Uranium enrichment by chemical exchange process ACEP process

A chemical exchange process that has been thought to be an unrealistic process for uranium-235 enrichment is being reevaluated because of the great improvement recently reported in Japan and France. This separation process should be given close attention as a method which is suitable for the current requirements on uranium enrichment such as resistivity against nuclear proliferation or effective use of uranium resources. In this paper, the ACEP-process (Asahi Chemical Exchange Process) - a newly developed chemical exchange process in Japan - is outlined. Progress in research and development as well as a concept of an enrichment plant based on this process are presented along with appropriate comparisons with conventional chemical exchange processes.