Iranian Nuclear Program Temporarily Converts Uranium

Iranian Nuclear Program Temporarily Converts Uranium

The deal reached in connection to the Iranian nuclear program resulted to a pledge that Iran will convert its enriched uranium cache into less dangerous material. The pledge was part of the deal reached over the weekend that will limit the nuclear program of Iran. The deal will result to lifting of some sanctions imposed on the country.

However, the process to convert enriched uranium into uranium dioxide can be undone, according to Federation of American Scientists Charles Ferguson. A number of countries have the capability to do this, and it may be possible for Iran to have facilities to perform the process.

Ferguson added the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program will provide additional time for diplomacy despite a compromise on both sides. Around 440 pounds of 20-percent uranium were already converted by Iran into uranium dioxide. However, the plants that converted the uranium are not capable of converting the oxide into nuclear fuel. Although the conversion can be reversed, it may take time since it follows a number of chemical steps, according to Dave Albright of Science and International Security.

It will be necessary to pump uranium hexafluoride gas or UF6 through a centrifuge to get rid of fluorine atoms in order to create weapons-grade fuel. The isotope concentration will increase following a number of passes in the centrifuge.

UF6 can be refined in centrifuges into different levels. The first level is 3.5 percent, which is used a reactor fuel. The second level is mainly used for medical and scientific research, which is relatively near weapons-grade uranium. Although the 20-percent and 90-percent level is a huge gap, work is done to create weapons-level uranium, according to Ferguson.

It will be necessary for Iran to build a considerable structure that can perform the multiple-stage process in order to reconvert uranium. Although it is possible to do it, it will take time before it can be achieved for the Iranian nuclear program.

Posted by James Fried on Tuesday November 26 2013, 6:28 AM EST. Ref: Fox News. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0