Radiation shield for high-temperature liquid sodium pumps

The Department of Energy's Office of Science awarded a $206,500 Project Grant to Hifunda LLC, a minority-owned small disadvantaged business in Salt Lake City, Utah, to develop a radiation shield for high-temperature liquid sodium pumps. This funding was provided through the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (CFDA 81.049), which supports fundamental scientific research across multiple disciplines to advance U.S. energy, economic, and national security priorities. Hifunda specializes in advanced materials research and development for high-temperature and specialized technological applications, particularly in areas such as electromagnetic protection, composite materials, and scientific instrumentation. The grant, awarded on July 22, 2024, will support Hifunda's efforts to create a radiation shield for high-temperature liquid sodium pumps, with an ultimate completion date of April 21, 2025. This project aligns with the Office of Science's mission to deliver scientific discoveries and major scientific tools to transform the understanding of nature and advance the nation's priorities.