The Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF) is one of the largest
hot cells dedicated to radioactive materials research at Idaho
National Laboratory (INL). The nation’s lead laboratory for
nuclear energy research and development utilizes HFEF
capabilities in researching radioactive materials development
and characterization. HFEF began operations in 1975, providing a
two hot-cell complex and radiation-shielded rooms for handling
irradiated reactor fuel and structural materials. HFEF hosted
examinations providing data used to determine the performance of
fuels and materials irradiated in EBR-II and other facilities.
The facility performs transuranic (TRU) waste characterizations
supporting the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico.
Underneath the hot cells, HFEF’s basement hosts the Neutron
Radiography Reactor (NRAD), a reactor built for neutron
radiography irradiation of small test components. The facility
provides shielding and containment for remote examination,
processing and handling of highly rad