UO2pelleteistä

UO2pelleteistä refers to fuel pellets made from uranium dioxide. These pellets are the primary form of nuclear fuel used in many nuclear reactors, particularly in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs). The uranium dioxide is typically enriched to increase the concentration of fissile isotopes, primarily Uranium-235, which is necessary to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

The production of UO2 pellets involves several stages. Uranium ore is first milled and processed to extract uranium. This uranium is then enriched to the desired level. The enriched uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas, which undergoes isotopic separation. Finally, the UF6 is converted into uranium dioxide powder. This powder is then compacted and sintered at high temperatures to form dense, ceramic pellets.

These pellets are designed to be highly stable and durable, capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures and radiation within a nuclear reactor core. They are typically about 1 centimeter in diameter and 1-2 centimeters in length. The pellets are stacked end-to-end within long metal tubes, usually made of a zirconium alloy, to form fuel rods. These fuel rods are then bundled together to create fuel assemblies, which constitute the core of a nuclear reactor. The controlled fission of the uranium within the pellets releases heat, which is used to generate electricity.