TRANSFERRING MOX TECHNOLOGY TO THE UNITED STATES

Recognizing the threat of surplus weapon-grade plutonium to global security, the governments of the United States of America and the Russian Federation agreed to pursue a long-term disposition initiative limiting the availability of this material for weapons development. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - as the responsible entity for the disposal of the United States’ excess weapon-grade plutonium - was tasked with determining the best method for processing surplus plutonium and making the final product resistant for use in the development of nuclear weapons. The DOE selected the Mixed Oxide (MOX) conversion process, already successfully implemented in Europe and Asia, as the preferred nuclear non-proliferation activity to convert this excess plutonium to low-enrichment fuel for safe use in commercial nuclear power reactors. DOE selected Shaw AREVA MOX Services, LLC to implement the four stages of the MOX project: design, construction, operation and deactivation. The design of the MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility (MFFF) is based on two successfully operating AREVA facilities: the MELOX commercial MOX fuel fabrication facility located in southern France and the La Hague plutonium purification facility located in northwestern France. These operating facilities successfully and safely convert plutonium to MOX fuel, and represent over 25 years of AREVA operating experience and evolving process design in producing MOX fuel. The technology associated with the reference facilities is provided by AREVA and supported by AREVA technical experts working in the U.S. for Shaw AREVA MOX Services. The paper will specifically describe the technology transfer activities performed to ensure the project success. AREVA’s existing design was adapted to meet appropriate U.S. codes, regulations and standards. The applicability of reference facility documents to the MFFF design and their compliance with American requirements was evaluated and an Americanized set of technical standards and designs was created. In addition, lessons learned from operation of the AREVA facilities are continuously documented and transmitted to the MFFF Project, where they are evaluated and if relevant used to expand the set of technical standards. The MFFF will be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ensuring compliance with the most stringent design and operating standards. The construction of the MFFF started in 2007 at the Savannah River Site (SRS) and the first nuclear materials will be introduced in 2016. Design is being finalized, construction of the building is underway, and procurement of the more than 300 gloveboxes and the process and facility equipment has begun. The project not only benefits the local communities of the SRS, providing employment opportunities and community investment, but also involves collaboration with the American industry participants working in the nuclear field.