Bennie H Brewer II

Bio

As Systems Engineering Mechanical Group Lead for the Research Reactors Division in the Neutron Sciences Directorate at ORNL, Bennie is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).  This 85 MW reactor is the highest flux reactor-based source of neutrons for research in the United States, and it provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world, enabling world-class capabilities for neutron scattering, isotope production, materials irradiation, neutron activation analysis, and nuclear physics.

Bennie came to ORNL in 1991 to join the HFIR Operations Group as a Shift Technical Advisor responsible for maintaining a Nuclear Reactor Controller certification and providing on-shift engineering expertise to the operations crew.  In 1999, he transitioned to the HFIR Maintenance Group where he was responsible for the performance of maintenance and the implementation of modifications on a variety of water and air systems.  In 2001, he transitioned to the Systems Engineering, Design and Fabrication Group where he became the system owner for several systems including the SBHE, HOG, HVAC, steam and chilled water systems.  In this role, he was responsible for all maintenance and modification activities associated with these systems.  In 2005-2006, he assisted in the effort to complete the installation of the Cold Source facility, primarily working on the HEA ventilation and ETCS systems.  In 2020, he assumed the role of Acting Systems Engineering Mechanical Lead where he oversees all mechanical engineering activities in addition to the systems that he specifically responsible for.  He officially assumed the ME Lead position in Aug, 2022.

Bennie holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee.