Removal of contaminated concrete challenge statement.pdf

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Open callApplications are invited for technological solutions to meet this challenge.Funding is available for feasibility and proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield and Dounreay are seeking.An interactive workshop will be taking place on 8th December 2020. Join us to learn more about this opportunity and to meet some of the challenge owners. Attendance is free and registration is now open via <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-workshop-removal-of-contaminated-concrete-from-ponds-tickets-128904114677" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a>.How to applyIf you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;poster as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 7th January 2021.

Removal of contaminated concrete from ponds

Across the Sellafield and Dounreay sites there are several ponds that require their concrete walls and floors to be remediated prior to final decommissioning and demolition.&nbsp;Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are now seeking novel solutions or improvements to existing processes to decommission some of these ponds with two specific opportunities available.Both organisations have similar pond designs and are collaborating via the Game Changers process.&nbsp;This call for innovation is open to applicants from any sector including industries such as oil and gas, mineral mining, chemicals, civil engineering and construction. Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking a proof of concept capable of deployment as soon as practicably possible.

Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking novel solutions or improvements to existing processes to remove concrete floors and walls from contaminated ponds

Detection of organics in pipes and vessels challenge statement.pdf

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Open callApplications are invited for technological solutions to meet this challenge.Funding is available for feasibility and proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking.An&nbsp;interactive workshop&nbsp;will be taking place on 9th December 2020. Join us to learn more about this opportunity and to meet some of the challenge owners. Attendance is free and&nbsp;registration is now open via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-workshop-detection-of-organics-in-pipes-and-vessels-tickets-128900463757" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a>.How to applyIf you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;poster as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 7th January 2021.

Detection of organics in pipes and vessels

Nuclear site facilities go through a full cleaning process at the end of their operational life to reduce risks and hazards and, in turn, make the plant cheaper to care for and dismantle. Residual or bulk organics in vessels and pipework may lead to issues during decommissioning, for example presenting fire hazards during cutting operations of stainless-steel pipework when reducing their size.The challengeSellafield Ltd (SL) and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game-changing improvements over the current techniques used for the&nbsp;characterisation of organic residues to confirm that they have been removed to an acceptable level&nbsp;in reprocessing vessels and pipework.

Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking innovative vessel and pipework organic residue characterisation techniques

Reduction of secondary waste challenge statement.pdf

NNL are seeking novel cleaning methods to extend the operational life of solvents and extractants employed during nuclear reprocessing to recover valuable re-useable plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) from spent nuclear fuel.During their use, the solvents and extractants degrade and become contaminated. This can compromise the performance of reprocessing plants and necessitates the disposal of solvent and extractant as waste.Cleaning of the solvents and extractants to remove radioactivity and degradation products can be used to extend their operational life and reduces the production of waste solvent.NNL are seeking alternative safe and efficient cleaning methods that retain the physical and chemical properties of the solvent without generating significant additional waste (solid or liquid effluents).A webinar will take place at 2pm on 2nd November to explain this challenge in more detail.&nbsp;Registration is now open via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-webinar-secondary-waste-reduction-in-fuel-reprocessing-tickets-125325992417" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">Eventbrite</a>.Funding&nbsp;is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.<h4>How to apply</h4>If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/poster-presentations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">poster</a>&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

Reduction of secondary waste

NNL are seeking novel cleaning methods to extend the operational life of solvents and extractants employed during nuclear reprocessing.

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The challengeNNL are seeking alternative safe and efficient cleaning methods that retain the physical and chemical properties of the solvent without generating significant additional waste (solid or liquid effluents).A webinar took place on 2nd November to explain this challenge in more detail.&nbsp;If you missed the webinar or would like to recap, please watch the recording.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475081644/"></iframe>Webinar agenda and video timings:<ul><li>Introduction and welcome 00:00</li><li>About NNL and Game Changers 0:05:53</li><li>The Challenge 0:24:24</li><li>Challenge Q&amp;A 0:37:49</li><li>Pitch Session 0:55:30</li><li>Challenges to the audience 1:06:00</li><li>How to apply 1:25:46</li></ul>Funding&nbsp;is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.<h4>How to apply</h4>If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;poster&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

NNL are seeking novel cleaning methods to extend the operational life of solvents and extractants employed during nuclear reprocessing to recover valuable re-useable plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) from spent nuclear fuel.During their use, the solvents and extractants degrade and become contaminated. This can compromise the performance of reprocessing plants and necessitates the disposal of solvent and extractant as waste.Cleaning of the solvents and extractants to remove radioactivity and degradation products can be used to extend their operational life and reduces the production of waste solvent.

