpose of describing how the process worked at

applicable facilities.