Results of current fabrication technology developments and MOX fuel fabrication for ''JOYO'' MK-III initial load fuel

In the Plutonium Fuel Production Facility (PFPF), MOX fuel fabrication technologies have been developed and demonstrated through MOX fuels fabrication for Experimental Fast Reactor ''JOYO'' and Prototype FBR MONJU since 1988. From 1995 to 2000, replacement, modification and repair works for process equipment were conducted to improve performance of the MOX pellet fabrication process in PFPF as scheduled shut-down maintenance. Because the MOX fuel fabrication for ''JOYO'' MK-III initial load fuels was the first fuel fabrication after these major maintenance works, the performance of the MOX pellet fabrication process in PFPF was evaluated though this fuel fabrication experience. This MOX fuel fabrication was completed within the scheduled period and showed higher yield of product MOX pellets than before. Therefore, the performance of the MOX pellet fabrication process in PFPF was improved by this maintenance work. Furthermore, the quality assurance system for MOX fuel fabrication was strengthened by acquisition of ISO9001 certificate in 2002. (author)