Manipulating americium in a glovebox challenge statement.pdf

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The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are seeking innovative and compact solutions to facilitate americium oxide powder handling for the production of space probe batteries.The powders will be handled in a new facility in NNL’s Central Lab, called “PuMA2”. Operator handling will be required in a process that separates americium-241 from aged plutonium dioxide.The primary objective of this challenge is to minimise contact dose uptake for operators when solids are transferred from a filter system to a suitable container for decomposition in a furnace with a glovebox.NNL are looking for solutions that offer a reduced footprint and lower cost in comparison to current design plans, whilst maintaining safe operation. Do you have a solution that can help NNL achieve this?A webinar to explain this challenge in more detail will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd November at 2pm.&nbsp;Registrations are now open via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-webinar-manipulating-americium-in-a-glovebox-tickets-125316305443" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">Eventbrite</a>.Funding&nbsp;is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.<h4>How to apply</h4>If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form. Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/poster-presentations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">poster</a>&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

Manipulating americium in a glovebox

NNL are seeking innovative and compact solutions to facilitate americium oxide powder handling for the production of space probe batteries.

Solving the challengeNNL are looking for solutions that offer a reduced footprint and lower cost in comparison to current design plans, whilst maintaining safe operation. Do you have a solution that can help NNL achieve this?A webinar to explain this challenge in more detail took place on 3rd November. If you missed the webinar or would like to recap, please watch the recording:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475526192/"></iframe>The agenda and timings are as follows:<ul><li>Welcome 00:00:00</li><li>About NNL and Game Changers 00:06:20</li><li>The challenge 00:16:40</li><li>Challenge Q &amp; A 00:45:38</li><li>Pitch session 00:57:20</li><li>Challenges to the audience 1:07:00</li><li>How to apply 1:24:00</li></ul><h4>How to apply</h4>Funding&nbsp;is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form. Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;poster&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are seeking innovative and compact solutions to facilitate americium oxide powder handling for the production of space probe batteries.The powders will be handled in a new facility in NNL’s Central Lab, called “PuMA2”. Operator handling will be required in a process that separates americium-241 from aged plutonium dioxide.The primary objective of this challenge is to minimise contact dose uptake for operators when solids are transferred from a filter system to a suitable container for decomposition in a furnace with a glovebox.

Fuel pin remote sampling tool challenge statement.pdf

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NNL are seeking an innovative sampling tool to collect carbonaceous deposits from the cladding of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel pins which are situated in cooling ponds.The sampling tool may work in conjunction with endoscopic equipment currently used by NNL for visual inspections of the fuel pins, or it may be a standalone device.Solutions to this challenge must be deployable within 12 – 24 months.A webinar describing this challenge in more detail will take place at 10am on 3rd November.&nbsp;Registrations are now open via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-webinar-fuel-pin-remote-sampling-tool-tickets-125324036567" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">Eventbrite</a>.Funding is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.<h4>How to apply</h4>If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/poster-presentations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">poster</a>&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

Fuel pin remote sampling tool

Innovative sampling tool needed by NNL to collect carbonaceous deposits from the cladding of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel pins.

Background informationA webinar describing this challenge in more detail took place on the 2nd November. If you missed it or would like to recap, please watch the recording:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475053980/"></iframe>Webinar agenda and video timings:<ul><li>Welcome 00:00:00</li><li>Introduction to Game Changers and NNL 0:12:00</li><li>The challenge 0:18:55</li><li>Q &amp; A 0:29:35</li><li>Challenge constraints 1:05:58</li><li>How to apply 01:32:34</li></ul><h4>How to apply</h4>Funding is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions NNL are seeking.If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;poster&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.

NNL are seeking an innovative sampling tool to collect carbonaceous deposits from the cladding of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel pins which are situated in cooling ponds.The sampling tool may work in conjunction with endoscopic equipment currently used by NNL for visual inspections of the fuel pins, or it may be a standalone device.Solutions to this challenge must be deployable within 12 – 24 months.

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a general challenge

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General application

If you think that you have an idea which might be of interest to any of our partners, please submit an application to tell us more.You can get learn about research areas which are of particular interest by reading our <a href="http://gc-42feet.ddns.net/partners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">partner pages</a>.Information about the <a href="http://gc-42feet.ddns.net/projects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">projects</a> we're currently funding should also help you to decide whether your technology might have application at Sellafield, NNL or Dounreay.In addition, you might like to read some of the historic challenge statements published on our site.If you'd like to explore your idea with us before submitting an application, please get in touch.

