Brenda Marie Rivers
General Atomics has partnered with Parsons to help the latter support radioactive operations at the Department of Energy’s Salt Waste Processing Facility within the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina.
General Atomics’ electromagnetic systems business will perform operational support and cognizant system engineering services at SWPF, which is valued at $2.3 billion and commenced full operations in January, the company said Wednesday.
SWPF houses cesium separation and solvent extraction processes using centrifugal contactor array technologies that work to remove radioactive elements like actinides from legacy waste tanks.
Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said SWPF’s transition into full operations serves as a “substantial accomplishment†and will help DOE in its efforts to reduce the impact of tank waste on the environment.
Christina Back, vice president of nuclear technologies and materials at the business unit, said the company executed a comprehensive testing process to mature its radioactive separation technology.
GA-EMS has been providing engineering services for caustic-side solvent extraction technology since the SWPF effort began in 2001.
Parsons designed and built SWPF and is tasked to operate the facility.
