Nitrox: process for Mox production by thermal denitration

The Nitrox process can make a contribution to the production of mixed powders for UO/sub 2//PuO/sub 2/ assemblies. The initial laboratory trials have proved positive. Its inherent advantages, the absence of nonrecyclable effluents, the fact that U and Pu are mixed and analyzed in solution when preparing the master-mix, plus the ease of recycling manufacturing waste by virtue of the solubility of the powders and pellets would seem to make this a process with a future, especially if it is employed immediately downstream of the reprocessing plant. (author)