Nuclear Stuff

Why inspections of IAEA on Iran are so important

Production of 1 Megawatts of electricity takes 360 grams of Uranium enriched at 4% U235 and 96% U238 for use in a commercial nuclear reactor.
Special nuclear material of moderate strategic significance means:
(1) Between 1000 grams and 5000 grams of uranium-235 (contained in uranium enriched to 20 percent or more in the U-235 isotope) or more than 500 grams of uranium-233 or plutonium, or in a combined quantity of more than 1,000 grams when computed by the equation, grams = (grams contained U-235) + 2 (grams U-233 + grams plutonium); or
(2) 10,000 grams or more of uranium-235 (contained in uranium enriched to 10 percent or more but less than 20 percent in the U-235 isotope).
Source: http://www.nrc.gov

Nuclear Stuff 1

Important questions answered by well prepared people.

(I regret to not have the name of the Author attached to following excerpts of his work:)

What happens at Iran's uranium plant in Isfahan?
The Isfahan plant is a chemical refinery, which takes purified uranium oxide (U3O8) ore, known as yellowcake, and turns it into uranium hexafluoride (UF6). This is just one stage in the complicated process of delivering uranium that can undergo fission in nuclear power plants and some nuclear weapons. "The uranium conversion facility in Isfahan has started its activities under IAEA supervision," Mohammad Saeedi, deputy head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, told reporters at the plant today.

Where does Iran get its uranium ores?
Iran has one of the largest deposits of uranium ore in the Middle East, and has mined it at Saghand since February 2003. Yellowcake will be extracted from the ore at a plant in Bandar Abbas once it begins operating this year.

What will they do with the refined uranium?
The only reason for producing uranium hexafluoride is that it can be enriched to boost the proportion of uranium-235, the isotope responsible for fission reactions. This involves turning the chemical into a gas, and feeding it through a series of centrifuges that spins the chemical to separate uranium-235 from its heavier and less fissile cousin, uranium-238.
Natural uranium ore contains about 0.7% uranium-235. Reactor-grade uranium needs a few percent. Nuclear weapons need more than 80%.
At the moment, Iran says it has no immediate plans to enrich the uranium hexafluoride produced at Isfahan, which will contain no more uranium-235 than raw uranium ore.
But Iran also says it would like to develop a nuclear energy programme, to help meet rising electricity demands; they say they would prefer to export their oil for profit, rather than burning it at home. The country is about a year away from finishing a 1,000-megawatt reactor being built at Bushehr. This reactor is specifically designed to use enriched uranium fuel, so it is presumed they will aim to enrich their uranium at some point in the future.



Does Iran have the capacity to enrich uranium?
An enrichment plant at Nantanz already houses a few hundred centrifuges, and several thousand more are planned. But large-scale enrichment is not yet possible in Iran, says IAEA spokesman Peter Rickwood. Enriching to weapons-grade uranium-235 requires many thousands of centrifuges, which poses serious engineering challenges. But Paul Leventhal, founder of the Nuclear Control Institute, a Washington DC-based group that lobbies to prevent nuclear proliferation, notes that the IAEA's assessment may not be the whole story. "The IAEA doesn't have a very good track record for finding undisclosed nuclear facilities," he says.

Why is the International Atomic Energy Agency so worried?
There are few short-term worries. But in the long term, the same technology used to develop a civilian nuclear programme would give Iran access to the material needed for a nuclear bomb.
The country has concealed details of its nuclear activities from the IAEA in the past. So the authority has now installed cameras in the Isfahan factory to see how much uranium comes into the factory, how much goes out, and whether any goes missing along the way.
If Iran did start enriching its own uranium sometime in the future, the IAEA would like to monitor that too, just as it does in many other countries with civilian nuclear power programmes but no weapons. Uranium enriched to a few percent is fine - a few tens of percent is not.

How easily could this material be used to make a bomb?
Not easily at all. Several kilograms of uranium-235 are needed to reach the critical mass for a nuclear explosion, which would come from processing several tonnes of uranium hexafluoride using machinery that the country doesn't yet have.

Read post "Acute and Chronic Radiation Syndrome Tables" (in case Iran is wiping us off the map).

Nuclear Stuff 2

Here are some questions and answers on uranium enrichment:

Are there different types of uranium?
Yes. Uranium ore that is mined contains about 99 percent of the U-238 isotope. Less than 1 percent is U-235, the lighter isotope needed for nuclear fission that creates huge amounts of energy.

