The Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have produced transplutonium elements since 1965. With the exception of 252Cf, all of these elements have been used for research and development.  All of the feed material for the production of the transplutonium elements was produced at the Savannah River Site (SRS). With the shutdown of the reactors at SRS and the loss of feed material due to decay and production of transplutonium elements at ORNL, the preservation and efficient use of the remaining feed materials is critical to a continuing supply of transplutonium elements for research and development.Efforts to maintain and supplement the existing supply of feed material are currently underway and/or being studied. In addition, specific transplutonium isotope production and recovery scenarios are being analyzed that should offer higher yields and/or a more flexible availability than in the past.

Production and recovery of transplutonium elements at ORNL

245th National Meeting (2013)

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