Development of the separation nozzle process for enrichment of uranium

In the separation nozzle process, enrichment of 235U is achieved by extremely high centrifugal forces in a curved flow of UF6, diluted with a light gas. In Brazil, a cascade consisting of 24 separation nozzle stages was constructed and has been in trial operation since late 1985. In order to produce separation nozzle systems with the smallest possible characteristic dimensions which would permit plant operation at atmospheric pressure, a manufacturing process has been developed which relies on combined X-ray lithography and microgalvanic deposition (LIGA-technology). Using this technology, the prototype separation stages constructed at the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Centre provide the possibility of setting up commercial separation nozzle plants with capacities of up to 3 million SWU/year. (orig.)