Concentration of 95–97Mo and production of isotopically modified molybdenum in a multi-step scheme of a square cascade

Abstract

The paper considers the concentration of ^95–97Mo in a square cascade with large stage separation coefficients corresponding to gas centrifuges. Cascades were calculated using a method for varying the sections of partial stage streams and minimizing the deviation of calculated stage feeding streams from the specified one. A computational experiment on the multi-step separation of a molybdenum hexafluoride mixture was carried out. Isotopes of ^95–97Mo can be efficiently concentrated in a single square cascade. In streams depleted of these isotopes, isotopically modified molybdenum is accumulated for use as a structural material for fuel element claddings having improved thermophysical characteristics.