Session VI : Panel Discussion

MR G.E.STEELE (British Nuclear Ftaels Ltd); Various comments have been made on the degree to which centrifuge technology is proven. As operator of the Capenhurst pilot plants, it is my personal view that the status of the technology is not in doubt. The first phase of the pilot plant has operated at high load factors and low centrifuge failure rates for some 2j years a considerable fraction of the ten-year life assumed in some economic analyses. The second phase of the pilot plant contains machines and a cascade type the same as will be installed in

the 200t plant.

A small cascade has been in UF^ for more than six months to test operating procedures and to check performance-; both of these objectives have been achieved. This cascade has now been extended to about the same size as a 200t plant cascade. This cascade will be started next month and will be at full hex load soon afterwards.