How is the uranium processed?
The raw ore is milled into uranium oxide, also known as "yellowcake," then chemically converted to uranium hexafluoride which can be in the form of a solid, liquid or gas. This material is then shipped to an enrichment facility.

What do they mean by enrichment?
Enrichment simply refers to increasing the concentration of the U-235 isotopes by separating them from the U-238.

Are there different levels of enrichment?
Yes. A concentration of 3 percent to 5 percent U-235 is adequate for use in a commercial power reactor. This is referred to as "low enriched uranium," LEU. A concentration of 20 percent or more U-235 is defined as "high-enriched uranium," HEU. For weapons purposes, a concentration of 80 percent to 90 percent U-235 is desirable.

How is the U-235 separated?
Two processes have been used widely: gaseous diffusion and use of a centrifuge. Gaseous diffusion, used in the United States, is technically more difficult and requires huge amounts of electricity. The centrifuge process, which uses the force of gravity, has been used in Europe for decades and is being pursued by Iran.

How does a centrifuge work?
Gaseous uranium hexafluoride is pumped into small high-strength aluminum cylinders that are rotated at more than 300 meters per second, or roughly the speed of sound, which creates a strong centrifugal force. The heavier U-238 molecules push toward the outer wall and drop to the bottom, while the lighter U-235 molecules remain at the center and are collected at the top of the chamber.



How many centrifuges are needed?
The centrifuges are installed in stacks and groups of stacks so that the slightly enriched gas can cascade from one unit to the next for more separation.

How difficult is it to build a system of centrifuges and how many do you need?
The material must be of high strength and built to extremely precise specifications to avoid an imbalance during high-speed rotation. Operating a system of hundreds, if not thousands, of centrifuges, also is complex.

How many centrifuges does Iran have?
Currently it has an operating cascade of 164 centrifuges at a pilot enrichment facility in Natanz, and it is building more. The facility is scheduled to have 1,000 centrifuges in the next year or two, according to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a Washington-based arms control group. Iran has said it plans to begin installing 3,000 units this year, eventually to have more than 50,000.
Iran claims it needs to produce fuel for its future commercial nuclear program including a planned 1,000 megawatt commercial power reactor already under construction. Why is that being questioned?
Uranium enrichment is not necessary for a commercial nuclear program. European countries and Russia are prepared to make available low-level nuclear fuel if that's the only purpose for an Iranian enrichment program.

What's needed to get enough highly enriched uranium for a weapon?
It takes about 1,500 centrifuges operating for a year to make enough highly enriched uranium for a weapon.

How can outsiders know if centrifuges are being used to make low-enriched fuel or highly enriched material for a weapon?
It is virtually impossible. The technology is the same. Centrifuge systems can be hidden. Iran appears to be building two large fuel enrichment facilities 75 feet underground, covered with concrete and dirt, according to unclassified satellite images made available by Digital Globe and ISIS.
Iran could have a 500-centrifuge cascade for low-level enrichment, but then build a secret second cascade to enrich the material further without detection, says ISIS President David Albright.

Copyright: Associated Press, Source: "Q&A on Uranium Enrichment", JP [Jun1, 2006]

The next war, Nasrallah said, Hizbullah will win again.

What does enable Nasrallah to foresee a collapse of Israel on a next war? Mistakes (he says "Israeli behavior") we did themselves, as we could not correct them? Or by the way they fought/will fight us: launching Russian (conventional?) guide missiles, engaging our troops with Russian made anti-tank weapons, etc.? It can be he saw Israel too obedient to US and anxious to show restraint (maturity) to EU. May be he saw heart of Israel not being able to pull the trigger of a nuclear weapon.

Our country it is not normal...

Posted to the article of Sarah Honig "The Europeanization of Israel" on JP

"Difficult for a man who did not see Israel on its first year to recognize it on its twentieth year", Abba Eban wrote. In her article, Sarah Honig is commenting about Israel of 2006. Difficult for her to accept mind of modern Israel. Our country is really not normal, brings Oslo, escapes from Lebanon and Gaza and does not destroy Bint Jbail and Maroun el-Ras! Much worse, next step seems for us to appease - European way - the nuclear Iran, for the fact they are planning to wipe us off the map.

Posted as a reply to Government idea of creating a Constitution in order to solve too many Israeli Political Idiosyncrasies

Israeli Justice is not ok. Thousand of Israeli individuals and companies simply do not pay what they have to pay and nothing occurs to them. It seems that Justice in Israel is helping them to be that way because only the weaker suffers without an alternative. Is this a problem of Constitution? No. It's a shameful demonstration of lack of respect to Law by the Israelis, corroborated by actual Israeli system of Justice (and velocity).

