This document discusses uranium enrichment technology and processes. It explains that uranium exists as the isotopes U-238 and U-235, with U-235 being fissile. It then describes the main types and grades of enriched uranium and the primary processes used for enrichment, including gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuges, laser separation, and other techniques like aerodynamic, electromagnetic, chemical, and plasma separation methods.

1. Uranium EnrichmentTechnologyA DON’T DIY guide to

2. What is Enriched Uranium?Uranium238 (Natural Uranium)235 (Isotope)Fissile

3. Types of Enriched UraniumGradesNatural UraniumLow-EnrichedWeapons-Grade

4. Enrichment ProcessesDiffusionCentrifugeLaser SeparationOther

5. Diffusion TechniquesGaseous Diffusion

6. Diffusion TechniquesThermal DiffusionNo longer used

7. Centrifuge TechniquesGas Centrifuge10x more energy efficient than Gaseous Diffusion technique.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X7Lr-gdxZY&feature=related

8. Centrifuge TechniquesZippe CentrifugeImprovement on gaseouscentrifuge technology,use of heat.

9. Laser SeparationSeparation of Isotopes by Laser Excitation (SILEX)Australian project that will be commercially ready by 2012.

10. Laser SeparationAtomic vapor laser isotope separation(AVLIS)Photoionization of target isotopeMolecular laser isotope separation(MLIS)Photolysis of Uranium Hexafluoride to Uranium Pentafluoride

11. Other TechniquesAerodynamic processesBecker jet nozzleVortex tube

12. Other TechniquesElectromagnetic Isotope SeparationIonized Uranium is deflected to coll-ection targets inmagnetic field.

14. Other TechniquesChemical MethodsSlightly different reactions of U-235, U-238 to Redox

15. Other TechniquesPlasma SeparationSelective energizing of U-235 with plasma that contains a mix of ions.