Processing of nuclear fuel

NACE v2.1 Code: C24.46

About processing of nuclear fuel

NACE code 24.46 covers the processing of nuclear fuel, a critical industry that plays a vital role in the global energy landscape. This industry is responsible for transforming raw uranium and other radioactive materials into fuel that can be used in nuclear power plants, providing a reliable and carbon-free source of electricity for millions of people around the world. As the world continues to transition towards more sustainable energy solutions, the importance of the nuclear fuel processing industry is likely to grow in the coming years.

Production process

The processing of nuclear fuel involves a complex series of steps, beginning with the mining and milling of uranium ore. The ore is then converted into uranium hexafluoride, which is then enriched to increase the concentration of the fissile U-235 isotope. The enriched uranium is then converted into uranium dioxide, which is then fabricated into fuel pellets and assembled into fuel rods and assemblies for use in nuclear reactors.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the nuclear fuel processing industry include raw uranium ore, as well as various chemicals and specialized equipment for the conversion, enrichment, and fabrication processes. Additionally, the industry relies on highly skilled workers, including nuclear engineers, technicians, and operators, to ensure the safe and efficient production of nuclear fuel.

Production outputs

The primary output of the nuclear fuel processing industry is enriched uranium fuel, which is then used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. The processed nuclear fuel is typically consumed by the 35.11 Electricity generation and 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply industries, which are responsible for the generation and distribution of electricity and heat using nuclear power.

Revisions to 24.46

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 24.46. The most recent 1 version of this code (24.46) is in the NACE v2.1 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 24.46.

Older versions

Family tree for processing of nuclear fuel

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C'>C: MANUFACTURING</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24'>24: Manufacture of basic metals</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/4'>24.4: Manufacture of basic precious and other non-ferrous metals</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/46'>24.46: Processing of nuclear fuel</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/41'>24.41: Precious metals production</a>"]
C --> F["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/42'>24.42: Aluminium production</a>"]
C --> G["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/43'>24.43: Lead, zinc and tin production</a>"]
C --> H["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/44'>24.44: Copper production</a>"]
C --> I["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/C/24/45'>24.45: Other non-ferrous metal production</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    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 level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level4

  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