Replying to unnumbered pinpricks of Europe (Mr. Solana) and Pres. Chirac

Besides classic anti-Semitism, actual pro-Arab sentiments in Europe have two reasons: 1st, psychological; to lower fear of terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists and fear to expose them very high dependency of Europe on oil; 2nd, to appease domestic European-Arab feelings fed by birth rates. Of course, it has to be noticed - and denounced to UNO - those dangerous new kinds of international relations in Europe; where pro-Arab means against-Israel; and of diplomacy, where pro-Arab means against-Jews. Relating to Chirac, he keeps trying to teach the Jews civilized ways to use guillotines.

But on following excerpt of article of Rebecca Anna Stoil on JP (Sept 4th, 2006); she reveals us that Europe is not simply pinpricking us but desiring to declare War against Israel:

"European countries have been refusing to allow planes carrying IDF supplies to be refueled at their airports, according to the El Al Pilots Union. (I supressed Country names here) refused to allow El Al cargo planes transporting US military equipment to Israel to land and refuel, El Al Pilots Union chairman Itai Regev wrote in a letter sent Sunday to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He said El Al's 747 cargo planes frequently carry crucial military supplies to Israel, but European policy forces the planes to carry barely half of their 90-ton capacity once they can not be refueled en route."

Our Identity as Jews

Posted in weekly Column of Caroline Glick on JP

Jean-Paul Sartre would totally agree with you, Caroline. When you say "Jews are hated for what they are", in fact this is the actual dimension of anti-semitism. Our economical/intellectual/ scientific/artistic success (we are many between the bests in the world) is biggest source of hatred (specially when you add Military success). Who hate Jews, hate the power we own. In their minds, our success explains their despair and lack of happiness.

Something worse that accelerates nuclear-fission of their hatred: everything we succeed to get throughout History we do without the need of hatred against anyone. And to hate is something they always knew well how to do it. While we were in European ghettos for centuries till times in nazi concentration camps we did not hate our enemies. I am sure our lack of hate was a very important answer against their ignorance and still is.

God knows why. As a young Nation, with too many scars of wars already, we have not been singing songs of Peace anymore in Israel. Surprisingly, some countries start thinking: "Israelis (Jews) must be in need of some Peace…". Wishing you a Shanah Tovah, Caroline, while decoding your Mona Lisa style smile, I think: Why did she say "Jews are hated for what they are" instead of "what we are"?

Notes:
1- Jean-Paul Sartre was mentioned here just to show Caroline a small correction (she called the Philosopher "Sarte").
2- Last paragraph of the Post was not issued by JP.
3- Courtesy of Picture: The Holy Land Hotel, Jerusalem.

A hand to Miri Eisin (or Eisen?), Elmert's spokeswoman.

I want to recall 1973, a year that still Israelis and Jews around the world were feeling bad about Munich events, and we are in a new war right now. I was a student when I saw an Israeli tank inside of Egypt. The tank was running and making turns between high fences of metal screens. It could smash those fences easily, but it does not. That simple fact was for me an invitation: I could not prevent, I had to know Israel. That country uses lethal but the necessary force against its enemies, makes use of force in a intelligent way and its mine! I think world is sick of brutal force and wants to see smarter things going on (how do you classify September, 11th?). Miri Eisin is the one who can show Israel doing smarter things.

Who gave Miri Eisin a small staff gave her unfortunately small mirrors of Israel to the world. I like her and just perceive how smart she was discerning that Hizbullah was represented only by "the boss", not by the simple terrorists. Miri shall cross next governments in order to put into practice this daily know-how-better about Communications + International Relations. Miri is a kind of person that if she says inside of a trench Arabs are in peace with us, world will entirely believe in her.

It's not easy

Sent to Dr. Hannah Joy actually blogging on JP

Dr. Hannah, except for children, there is no clearer meaning encoded in daily Hebrew language than the despair older Olim Hadashim feel when trying to communicate something (something they consider important). I will provide you evidences of that at the end of my text of comment. Israelis do not appreciate the timing of communication used by the Olim Hadashim. I am convinced of that. They don't have patience enough. You know, it takes some more seconds to pick some words out and to construct some phrases (using nonverbal forms of expression and signs of course, mainly for those difficult abstract verbs), and besides that that terrible accent…! If you don't speak Fast Current Israeli Hebrew Language, you are hopefully condemned to be understood very partially (so take care in hospitals to perform surgery of proper kidney and in institutions of government, to pay the right tax).

