Optimum Design of Step Cascades for Uranium Enrichment by Gaseous Diffusion Process

Abstract

When the optimization of a step cascade is carried out directly on the basis of an exact formula, the calculus of minimization of a multi-variable function is essential. The numerical calculation is very complex and a brief estimation becomes impossible as the number of steps increases, because the number of variables in the calculus amounts to (2ₘ₋1) in all for an m-steps cascade. In this paper an approximate formula of good feasibility and sufficient accuracy is proposed for the determination of the number of stages and interstage flow rate required for the plant of uranium enrichment by gaseous diffusion process. By using an approximate formula, the minimization of multi-variable function in the optimization of step cascades is able to be avoided. The applicability of the proposed method is verified by the calculation of a typical plant for uranium enrichment.