SAN DIEGO, 17 MARCH 2021 - General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that it is providing cognizant system engineering and operations optimization support to Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) in Aiken, SC. The SWPF, a $2.3 billion DOE nuclear-processing facility, began full radioactive operations in January separating highly radioactive cesium and actinides from legacy-era waste tanks at the site.
“GA-EMS is proud of our role in supporting Parsons in the development and now operation of the DOE’s Savannah River Site Salt Waste Processing Facility as it signifies a new era of processing radioactive waste,” stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “The processing facility going fully operational is a substantial accomplishment that will assist the DOE in drastically reducing the environmental risk of tank waste.”
Working with Parsons Corporation, the contractor that designed, built, and now operates the first-of-a-kind facility, GA-EMS has provided technical expertise and engineering support for the Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (CSSX) technology since the SWPF project’s inception in 2001. CSSX, a cesium separation process utilizing solvent extraction through a centrifugal contactor array, is a core technology of the SWPF.
“GA-EMS’ role has evolved over the years first demonstrating feasibility, then serving as technology managers during Development Testing, Cold Commissioning, and through the Hot Commissioning phases, and now as embedded experts doing cognitive system engineering and nuclear operations optimization,” said Dr. Christina Back, vice president of Nuclear Technologies and Materials at GA-EMS. “We have continued to mature the separation technology through an extensive testing program and a robust operating envelope developed to provide flexibility of operations. GA-EMS looks forward to the continued advancement of operating procedures during hot operations and expanding the site’s production capability.”
About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) Group is a global leader in the research, design, and manufacture of first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ history of research, development, and technology innovation has led to an expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supporting aviation, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and processing and monitoring applications for critical defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. For further information, visit www.ga.com/ems
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