Enrichment Science and Engineering Division
The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.
ESED is the national steward for the research, development and demonstration of centrifuge technology. Researchers work with state-of-the-art systems, applying advanced theoretical and engineering analysis principles to design machines and manufacture prototypes using novel fabrication tools and techniques. Their research advances the physics and engineering understanding of gas centrifuge systems. Beyond innovating current technology, the division is also exploring bold, new ways to enrich stable and radioactive isotopes.
Centrifuge Science
The Centrifuge Science team conducts both fundamental and applied research on gas centrifuge technology to support critical U.S. Government needs. Their work includes ensuring that centrifuge components and subcomponents operate as intended, enabling enrichment performance through modeling, and engaging in electromagnetic isotope separation (EMIS) and plasma analysis. The team also plans and oversees gas testing of individual centrifuges and test cascades to refine performance understanding and ensure that these systems meet their specified targets.
Dynamic Testing
Dynamic Testing
Responsible for evaluating centrifuge concepts through dynamic testing of prototype systems. Members of this group develop dynamic testing hardware and software, develop and apply advanced rotor balancing techniques, and perform field testing of deployed systems.
Flow, Thermal, and Data Science
Flow, Thermal, and Data Science
Applies first principles and empirical approaches to develop gas centrifuge concepts and perform engineering analysis. Members of this group work to advance the physics and engineering understanding of gas centrifuge systems and apply advanced theoretical and engineering analysis principles to machine design and development.
Gas Testing Science
Gas Testing Science
Responsible for the development and interpretation of testing experiments. This group leads the application of machine and cascade theory to develop, execute, and interpret testing evolutions for discovery, performance evaluation, and optimization of enrichment systems.
Mechanical Systems Modeling
Mechanical Systems Modeling
Responsible for the development and interpretation of testing experiments. This group leads the application of machine and cascade theory to develop, execute, and interpret testing evolutions for discovery, performance evaluation, and optimization of enrichment systems.
Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section
The Plasma Enrichment team specializes in researching and deploying flexible and scalable technology for the reliable and competitive supply of isotopically enriched products globally. They emphasize strong customer support and innovate robust dispensing protocols tailored to sponsor and customer requirements. The team offers mechanical, electrical and project engineering support for new equipment builds, research and development (R&D), and specific campaigns. They conduct R&D on advanced plasma-based enrichment and new isotope methods, execute enrichment activities and operate R&D equipment. Additionally, they perform chemistry and materials science R&D to provide custom-fabricated, isotopically-enriched materials to clients worldwide.
Enriched Gaseous Chemistry
Enriched Gaseous Chemistry
This group develops and implements bold dispensing protocols that are consistent with sponsor and customer needs. Members provide in-depth technical support for using isotopes in new and emerging applications.
Plasma Enrichment Deployment and Engineering
Plasma Enrichment Deployment and Engineering
Staff provide mechanical, electrical and project engineering support for new equipment builds, R&D and campaigns.
Plasma Enrichment Science
Plasma Enrichment Science
This group leads the development of new approaches to enriched stable isotope production while supporting the execution of current missions.
Stable Isotope Enrichment
Stable Isotope Enrichment
This team executes the operations supporting stable isotope production, and these expert operators and support staff are available to lead and support stable isotope production operations.
Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry
Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry
Focused on customer support, this group develops and implements robust dispensing protocols consistent with sponsor and customer needs. Members provide in-depth technical support for using isotopes in new and emerging applications.
Enrichment Systems Engineering
This team designs, fabricates and programs engineering solutions to support the advancement of enrichment technologies by intersecting innovative, reliable processes to meet long-term mission goals of reestablishing U.S. dominance with uranium enrichment and stable isotope production.
Application Engineering
Application Engineering
This team executes the buildout and startup of enrichment testbeds and cascades.
Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Engineering
Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Engineering
Staff perform the design programming and buildout of all the instrumentation and controls systems associated with enrichment devices, testbeds and cascades, and they are responsible for human-machine interface research and system logic innovation. This group develops and implements advanced control system architectures for centrifuge test beds.
Machine Design Engineering
Machine Design Engineering
These engineers provide enrichment device designs, primarily centrifuge. They employ bold engineering design and robust systems engineering principles to realize design concepts and detailed prototype manufacturing requirements.
Testbed Design Engineering
Testbed Design Engineering
Staff provides enrichment testing systems along with mechanical, electrical and process designs to facilitate machine and cascade integration. They are responsible for gas testing testbed development, and this group innovates and designs robust and flexible testbeds for gas testing enrichment devices using state-of-the-art systems engineering principles.
Manufacturing Process Engineering
Manufacturing Process Engineering
Manufacturing process engineers provide process development, continuous improvement and the subject matter expertise in manufacturing technology and quality control required to support a growing number of deployments. They execute research and development manufacturing of prototype components, and they develop and demonstrate manufacturing and assembly approaches, applying novel fabrication tools and techniques.
Prototype Manufacturing
Prototype Manufacturing
This team executes high-precision fabrication and assembly activities to support both testing and technology maturation of centrifuge enrichment devices. They execute research and development manufacturing of prototype components. This group develops and demonstrates manufacturing and assembly approaches, applying novel fabrication tools and techniques.
R&D Demonstration
R&D Demonstration
R&D Demonstration executes centrifuge gas test plans through rigorous conduct of operations, including 24/7 test operations. This team is responsible for executing the operations that support test, and they innovate groundbreaking science by making sure testing operations go smoothly.
SIPF Demonstration
SIPF Demonstration
Staff are preparing for the eventual production of xenon-129 through the development and demonstration of the SIPF system involving 24/7 operations.
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management's role is to optimize the flow of goods and services, while ensuring the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and end-user satisfaction. They strive to continuously improve processes, foster strong partnerships and minimize waste and costs, all while prioritizing ethical and reliable practices.
