Fact Sheets

AFF’s operations involve research and development primarily with uranium-bearing fuels and associated surrogate materials to increase MFC’s advanced fuel manufacturing capabilities.

ATR is the only U.S. research reactor capable of providing large-volume, high-flux thermal neutron irradiation in a prototype environment.

ATR’s core overhaul process renews the reactor by replacing components nearest to the core.

ATR is the largest and most powerful research reactor in the world and supports research for the departments of Energy and Defense.

ARL supports chemical, radiochemical, physical and analytical data needed for advanced nuclear fuel design, waste management, environmental and other INL programs.

Post-irradiation Examination

Fabrication, Assembly, and Testing of Research, Development, and Production Equipment

EFF includes uranium metal forming equipment, a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe, electrical discharge machine, a cold rolling mill, and other fabrication equipment.

FMF transitioned to research and development (R&D) of transuranic metallic and ceramic fuels. It supplies various INL and off-site facilities with feedstock materials.

FASB is a radiological facility that houses small hot cells, gloveboxes, hoods, and other equipment that supports nuclear energy research and development.

The Hot Fuel Examination Facility is the largest hot cell dedicated to radioactive material research at Idaho National Laboratory.

IMCL is home to instrumentation that allows researchers to study irradiated fuels and materials at the micro, nano and atomic levels.

The MSTEC will be a state-of-the-art, shielded argon glovebox for irradiated and nonirradiated actinide materials.

Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) core in the water-filled tank beneath the Hot Fuel Examination Facility main hot cell.

The Research Collaboration Building provides a landing spot, collaborative working space and training areas for the growing number of students, visiting researchers and postdoctoral researchers who conduct research at MFC.

The Sample Preparation Laboratory is under construction at the Materials and Fuels Complex. The facility is designed for high-throughput characterization of gamma-emitting materials.

The Test Train Assembly Facility (TTAF) is used for final assembly of experiments to be installed at the ATR.

The Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility allows researchers to test nuclear fuels and materials in off-normal and accident conditions, providing key data that helps improve safety and efficiency.

A ZPPR facility operator performs material handling activities in the transuranic surveillance glovebox line.