Due to its high density (19.05 g/cm3), about the same as gold (19.3 g/cm3) and nearly twice that of lead (11.35 g/cm3), the main civilian uses of Depleted Uranium (DU) include counterweights in aircraft, radiation shields in medical radiation therapy machines, civil engineering equipment, collimators for linear accelerators, and containers for the transport of radioactive materials.
The military uses DU for defensive armour plate. DU was also used in armour penetrating military ordnance due to its high density, but this particular use is now redundant.
Over the years, DU recycling routes in the UK have become almost non-existent, resulting in organisations having to retain the material with no easy way of disposing of it, and consequently creating an unwelcome administrative responsibility. To combat this, ACB set up international recycling routes for many forms of DU and has been consigning DU material overseas for recycling since 2001.
The DU recycled material is converted into oxide for the production of chemical catalysts or melted and cast to manufacture commercial products including medical isotope containers, radiation shielding components, collimators and components for high density applications.
ACB only recycles its material in the USA. In this way, we can ensure that the material cannot be misused and is only put to good use for non-military purposes.
With a proven track record, our team of highly experienced individuals can guide you through the process, giving you total assurance that your material has been sent for recycling safely, cost-effectively and in compliance with all the necessary UK and international regulations.