UPF Celebrates Fully Enclosed Process Support Facilities

  • Posted: Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 2:58 pm

The Process Support Facilities at the Uranium Processing Facility
The Process Support Facilities at the Uranium Processing Facility

The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project at the Y-12 National Security Complex installed the last piece of siding for the Process Support Facilities (PSF) on Monday, April 12, marking a significant milestone for the UPF Project. The PSF is now fully enclosed, known in the construction industry as “in the dry”.

The PSF, one of seven UPF subprojects, began in 2019 and will be completed by 2025, for a total cost of $140M. The 24,000-square-foot structure was built to commercial standards and, once completed and fully operational, will support UPF operations as a storage area for chemicals, demineralized water, waste containers, and wastewater.

The PSF subproject includes the building’s construction and equipment installation, as well as a gas storage yard, which is being built east of the facility. The gas storage yard will house vaporizers, tanks, control valve stations, and supporting electrical equipment for UPF.

“Enclosing the Process Support Facilities is a major achievement for the project as we build our nation’s UPF,” said Dena Volovar, UPF Project Director. “This milestone was achieved by the hard work and long hours of many individuals working together throughout the pandemic to make it possible.”

Several members of the PSF team at the PSF "in the dry" ceremony on Monday, April 12.
Several members of the PSF team at the PSF "in the dry" ceremony on Monday, April 12.

Construction will now move to the interior of the building, as crews work on piping and supports, electrical installation, and mechanical equipment skids.

UPF supports the nation’s Uranium Mission Strategy, which ensures the long-term viability, safety, and security of enriched uranium capabilities in the United States. UPF will replace casting, special oxide production, and salvage and accountability capabilities from a World War II era building with a modern, more efficient, and safer facility for conducting highly enriched uranium processing operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex.

PSF Federal Project Director holding a UPF hard hat sticker to commemorate the milestone
PSF Federal Project Director holding a UPF hard hat sticker to commemorate the milestone
The interior of the Process Support Facilities
The interior of the Process Support Facilities