Global Technology Case Studies
Powering Missions to Space
We have provided significant contributions to space exploration. NASA called on Washington Division scientists and engineers to help develop “battery” for the New Horizons Space mission to Pluto. The battery is designed to last until 2015, when the mission ends.
We also made a significant contribution to the Mars Rover program. Under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Washington Safety Management Solutions provided quality, reliability, and operations analysis engineering for the Lightweight Radioisotope Heater Units. These units enable the Spirit and Opportunity rovers withstand the severe temperatures of Mars, which can plunge to -55°C (-67°F).
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Researchers at the Savannah River National Laboratory have achieved unmatched expertise in handling, processing, and storage of tritium and other forms of hydrogen. This expertise is now being put to use to develop a way for cars and other vehicles to use hydrogen for power. Specific challenges involve finding a light-weight storage system that is safe, efficient and affordable. Results from our work could also be used to power homes and industry.
Stabilizing Nuclear Waste in Glass
We are the leader in vitrification, which involves the stabilization of liquid nuclear waste in glass. We built the world's largest vitrification complex at the Savannah River Site. We also are the only contractor to have completed a vitrification mission, stabilizing 65,000 million gallons of contaminated waste at our West Valley Demonstration Project in New York.
Our work in vitrification continues with our role on the design/build/operate team working at the vitrification facility in Hanford, Washington where millions of gallons of radiochemical waste are currently stored in underground tanks.
Airborne Particle Detection
Our researchers at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, developed a portable device that can detect airborne material. The Aerosol-to-Liquid Particle Extraction System (ALPES) collects airborne particles including:
- Chemical agents.
- Radioactive particles.
- Microorganisms such as spores, bacteria, and fungi.
- Residual substances from explosives.
- Byproducts of manufacturing processes.
The device concentrates particles into a liquid for scientific analysis. An array of units, deployed throughout a public or private facility, could be part of an antiterrorism alert system. Researchers at the Savannah River Technology Center received the R&D 100 Award for their work.
Bomb Disposal Robots
The Savannah River National Laboratory, under the direction and funding of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, developed robotic technology to disable or disarm explosive devices. The "Mobile Platform for Explosives Dearming" or "MoPED" was designed based on feedback from bomb technicians recently deployed to Iraq.
The robotic device is powered by a military HUMVEE and can be used for multiple missions. On-board video cameras allow the operator to examine and deactivate potentially explosive devices from a distance.
Global Tracking Systems
The Smart Secure Drum is a complete security solution for tracking and monitoring fleets of transportation containers used in the disposal of hazardous waste or other high-value cargo. The sensor technology monitors everything from air pressure to location and plays a key role in providing protection against terrorism, theft, sabotage, or the transportation of contraband.
