What is the Nuclear Fuel Cycle?

What is the nuclear fuel cycle and what does it mean? You may have also heard of the nuclear fuel chain which is the same thing. These terms refer to the progression of nuclear fuel through differing stages.

There are different steps in the nuclear fuel cycle and these are:

• Front end – preparation of the fuel
• Service period - fuel is used during reactor operation
• Back end - safely manage, contain and reprocess or dispose of spent nuclear fuel

To understand the nuclear fuel cycle, you will need to fully understand each of the stages in the process. If the fuel that is spent is not reprocessed, it is called an open fuel cycle or once-through fuel cycle. If the spent fuel is reprocessed in the nuclear fuel cycle, it is called a closed fuel cycle.

Here is a basic explanation of the nuclear fuel cycle. It is the series of industrial processes that involve the production of electricity from uranium in nuclear power reactors. Uranium is a common element found throughout the world and mined in several countries. It must be processed before it can be used as fuel inside a nuclear reactor.

This uranium fuel can be used for electricity. The heat generated in the nuclear reactor can produce steam and drive a turbine which is connected to a generator to produce the electricity. This is another source of creating electricity which is often used in businesses and homes.

When you hear the term “uranium” you might think of radioactive, especially when you hear it used with the term “nuclear”. If this sounds dangerous, that’s because it is. Uranium is a slightly radioactive metal that is found throughout the earth’s crust. Uranium is said to be 500 times more abundant than gold and it is about as common as tin, making it a good source for fuel.

There are some parts of the world where uranium ore is found in such high concentrations that it can be worth it to extract it as a use of nuclear fuel. Where it is economically feasible, this could be an option for a fuel source. This is done using the nuclear fuel cycle.

Welcome to the NNL Blog

Welcome to the NNL blog. NNL (National Nuclear Laboratory) where formerly known as Nexia Solutions and are the UK's leading nuclear technology services provider who specialise in providing their customers with tailored solutions by applying the right level of technical innovation and intellectual support.

News comes thick and fast in the nuclear industry so here on the NNL blog we will keep you up to date with everything that is happening.