Fusion Message Board

In this space, visitors are invited to post any comments, questions, or skeptical observations about Philo T. Farnsworth's contributions to the field of Nuclear Fusion research.

Subject: Re: Recycling and using the (DU)
Date: Oct 19, 6:21 pm
Poster: Jim Lux

On Oct 19, 6:21 pm, Jim Lux wrote:

>What about the depleted uranium that is left aside from the initial enrichment process? Is that front end as closely regulated?

If you are willing to take large (many ton) quantities DU is essentially free. There are some regulatory aspects to how you use it, though. In small quantities, you have to get it clad in something, and there are more problems. DU is used commercially for aircraft control surface counterweights, yacht keels, and anywhere you need a really dense material. It is much easier to work with than, say, tungsten or rhenium.

Mind you, if you start irradiating it, you are getting into "Breeder reactor" territory, and you WILL GET NOTICED... especially in ton lots.