Fuel Fabrication

Fuel fabrication is the last stage of the 'front end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.

The enriched uranium, which has been milled to separate it from the ore, converted and enriched, is now sent to a fuel fabrication plant where it is changed into uranium dioxide powder. The powder is pressed into small pellets, which are then put into metal tubes, forming fuel rods. These fuel rods are put together to form a fuel assembly.

The fuel assemblies are put into the core of the nuclear reactor along with a moderator, such as graphite or water. Control rods are used to slow down or stop the chain reaction inside the reactor. They absorb neutrons.

Water carries the heat away from the core and makes steam. The steam turns the turbines that generate the electricity.

Greater technical detail can be found on this topic by searching through the listed briefing papers and education resources at www.uic.com.au.