Kovarex enrichment is the uranium processing upgrade that turns waste into fuel. Without it,
Uranium ore
The Enrichment Loop
Kovarex centrifuges run a different recipe from standard uranium processing:
Input: 40 U-238 脳 2 slots + 40 U-235 脳 1 slot
Output: 41 U-238 + 1 U-235
Cycle time: ~60 seconds
Net result: -40 U-238, +1 U-235
This turns your U-238 stockpile (the waste product) into additional U-235 (the fuel). A factory running Kovarex enrichment produces 10脳 more reactor fuel from the same ore.
The Kickstart Problem
Kovarex centrifuges need 40 U-235 to start. Standard uranium processing yields U-235 at 0.7% —roughly 1 per 143 ore processed.
The math: To get 40 U-235 from normal processing, you need ~5,700 uranium ore. At 1 ore/sec, that's 95 minutes of pure processing before your first Kovarex centrifuge can run.
Strategy: Build standard centrifuges first. Accumulate U-235. Only then add Kovarex centrifuges. Don't build them early —they'll sit idle.
The Golden Ratio
Once running, Kovarex enrichment changes your factory ratios:
| Reactors | Kovarex Centrifuges | Standard Centrifuges |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 2-3 |
| 2 | 6 | 4-5 |
| 4 | 12 | 8-10 |
Why 3:1? One reactor consumes 1 U-235 every 200 seconds. One Kovarex centrifuge produces ~1 U-235 per 60 seconds. Three centrifuges = 3 U-235 per 60 seconds = 1 per 20 seconds = 10脳 reactor demand. The excess fuels expansion.
Circuit Control Tips
Kovarex centrifuges should only run when you have excess U-238:
- Wire inserters to logistics network
- Enable when U-238 > 500
- Disable when U-238 < 200
This prevents draining your U-238 buffer below fuel cell production needs.
What Veterans Learn the Hard Way
- Don't rush Kovarex —build it after you have 40+ U-235 stockpiled
- Keep U-238 buffer —Kovarex drains it fast. 500+ minimum.
- Prioritize fuel cells —Kovarex is bonus fuel, not primary. Fuel cells come first.
- Expand centrifuges gradually —3 per reactor is plenty until you're running 4+ reactors
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Building Kovarex before 40 U-235 | Centrifuges idle for hours |
| No U-238 buffer | Kovarex drains stockpile, fuel cell production stops |
| Too many Kovarex centrifuges | Wasted resources, idle machines |
| Ignoring circuit control | U-238 crashes during peak demand |
The Bottom Line
Kovarex enrichment is the uranium endgame. Accumulate 40 U-235 first, then build 3 centrifuges per reactor. Wire them to your logistics network. Turn U-238 waste into endless reactor fuel.
Related: Nuclear Power Guide