Applications for the Game Changers scheme are always welcome for any project or technology which could support nuclear innovation. If you have an idea which you think might be of interest to Sellafield, NNL or Dounreay we'd love to hear from you.

GC-Challenge-Statement-Characterisation-of-Landfill-and-Disposal_Web version.pdf

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Current characterisation regimes produce satisfactory information for permit compliance monitoring. However, to meet a defined remediation end state, more detailed information is required about the contents of the landfill and trenches. In particular, Sellafield would like to determine whether the disposal sites contain any discrete objects and whether actinides and their daughters are present.This call for innovation is open to applicants from any sector including industries such as oil and gas, mineral mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and water.Sellafield are seeking a proof of concept capable of deployment in a real environment as soon as practicably possible.<h3>The situation</h3>The Sellafield site has a number of legacy waste disposal facilities such as landfill, land-raise, tips and trenches which typically contain rubble, excavation works and demolition materials. To achieve the desired end state, Sellafield needs to demonstrate that these areas do not pose a radioactive hazard, can remain undisturbed and don’t have to be re-sentenced for alternative disposal.Sellafield would like to characterise and map these legacy disposal areas to confirm there is no radioactive material present. If the characterisation and mapping activities do detect the presence of radioactive material it will enable Sellafield to determine a suitable waste retrieval, repackaging and resentencing route for the contents of the disposal facilities.<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/our-process/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">Funding</a>&nbsp;is available for proof of concept projects which may provide a solution to all or part of this challenge.Please download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Landfill-Characterisation-Challenge-Statement.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">Landfill Characterisation Challenge Statement</a>&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.<h3>How to apply</h3>If you think you can solve all or part of this challenge, please submit a funding application using our online application form.&nbsp;Guidance notes are available using the help buttons in the form.Please note that you must submit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/poster-presentations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 142, 209);">poster</a>&nbsp;as part of your application.&nbsp;You can save your application form as you complete it and return to it at a later time.The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday 9th October 2020.

Characterisation of landfill and disposal areas

Sellafield Ltd are seeking innovation to support the characterisation of landfill, land-raise, trenches and disposal areas

The situationThe Sellafield site has a number of legacy waste disposal facilities such as landfill, land-raise, tips and trenches which typically contain rubble, excavation works and demolition materials. To achieve the desired end state, Sellafield needs to demonstrate that these areas do not pose a radioactive hazard, can remain undisturbed and don’t have to be re-sentenced for alternative disposal.Sellafield would like to characterise and map these legacy disposal areas to confirm there is no radioactive material present. If the characterisation and mapping activities do detect the presence of radioactive material it will enable Sellafield to determine a suitable waste retrieval, repackaging and resentencing route for the contents of the disposal facilities.Please download the challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game changing improvements over the current techniques used for characterisation of landfill, land-raise, trenches and disposal areas across the Sellafield site.Current characterisation regimes produce satisfactory information for permit compliance monitoring. However, to meet a defined remediation end state, more detailed information is required about the contents of the landfill and trenches. In particular, Sellafield would like to determine whether the disposal sites contain any discrete objects and whether actinides and their daughters are present.

Sellafield Ltd are seeking innovation to support the characterisation of landfill, land-raise, trenches and disposal areas.

Remote Working at Height_Final web version.pdf

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The situationManual decommissioning is hazardous for the operator and extremely time consuming. Remote decommissioning is one option but solutions can be costly and often unreliable. Successful development of a remote deployment capability may facilitate safer, cheaper decommissioning and reduce secondary waste generation.The opportunityWhilst there have been several ground-based robotic decommissioning solutions successfully deployed at Sellafield, there remains an opportunity for a remote modular deployment solution to address challenges that require working at height in high hazard areas.Activities include but are not limited to characterisation, decontamination, cutting and debris removal.Two specific opportunities are highlighted:1. Recovery of contaminated solids from an alpha cell2. Deployment of inspection, holding and cutting tools within an alpha gloveboxPlease download the&nbsp;challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.

