Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors

CPC v2.1 Code: 3371

About fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors

cpc code 3371 covers the production of fuel elements, also known as cartridges, that are used in nuclear reactors. These non-irradiated fuel elements are a critical component of the nuclear power industry, providing the necessary fuel source to generate electricity through the controlled fission of nuclear materials. As a highly specialized and regulated sector, the production of these fuel elements plays a vital role in meeting the global demand for clean, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Production process

The production of fuel elements for nuclear reactors involves a complex and precise manufacturing process. It typically begins with the conversion of uranium ore into uranium hexafluoride, which is then enriched to increase the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235. The enriched uranium is then converted into uranium dioxide powder, which is pressed into small pellets and sintered at high temperatures. These pellets are then encased in metal tubes, known as cladding, to form the individual fuel elements. The fuel elements are then assembled into fuel assemblies, which are the final product ready for use in nuclear reactors.

Production inputs

The production of fuel elements for nuclear reactors requires a range of specialized inputs, including 2411 Manufacture of basic chemicals, such as uranium ore and other nuclear materials, as well as 2822 Manufacture of machinery for mining, quarrying and construction, 2825 Manufacture of machinery for paper and paperboard production, and 2829 Manufacture of other general-purpose machinery n.e.c. for the specialized equipment and machinery needed for the manufacturing process.

Production outputs

The primary output of cpc code 3371 is the fuel elements (cartridges) that are used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. These fuel elements are then consumed by 4010 Production, transmission and distribution of electricity and 4020 Manufacture of gas; distribution of gaseous fuels through mains industries, which utilize the energy generated from the controlled fission of the nuclear materials within the fuel elements.

Family tree for fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3'>3: Other transportable goods, except metal products, machinery and equipment</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33'>33: Coke oven products; refined petroleum products; nuclear fuel</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/337'>337: Fuel elements (cartridges), for or of nuclear reactors</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3371'>3371: Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/3372'>3372: Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors</a>"]

    D --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/33710'>33710: Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level3
class D level4
class E level4
class F level5

  class D highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class D highlight