Upstream of the cycle: extractive and separative chemistry

This course covers the essential notions for understanding the upstream part of the nuclear power cycle and sheds light on the position of nuclear energy in the current energy mix. The concepts covered range from the extraction/concentration of uranium in conventional and non-conventional mines to the fabrication of nuclear fuel, with a focus on conversion and isotopic enrichment techniques.

Hourly volumes* :

            CM : 12h

            TD : 8h

The objective of this teaching unit is to address the issues related to the upstream of the fuel cycle in the context of the inflation of the demand for fissile and/or fertile materials, in particular through the aspects of extractive chemistry and separative chemistry.

Fuel cycle: from mining to waste management

Solution chemistry applied to actinides

Continuous control

The content of this course focuses on the positioning of nuclear energy in the energy mix and is divided into the following areas

• Extraction/concentration (pre-treatment, leaching, extraction, purification)

- conventional mines

- non-conventional mines

• Uranium conversion stage
• Uranium isotope enrichment techniques
• Fuel fabrication

Administrative contact(s): Secretariat Master Chemistry

master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr (master-chimie @ umontpellier.fr)