The illustration provided explains the use of uranium in the production of nuclear energy for electricity.
Overall, the procedure consists of 6 different steps and includes both a linear and cyclical flow of events, depending on how reusable the uranium fuel is after burning for approximately 4 years.
Step 1 of the process starts with the mining of uranium from the ground. After that, the nuclear mineral is chemically altered and enriched to result in uranium-235 pellets, which can then be used as fuel. The third step of the process consists of power generation in the form of electricity, thanks to the U-235 pellets.
The pellets are effective for around 4 years, after which they have to be removed. This is where the procedure splits, based on the condition of the uranium. If it can be re-processed and re-used, then they do so; this is considered step 5, which then allows us to repeat the process again from step 3, forming a circular pattern. The other possibility is that after 4 years, the fuel can no longer be used again. This fuel is disposed of by burying it after storing it in secure containers, marking the 6th and final step.
