Categorical Exclusion Determination
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
October 3, 2016
Estimated Read Time min
Idaho National Laboratory's (INL's) High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL) is located at the Energy Innovations Laboratory (EIL) in Idaho Falls. Research and Development (R&D) activities at the HTTL include high temperature material property testing and instrumentation development and testing from a host of nuclear and non-nuclear programs. HTTL's efforts support key INL initiatives that require specialized in-pile sensors for fuels and materials irradiations, such as the Nuclear Science User Facilities, the Next Generation Nuclear Plant, and the Fuel Cycle Research and Development program. Specialized equipment for instrumentation fabrication and evaluation at the HTTL to support these R&D efforts includes several high temperature tube furnaces, a high temperature vacuum furnace, several autoclaves, real-time x-ray imaging system, and a laser welder. However, laser welding is ineffective when two dissimilar metals require a microscopic weld (e.g., welding molybdenum), and an additional method of welding is needed for fabrication of prototype sensors. The proposed action would install an Electron Beam Engineering Beamer 12 model electron beam welder for operation in the HTTL. Installation would include modification of an electrical outlet, installation of an off-gas vent to an existing hood, and purchase and use of a closed-loop chiller.