Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Briefing Book 1 Summary Page: 2 of 30
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Abstract
This report documents the results of evaluations performed during 1997 to determine what,
if any, future role the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) might have in support of the Department of
Energy's tritium production strategy. An evaluation was also conducted to assess the potential
for the FFTF to produce medical isotopes.
No safety, environmental, or technical issues associated with producing 1.5 kilograms of
tritium per year in the FFTF have been identified that would change the previous evaluations by
the Department of Energy, the JASON panel, or Putnam, Hayes & Bartlett. The FFTF can be
refitted and restarted by July 2002 for a total expenditure of $371 million, with an additional
$64 million of startup expense necessary to incorporate the production of medical isotopes.
Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of reactor-generated medical isotopes will increase
dramatically over the next decade. Essential medical isotopes can be produced in the FFTF
simultaneously with tritium production, and while a stand-alone medical isotope mission for the
facility cannot be economically justified given current market conditions, conservative estimates
based on a report by Frost & Sullivan indicate that 60% of the annual operational costs (reactor
and fuel supply) could be offset by revenues from medical isotope production within 10 years of
restart.
The recommendation of this report is for the Department of Energy to continue to maintain
the FFTF in standby and proceed with preparation of appropriate National Environmental
Policy Act documentation in full consultation with the public to consider the FFTF as an interim
tritium production option (1.5 kilograms/year) with a secondary mission of producing medical
isotopes.November 21, 1997
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Apley, W. J. Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Briefing Book 1 Summary, report, December 1, 1997; Richland, Washington. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc886170/m1/2/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.