At the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), 

experts in radiochemical processing use specialized equipment 

and systems to produce unique radioisotopes for applications in 

research, national security, medicine, space exploration, and industry.

The REDC complex – Building 7920, built in 1966, and Building 7930, built 

in 1968 – are designated as Hazard Category 2 nuclear facilities and 

include hot and cold laboratories, heavily shielded hot cells, glove 

boxes, and high bay space. There, experts safely handle alpha and 

neutron emitters and work with some of the most exotic and rare 

materials on the planet.

Isotope R&D and Production

REDC provides world-class capabilities in isotope production, research 

and development, source fabrication, and the distribution of various 

unique isotopes. REDC is a key resource for the Office of Science Isotope 

Program and other US Department of Energy and National Nuclear 

Security Administration programs advancing materials science, 

nuclear science and technology, chemistry, nuclear security, and 

neutron science.

REDC pioneered many radiochemical separation processes and 

continues to drive innovation for the production, recovery, and 

purification of radioisotopes for shipment worldwide. Current 

primary mission areas include producing plutonium-238 for NASA’s 

radioisotope power systems; isotopes for targeted alpha therapy 

cancer treatments; transcurium elements (Cf, Bk, Es, Fm) for industrial 

and research applications; and isotopes such as Cf-252, Se-75, and 

Ni-63 for industry, national security, and nuclear nonproliferation. Uses 

include detecting explosive residues at airport security checkpoints; 

radiology; monitoring coal, cement, and other materials; and analyzing 

fissile and transuranic material waste.

REDC has contributed to major scientific impacts: supplying heavy 

actinide isotopes for the discovery of new superheavy element 

and isotopes, including tennessine, the second-heaviest and most 

recently discovered element; research on the physics of heavy 

elements, electron behavior in orbitals, nuclear properties, and 

nuclear reactions; and research on the chemistry of heavy actinides, 

chemically stable compounds, the crystal structure of salts, solution 

chemistry, and spectroscopy.

Multipurpose Radiochemical Processing and Research Facility

Radiochemical Engineering Development Center

ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for the US Department of Energy

Specifications

7920: 9 hot cells with 

associated tanks and 

process equipment

7930: 7 hot cells

7920: Windows of lead glass 

and mineral oil

7930: Windows of lead glass 

with zinc bromide

High-density concrete used 

for front, rear, sides, and top 

shielding of hot cells

All primary and secondary 

confinement systems exhaust 

streams; off-gas systems 

enable safe and compliant 

radiochemical processing 

Fiberoptic access for online 

spectroscopic monitoring of 

chemical processes; capable 

of expanding in-cell and nearcell instrumentation

Pneumatic transfer system 

between facilities 

7920: Pneumatic motor-driven 

intercell conveyer systems

7930: Pneumatic 

transfer tube system

In-cell remote manipulators 

and glove boxes; 50-ton 

bridge crane in high bay for 

remote transfer of materials

Susan Hogle 

Division Director, 

Radioisotope Science and 

Technology Division

865-576-2887