Impurity analysis and dissolution behaviour of plutonium bearing impure MOX scrap: an assessment of recycling feasibility

Abstract

A significant quantity of plutonium bearing scrap was getting generated during the fabrication of (U,Pu)O 2 mixed oxide fuel for Indian Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. This document assesses the feasibility of carrying out recycling of the impure scrap to permit the efficient plutonium recovery and re-use. The impure scrap which constitutes nearly 5 % of the total throughput was examined for impurities present and dissolution behaviour in HNO 3 . On the basis of experimental results obtained recycling methodologies are recommended. This study reveals that not all types of the impure scrap need aqueous recycling methods; some can be dry recycled.