Technician’s custom tools make tricky tasks easier                            

                                Generations of separation: EMIS keeps improving                            

                                Good chemistry: Stable isotope team members learn from, depend on one another                            

# Enrichment Science and Engineering Division

## Enrichment Science and Engineering Division

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology. Researchers work with state-of-the-art systems, applying advanced theoretical and engineering analysis principles to design machines and manufacture prototypes using novel fabrication tools and techniques. Their research advances the physics and engineering understanding of gas centrifuge systems. Beyond advancing current technology, the division is also exploring new ways to enrich stable and radioactive isotopes.

ORNL has extensive institutional knowledge in the area of stable isotopes, most recently producing ruthenium-96 in 2018—the first domestic enrichment of an isotope since 1998. ESED is continuing to expand the nation’s stable isotope portfolio by advancing electromagnetic isotope separations technology and pursuing new enriched isotope production approaches. The division is also identifying new applications for stable isotopes.

By bringing enrichment science and stable isotope production under one organization, ESED is designed for innovation that will ensure ORNL meets the nation’s need for these vital materials and technology.
                              - Technical Support Services - We ensure high-quality research receives high-quality support. Our team collaborates with Engineers, Researchers, and Project Managers – from Basic Research through Deployment – ensuring output that is developed and delivered efficiently, accurately, and consistently.

There are enriched stable isotopes in short supply or simply unavailable, and we don’t want to be dependent on other countries to produce them. 

## ESED Sections

View a hi-res version of this image

**Centrifuge Science**

We perform basic and applied research and development of gas centrifuge technology to meet the critical needs of the U.S. Government.

Learn More

View a hi-res version of this image

**Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering**

These experts lead the development of new processes and dispensing protocols to deliver stable isotopes for medical, industrial and national security applications. 

Learn More

View a hi-res version of this image

**Enrichment Systems Engineering**

At ORNL, scientists and engineers conceptualize, develop and deploy new gas testing for novel, state-of-the-art enrichment devices.

Learn More

View a hi-res version of this image

**Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration**

We support the deployment of new enrichment technology by fabricating and demonstrating systems.

Learn More

### Contact

BrianB Anderson

andersonbb@ornl.gov

## Current Research

## Publication

  Deflection Shape Balancing: An Alternative to Modal Balancing

## Publication

  Method for Selecting Rotor Suspension Design Criteria...

## Publication

  Using Low-Cost “Garage Band” Recording Technology for Acquiring High Resolution High-Speed Data...

## Publication

  Failure analysis of a cooling pump using modal and vibration analysis...