Influence of valve leakage in unloading system on separative power of uranium enrichment

Abstract

BackgroundIn the process of uranium enrichment, the separation power is the key evaluation index, but the leakage of the valve will affect it.PurposeThis study aims to analyze the normal and abnormal conditions of uranium enrichment centrifugal cascade unloading system, and put forward the corresponding measures and suggestions of valve leakage for uranium enrichment industry and nuclear and radiation safety supervision department.MethodsThe cascade simulation method was used to analyze the influence of valve leakage by computer programming iteration. Emphasis was placed on the separation power change of centrifugal cascade unloading system for uranium enrichment.ResultsThe results show that it is difficult to judge the leakage of valve channels in the centrifugal cascade unloading system of enriched uranium by the process operation parameters. The influence of the process on the separation power of uranium enrichment varies with the leakage position of the valve channel, which has a great impact on the economy and safety of uranium enrichment. When the leakage rate is true, the separation power of uranium enrichment will change, and material loss of 0.1% will lead to a separation power loss of 3.8%.ConclusionsTherefore, it is necessary to judge the leakage point of the valve channel of the unloading system timely and accurately.

Keywords

• unloading system
• valve channel
• cascade simulation calculation