Concept of Nuclear power plants and Uranium

Concept of Nuclear power plants and Uranium

-         Natural uranium contains 0.7% U 235. Uranium with an increased concentration of U 235 is called enriched uranium.

-         Nuclear weapons require uranium enriched to 90% or more U 235. Fuel used in nuclear power plants use Uranium enriched to 3-5% U-235.

-         U235 is the only isotope that is found in nature which can be fissioned by thermal neutrons.

-         Natural Uranium has 99.284% 238U isotope and 235U constitutes 0.711% of its weight.

-         Percentage composition of U235 is increased through isotope separation.

-         Highly enriched uranium is mostly produced for nuclear weapons, naval propulsion and a small quantity for nuclear power plants out of the total 2000 Tonnes.

      -     Depleted Uranium: 238 U remaining after enrichment. It is less radioactive than natural uranium.   Presently 5% in use for armor penetrating weapons as it is highly dense.