– Edited By Tom Lamar –
USEC Inc. Vice President of American Centrifuge and Chief Engineer Paul Sullivan today updated the International Uranium Fuel Seminar on progress in the American Centrifuge Project. The three-day meeting, hosted by the Nuclear Energy Institute, examines the changing international fuel market, explores future needs, and provides a forum to examine challenges facing the fuel industry.
Highlights from Mr. Sullivan's prepared remarks follow:
Rising to Meet the Challenges
"We have worked hard to address concerns about the program and today, we present a much stronger project."
Technical Improvements
"We made a number of updates to bring the technology into the 21st century – improvements like incorporating carbon fiber, updating the software and control systems, high-tech manufacturing tools, and leveraging modern computer systems to improve future designs."
Improved Project Management and Suppliers
"We brought in world-class, nuclear component suppliers. For the machine: B&W, ATK, Curtiss-Wright, and others. For the plant: Fluor, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Kerotest, and others.
"We have formed a joint venture with B&W to consolidate centrifuge machine manufacturing and assembly under one entity."
Will It Work?
"Operationally, I'm pleased to report that AC100 machines have amassed more than a half-million hours. We have amassed data. We have made improvements. We are training our people. And we are exercising the lead cascade.
"We're learning a lot, the cascade is running well, and we have confirmed our ability to produce the full range of commercial assays for the industry."
Paul Sullivan Background
Paul E. Sullivan is vice president, American Centrifuge and chief engineer for USEC Inc. He is responsible for the deployment and commercial operations of USEC's next-generation uranium enrichment technology, the American Centrifuge. Sullivan oversees all aspects of the American Centrifuge technology's research and development and the construction of the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio.
Before joining USEC, Mr. Sullivan, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, served as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, retiring with the rank of Vice Admiral. He previously served as Chief Engineer of the Naval Sea Systems Command and Program Manager of the Virginia and Sea Wolf submarine classes. Sullivan's leadership led to the delivery of 22 new ships, 63 major ship overhauls and more than 140 private sector overhauls.
Sullivan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and holds dual degrees of master of science (naval architecture and marine engineering) and ocean engineer from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.