DOE Isotope R&D and Production

The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is the most powerful reactor-based source of neutrons in the United States and is one of the nation’s top facilities for production of medical- and industry-grade isotopes. It runs seven 24-day cycles of neutron production and is used by more than 500 researchers a year. It’s used to produce actinium-227, nickel-63 and plutonium-238, and is the Western Hemisphere’s only supplier of californium-252, used for industrial measurements and for starting up reactors.

The largest hot cell facility at ORNL, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) 15 hot cells where scientists can safely handle radioactive materials for processing, testing, recovery, and purification. In its unique laboratory spaces, experts work with some of the most exotic and rare materials on Earth using specialized equipment and systems to produce unique radioisotopes. This includes berkelium-249, which enabled the discovery of tennessine, element 117, and could help further expand the periodic table.

The Irradiated Material Examination and Testing Facility (IMET) has six heavily shielded hot cells for testing the physical and mechanical properties of materials and examining materials that have undergone radiation. Sixty shielded storage walls provide space for irradiated specimens and hot equipment. IMET also has a specimen prep lab with a hood and glove boxes, where samples are prepared, and a tank vault room for storing and draining liquids.

The Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory (IFEL) allows for the safe handling of increasing levels of radiation when examining the chemical, physical, and metallurgical properties of nuclear reactor fuel elements and reactor parts. In IFEL, capsules can be disassembled, spent nuclear fuel examined and repackaged, novel new fuels safely tested, and fuel particles sorted and analyzed, among other work.

This facility houses four high-level hot cells specifically for beta-gamma radiation and one hot cell specifically for alpha radiation, along with seven laboratories for handing low-level materials, and a decontamination room.

This four-floor facility has laboratories, shop areas, cell ventilation ducts, and storage areas with chemical and radioactive labs throughout. The first floor has four hot cells surrounded by support labs and operating areas; directly above, on the second floor, is the high bay area with chemical and radiochemical labs. Controlled storage is available in the attic, which contains exhaust stacks for several ventilation systems.