10/31/2014 An Overview of Gas Centrifuges and their Modern Implications

http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/kadribasic1/ 1/3
Fig. 1: A simplified diagram showing the
inner workings of a device for gaseous
diffusion of UF
6
for enriching uranium.
(Courtesy of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission)
An Overview of Gas Centrifuges and their
Modern Implications
Fedja Kadribasic
March 26, 2013
Submitted as coursework for PH241, Stanford University, Winter 2013
Modern nuclear reactors operate by using the energy
produced during nuclear fission reactions to heat
water, which drives a turbine that produces electricity.
Uranium is most commonly used for this process
because one of its isotopes, uranium-235 (U-235),
releases three neutrons for every one neutron it
absorbs, which makes the resulting fission reaction
self-sustaining. However, uranium processed from ore
contains far too little U-235 to be of any practical use.
Thus, to make uranium metal into usable fuel, the
different isotopes need to be separated from each other
and redistributed so that one can make uranium with
more U-235 than is found in a natural sample.
This process is called uranium enrichment, which
begins in most cases with uranium metal being turned
into uranium hexafluoride (UF
6
) through complicated
chemical reactions. This gas has slightly different properties depending on which uranium isotope is
bonded to the fluorine. In facilities in the United States, the main way to separate the isotopes is through
a process called gaseous diffusion, where the difference in partial pressures of the two isotopes is
exploited, along with a semipermeable membrane, to slowly create a concentration gradient. These
individual diffusion units are connected so that a higher concentration of U-235 goes one way and a
lower concentration in the other (Fig. 1). In recent years, the US has tried to transition away from this
technology and turn to gas centrifuges, also known as Zippe centrifuges, because it is not very cost-
effective and can be quite dangerous. [1]
The main operating principle for a centrifuge is that
when a mixture of fluids is rotating very quickly, the
rotation of the device produces, in an accelerated
reference frame, a centrifugal force on the fluids
inside. This force separates out the fluids by density,
similar to how fresh water floats on top of salt water in
an estuary because of the force of gravity. The Zippe
centrifuge spins fast enough that the denser gas with
U-238 tends to collect along the outside walls and the
less dense gas with U-235 accretes closer to the center.
Special vents going towards the center and others
along the sides collect the two gas mixtures and
10/31/2014 An Overview of Gas Centrifuges and their Modern Implications
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/kadribasic1/ 2/3
Fig. 2: Diagram illustrating the general
operation principle of a Zippe centrifuge
(Courtesy of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission)
transfer them to other centrifuge units. (See Fig. 2.) [2]
These vents are connected so that the U-235 laden gas
goes in one direction and the other gas goes in the
other, similar to what is done with gaseous diffusion.
Zippe centrifuges, despite their very simple operating
principle, are not easy to make. To separate out the
two gas mixtures, the centrifuges need to spin at
around 60,000 rpm, which is fast by anyone's count.
[3] Rotation rates this fast require very high tolerances
because the slightest deformity could result in a part
getting damaged and radioactive, chemically reactive
gas being released. However, their basic principle is
still very simple compared to gaseous diffusion plants
and their operation costs are much lower. Thus, if a
country decides to take on uranium enrichment for
energy or nuclear weapons production, the Zippe
centrifuge is a relatively inexpensive route to take. [3]
A case in point is Iran's recent program to develop
uranium enrichment plants at Natanz, which,
according to a recent announcement, will be producing
19.75% low enriched uranium (LEU). [4] What is
interesting about this situation is that it takes a lot of
resources to start a full-scale nuclear energy or
weapons production comparable to that in some of the
countries that already have one. The amount of
enrichment possible from the plant at Natanz does not
seem nearly enough for such a program. However, it is
enough for producing a small number of nuclear
weapons. [4] When coupled with the fact that one only
needs about 5% enrichment for nuclear power plants,
it means that Iran could already be on the path for
making a small number of nuclear weapons. As stated
in a recent ISIS report, "one of the most striking
lessons from reviewing Iran's accomplishments at
Natanz is just how unachievable a commercial
enrichment program remains, while at the same time, how comparatively little enrichment capability is
required for a nuclear weapons capability." [4]
This result partly stems from the fact that centrifuge devices themselves do not cost very much to
operate, so their usefulness in producing usable fuel must be carefully weighed against their ability to
relatively easily produce weapons-grade uranium. [1] Especially in an economy and government as
unstable as that in Iran, the weapons could pose a threat to cities in other countries if they somehow get
into the wrong hands. On the contrary, the technology is still very useful for civilian purposes, shown by
the recent developments in the US for getting the centrifuge program back on its feet. [1] Thus, it
remains necessary for the world to carefully weigh the pros and cons of enrichment programs using
centrifuges as the world's energy budget keeps increasing in the future.
Fedja Kadribasic. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered
form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including
commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
10/31/2014 An Overview of Gas Centrifuges and their Modern Implications
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/kadribasic1/ 3/3
References
[1] H. G. Wood, A. Glaser and R. S. Kemp. "The Gas Centrifuge and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation,"
Physics Today 61, No. 9, 40 (September 2008).
[2] G. Zippe et al. "Centrifugal Separators," U.S. Patent 3289925, 6 Dec 66.
[3] A. Glaser, "Characteristics of the Gas Centrifuge for Uranium Enrichment and Their Relevance for
Nuclear Weapon Proliferation," Science and Global Security 16, 1 (2008).
[4] D. Albright and C. Walford, "Supplement to Iran's Gas Centrifuge Program: Taking Stock," Institute
for Science and International Security, 3 Mar 10.