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

ACTIVITIES:
Naval Reactors
The KAPL’s efforts focus on designing the world’s most technologically advanced nuclear reactor
plants for U.S. Navy submarines. Fundamental research is conducted to develop improved materials,
chemistry control systems, and components for naval nuclear propulsion technology. The KAPL uses
its theoretical knowledge, sophisticated testing capabilities, and computational power to design new
reactor and propulsion systems and components that will be used on existing and future Navy surface
ships and submarines. In addition, KAPL operates two prototype plants located at the Kesselring Site in
West Milton, New York. The modifications and additions to a reactor facility (MARF) and S8G
prototypes are used primarily for naval nuclear propulsion training. These plants are also used to test
reactors, reactor plant systems, and reactor steam and electric plant components. Also located at
Kesselring, the S3G and D1G prototypes are undergoing inactivation. Upon completion of their
missions in the 1990s, the S3G and D1G plants were shut down and inactivation was started as part of
Naval Reactors’ continuing commitment to ensure proper dismantlement and environmental remediation
of formerly used facilities.
In FY 2012, KAPL will continue reactor plant design and development work for the OHIO-class
ballistic missile submarine replacement to ensure sufficient maturity of detailed design to support initial
fabrication and procurement of long-lead nuclear components in FY 2017 and ship construction in
FY 2019.
Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory Page 491
FY 2012 Congressional Budget