Dr. Tom Jourdan, Rotarian of the Day and Professor of Chemistry and Forensics at UCO was our speaker this past Tuesday, May 22nd. His presentation centered on the refining of Uranium into its various isotopes via different means and what the degree of refining Uranium ore or "Spent Uranium Fuel Rods"creates. The refining of natural high yield Uranium or Pitchblend yields varying percentages of U-235 which is the fissionable isotope of Uranium and when concentrated to 6%or so of the total mass of a fuel rod constitutes the bulk of the fuel used in nuclear reactors used to generate electric power. Concentrations approaching 20% are "weapons grade" and are what the non proliferation folks are on the lookout for.
Tom also went on to explain that its not over when the fuel rods are removed from a nuclear reactor. These have minute amounts of Plutonium 239, which when concentrated become the basis for the Plutonium bomb. Very nasty! When foreign bigwigs not known to be particularly friendly to western culture are pictured next to banks of centrifuges running in close proximity to nuclear reactors, this becomes a concern to people charged with regulating certain phases of these countries nuclear industries. Wonder why?
Tom, as usual left us with some bewildered looks on our faces but just enough knowledge to begin a discussion certain to lead to questions for the next time he is up. In the mean time, safe journeys to the left coast and where ever your passport and vast knowledge base takes you on your summer break!