Characterization of undissolved residue obtained from Macro-homogeneity test of PFBR MOX fuel

Present paper describes the elemental characterization of undissolved residue obtained from the macro-homogeneity test of PFBR MOX fuel. Fabrication process (mechanical blending of powders, milling, sintering) may introduce a certain heterogeneity. In order to check the macro-homogeneity of the pellet; the dissolution test has been performed in PFBR MOX fuel. The Plutonium and Uranium content in the residue obtained after dissolution test varies from 69-83 % and 5-15%. The specification of dissolution test for PFBR MOX fuel pellet: the quantity of residual Pu shall not exceed 1.0 %. The other trace elements like Si, W, Zn, Ca, Mg, Cu and Fe were also present in the residue. (author)