According to reliable sources, Virginia-headquartered power generation technology company, BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) has reportedly collaborated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop advanced additive manufacturing technologies to produce metallic components which are utilized in several nuclear reactor systems.

For the record, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is an American multiprogram science & technology laboratory established by the U.S. DOE (Department of Energy). It is operated, managed and administered as a federally funded research & development center by UT–Battelle LLC.

If sources are to be believed, BWXT demonstrated an additive manufacturing approach for producing refractory metal-based alloys as well as nickel-based alloys. This technology was validated by the company itself after a successful execution in a cost-sharing nuclear technology development project that is awarded by the U.S. DOE in the year 2018.

Sources close to the matter claimed that BWXT plans on leveraging its advanced manufacturing capabilities and unique design expertise to enhance power output and service life of nuclear energy systems while parallelly reducing their costs., The reactor system manufactured using refractory metal-based alloys is capable of operating at 50% efficiency while reaching a core exit temperature of 2,700°F.

President of Nuclear Services Group at BMXT, Ken Camplin was reported saying that the company’s uniquely talented and skilled designers and engineers will aid towards the efficient development of advanced reactors while effectively dealing with critical technical challenges.

About BWX Technologies Inc.

Virginia-based BWX Technologies, Inc. is a power generation company that has 12 major operating facilities in Canada and the U.S. with a total of 6,700 employees. Since its establishment in 1867, BWXT has focused on providing effective and safe nuclear solutions for various domains such as space exploration, nuclear medicine, environmental remediation, clean energy, and national security among others.

Source credits: https://www.bwxt.com/news/2020/11/23/Breakthroughs-in-Additive-Manufacturing-Could-Hasten-Advanced-Reactor-Development