Department of Energy FY 2012 Congressional ... - The FIRE Place

FY 2010
Actual
Approp
(dollars in thousands)
FY 2011
Request
FY 2012
Request
• Develop enabling technologies for the development of advanced reactor plant designs that will
improve the affordability of future naval nuclear propulsion plants.
• Develop and maintain test facilities for evaluating emergent problems and developing
corrective action.
• Test components to allow troubleshooting in a non-radioactive environment and
demonstration of corrective actions before installation of shipboard components.
Plant Performance and Primary Chemistry: This work focuses on performing reactor plant
analyses to ensure safe operation and improving reactor plant chemistry controls to reduce
corrosion and plant radiation levels. Funding has been identified in the estimated amount of
$25,400,000 to support this work in FY 2012, including the following:
• Continue to implement fleet-wide use of improved primary chemistry analysis techniques.
• Assess impacts of reactor plant materials substitutions on corrosion and radiation levels for
new plant designs.
• Continue support and development and modifications of the A1B Chemistry Analysis Room
as necessary to support Secondary Chemistry Automated Analysis Systems and Automated
Coolant Analysis Systems designs.
• Perform a Reactor Systems Performance Analysis for new plant designs (e.g., OHIO-class
replacement submarine).
• Perform laboratory design testing and reactor protection system acceptance testing on new
designs prior to initial operation.
• Develop primary coolant system additives and develop designs, materials, and operating
parameters that inhibit corrosion product activation, transport and deposition.
• Analyze and evaluate new component and system designs that have the potential to reduce
acquisition costs while maintaining or improving operating performance.
Reactor Technology and Analysis 266,900 301,100 339,200
Reactor Technology and Analysis supports the work required to ensure the operational safety
and reliability of operating reactor plants in U.S. warships, extend the operational life of Navy
nuclear propulsion plants, support Navy acoustic requirements, and preserve the Program’s level
of excellence in radiological and environmental control. Work focuses on developing a better
understanding of reactor behavior fundamentals; designing new, reduced cost reactors with
improved reliability, and efficiency; improving and streamlining manufacturing and assembly
processes to achieve cost savings and reduce waste; developing production techniques that
incorporate new materials and processes; and continuing a record of excellence in safety.
Reactor Technology and Analysis work is concentrated in the following areas: (1) Advanced
Core and Reactor Technology, (2) Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Technology, (3) Advanced Fuel
and Manufacturing Technology, (4) Control Drive Mechanism and Other Reactor Equipment
Naval Reactors/
Operations and Maintenance
Page 446
FY 2012 Congressional Budget