The Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) is a multi-program hot cell facility. There are two adjacent shielded hot cells (the main cell and decontamination cell), a shielded metallography box, an unshielded hot repair area, and a waste-characterization area. HFEF provides shielding and containment for remote examination, processing, and handling of highly radioactive and TRU-bearing materials in its argon-atmosphere hot cells, unshielded labs, support areas and special equipment for handling, examining, and testing of highly radioactive materials.
Nondestructive and destructive post-irradiation examination of irradiated samples in two large, heavily shielded hot cells
Machining and disassembly of fuel and material experiments
Neutron radiography/neutron tomography
Visual examination and dimensional examination
Gamma scanning/gamma tomography
Fission-gas-release measurement
Sample preparation for metallography, chemical and isotopic analysis, and optical microscopy
Mechanical testing of irradiated fuels and materials
Bench-scale electrochemical separations research
Handling and loading facilities capable of receiving large shipping casks and fuel pins up to 13 feet long
Furnaces for simulating accident conditions at temperatures up to 2,000°C for extended periods of time