Technologic safety assurance for plutonium to mox conversion

摘要

Conversion of metal plutonium to MOX fuel presents radiation, chemical, fire, and explosion risks resulting in environmental contamination. The process produces liquid, gaseous, and solid radioactive and toxic wastes to be reprocessed, stored, and dispositioned. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of the plutonium-to-MOX conversion process. Safe handling throughout the process necessitates taking precautions in engineering, organization, medical hygiene, and training. This system of safety assurance can be provided only on the basis of a detailed knowledge of the kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions as a function of process variables.