Both Pantex and the Savannah River Site have complementary activities located, or scheduled to be located, at these sites.
Pit disassembly requires the pit to be cut open so that the plutonium can be removed.
The plutonium metal is then chemically converted to plutonium oxide. This entire process is known as pit disassembly and conversion. Each pit is cut into two parts, known as hemishells, then transferred to a separate chamber into which hydrogen is slowly introduced. During the final step of the process, the plutonium hydride is converted to plutonium oxide. All work along the disassembly line is performed inside gloveboxes, which are sealed transparent chambers with gloved openings that allow workers to accomplish their tasks without being exposed to the plutonium.