In true there are some higher level Israelis who have patience enough to listen to you and to try to make sense of your mess. Some Israelis even teach you, correcting you. But, unfortunately, there is one like this in a group of ten, I suppose (and never in governmental institutions, for sure). I think everybody have forgotten that this country was built by Olim Hadashim. Now, the evidences I promised you: call (03) 9114998 or 199 (there are many other examples). Have you noticed? Olim Hadashim are not in need anymore here! Go learn Fast Current Israeli Hebrew Language to survive BaHaretz, Doctor. No English language…no French language…no Russian language...no Spanish language…

Note: JP did not issue my Post with the telephone numbers you see here.

Open Virus Lab

Posted to Ron Ben Harav (Blog 'Aliah' on JP)

Good that you think TA is cleaner than Jerusalem. It can be, depending where you have been to say that. In fact, there are many more dogs than cats in Israel. So many, that international pizza franchises have less potential of success here than pet shops have (and this with people that love very much to eat!). If you visit Petach Tiqva, for example, a city 30 minutes from TA, you should wear a biological mask. The reason is biological experiments occur there openly and under the sky. Scientists from all over the world should join that. Once rain is a rare atmospheric phenomenon in Israel and water is an expensive substance, urine of all those tens of thousands of dogs remains over the walkway, and for months!

If you don't have a car nor can take a tramp, you will be a guinea pig for all those socializing bacteria evaporating under your nose. It is dramatically very interesting also to notice that higher concentration of odors occurs one meter to the right and one meter to the left of main entrance of all buildings. Excepting 1st conclusion that surprising occurrences of strange virus are attacking Israeli citizens every year (but no doctor knows why); 2nd conclusion is that the distance walked by dog-walkers is a one meter radius of a semicircle where center of it is the main entrance of their buildings. Third conclusion is that you pay too much for the city hall to not wash the walkways at least once in summertime.
(Courtesy of picture: Sharpe Safety Supply)

You are an Israeli Soldier

Posted in Jerusalem Post to Gilad Shalit before Lebanon War II

You are an Israeli Soldier, Gilad,
So you are my son, and you are my brother in blood.
You are the Israeli Soldier for whom we fought and prayed to have better days than those we had to have – days of Peace – whatever this can mean,
You are part of my strong family, even if I never could see you before.
How many have already fallen for you, Gilad, as the symbol of Hope, during our short History as a country and for thousands of years since Moses?
And how many will give his Life, her Life, for you, Gilad, with Honor and Proud in his, her, heart?
You are a Soldier of the State of Israel, you are blessed by God, and you are the one who has the best qualities human beings can have.
You are my Hero of the arenas of the past, fighting animals around you and who strongly stands to help his country, to help our tiny enormous country, and to help me.
Because all of that God Is with you, Gilad, as He Is with all your Jewish family.

From a Oleh Vatik to a New Oleh

Sent to Yehuda Hammer, actually posting in Jerusalem Post next to heavy-weight posters there.

Dear Yehuda. I also did an Ulpan but in Kfar Saba, in 1977. I almost arrived with Sadat - I mean, the very day he historically came to visit Israel. That time, Yehuda, there were no PCs, and so no Internet, emails, electronic games and there were no DVDs, Video Cassettes, etc. TV was B&W and a letter you send it today, could take 20 days to be answered back on your hands, with some luck. To make a very expensive international call? Only who could afford it… Just to make you see how much different was that time: New York Times was a newspaper with the language I could understand, but not in my budget to buy it everyday (don't even think about Newsweek or Times magazines). And that same radio driving you nuts was of a Russian playing it loud a room below mine, all day. Israeli people used to marry very young those days in Israel (babies were in high need, after Yom Kippur war). Something not really in minds of American, British, French and Argentinean girls, between others, living in the Ulpan, you know (besides, there was a song "How Deep Is Your Love"…then). Terrorism? It was also something else. So much, Police came to Ulpan once and distributed some rifles, to me and other guys, in order to defend the place. Terrorists had infiltrated Israel through boats. I will never forget how we succeeded to find some way a common language in order to not shoot each other in the dark of night. The other day we knew they attacked some vehicles on the road to Haifa (20km from us) and that IDF killed them all.
Chag Sameach Lecha


.
As long as deep in the heart,
The soul of a Jew yearns,
And towards the East
An eye looks to Zion,
Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free people in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Me