CHEMOX: An integrated facility for the conversion of Russian weapon-grade plutonium into oxide for MOX fuel fabrication

In the frame of the trilateral agreement between Russia, Germany and France, the CHEMOX (chemistry from metal into oxide) facility is proposed for the conversion of the alloyed plutonium coming from the dismantling of nuclear pits into an oxide suitable for MOX fuel fabrication and irradiation in VVER- or BN-type reactors. For the CHEMOX facility an aqueous conversion process has been chosen for its versatility, and compatibility with known technologies and with existing on-site treatment facilities.