Remote working at height in high hazardous areas

There are approximately 170 nuclear facilities at Sellafield which require decommissioning over the next 100 years, at an estimated cost of £85 billion. Opportunities to undertake decommissioning activities faster, more safely and at a reduced cost are constantly being explored. There are a diverse range of buildings, structures and gloveboxes on the Sellafield site, each having their own decommissioning challenges. Buildings can consist of many rooms, or cells, which contain a complex network of vessels, pipework and structural steel. There are also a significant number of large (&lt;5m high) gloveboxes which also contain a complex network of pipework and structures. The hazardous, congested environments combined with difficult access, mean that decommissioning and dismantling radioactive cells and gloveboxes is a complex task.&nbsp;

Sellafield Ltd are seeking Game Changing solutions to support the decommissioning and dismantling of hazardous congested environments

Glovebox-Identification-Challenge.pdf

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The opportunity for innovative solutionsSellafield would like to explore&nbsp;technologies which would enable them to&nbsp;analyse the contents of gloveboxes, specifically allowing them to identify the presence of potentially unknown sharp objects.This information is published as an open call for innovation, with Sellafield looking for technologies and techniques which could deliver game-changing solutions.The glovebox challenge<ul><li>Gloveboxes, and the facilities housing them, can be up to 60 years old.</li><li>In some instances, the glovebox viewing windows have degraded over time and visibility can be poor.</li><li>Glovebox lighting may be of a poor standard or disconnected altogether.</li><li>The presence of radiation shielding (such as Jabroc) on the outside of some of the gloveboxes can further reduce visibility. This can make it difficult to determine the contents of the gloveboxes.</li><li>The contents of gloveboxes can include pipework, vessels, cabling, valves and furnaces which may have remained in place after operations.</li></ul>The gloveboxes may also contain unknown sharp objects which could represent a dismantling hazard.These objects may be very simple in nature such as exposed wire, cropped cables or sharp pipework.Functional requirements<ul><li>Sellafield are seeking technologies which can be manoeuvred inside the gloveboxes.</li><li>The technology needs to be small enough to access all areas of the glovebox and be manoeuvrable around glovebox contents such as pipes and vessels.</li><li>Gloveboxes generally incorporate a ‘posting port’, usually 10” in diameter, and a number of other ports ranging in diameter from 6” to 20”.</li><li>It should be possible to post the sensor system into a glovebox via one of these standard ports.</li><li>Sensors should be capable of providing real-time images or signals, with object recognition alerting users to the presence of potentially sharp objects.</li><li>These sharp objects could be metallic (including magnetic and non-magnetic metals), glass, plastic, rubber or ceramic in nature.</li><li>It should be noted that glovebox users will have limited dexterity and not all gloveboxes have power supplies.</li><li>The technology itself must not have any sharp or snagging points.</li><li>Radiation tolerance of the technology may be a consideration.</li><li>Deployment and operation in a nuclear environment will be considered outside this challenge.</li></ul>Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.

Identifying unknown sharps in gloveboxes

As part of Sellafield Ltd's decommissioning programme, gloveboxes used historically for research, development, and fuel fabrication operations need to be dismantled.<ul><li>There are approximately 350 gloveboxes in total on the Sellafield site.</li><li>They are generally cuboid and vary in size from one to several cubic metres.</li><li>Many designs exist, however, a glovebox can be thought of as a sealed, but ventilated, container generally comprising a steel frame and panels made from metal or polymers such as Perspex.</li><li>Long PVC gloves are built into the panels such that operators can place their hands into them and work on hazardous materials inside the gloveboxes.</li><li>Gloveboxes are held under a depression in an inert atmosphere.</li><li>Access is via entry ports where containment has to be maintained.</li><li>Manoeuvrability within a glove box is difficult due to limited access and complex machinery, which can be located within.</li></ul>

Sellafield would like to explore technologies which would enable them to analyse the contents of gloveboxes, specifically allowing them to identify the presence of potentially unknown sharp objects.

CMI-Challenge-Statement_Web Version.pdf

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The situationThe stored waste packages could be in place for many decades, and it is important that during this period, Sellafield Ltd can confirm that the performance of the packages is as expected, demonstrating control. The behaviour of the waste is also of interest.At present, the baseline position is to undertake monitoring by either:<ul><li>Removing individual, suspect packages into a designated area where they are inspected manually. This is particularly time consuming and difficult.</li><li>Installing in-situ devices, the deployment of which is particularly difficult because of the complexity of the waste forms and the restrictive storage arrangements.</li></ul>It is anticipated that introducing innovative thinking and technologies into this area will bring significant benefits to Sellafield’s decommissioning programme. Game Changers are looking for innovative technologies and instrumentation which could be considered, including developing ‘smart’ packages that monitor themselves, periodically taking devices/technologies to the packages or large area scanning e.g. hydrocarbon detection on oil refineries, atmospheric monitoring.The opportunitySellafield are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game-changing improvements over the current baseline options, which could include:<ul><li>The development of new ‘smart packages’ that monitor themselves and/or communicate warnings if they are not performing as expected.</li><li>Periodically taking devices/technologies to the packages in their storage locations.</li><li>Large area scanning, such as deploying technologies akin to hydrocarbon detection on oil refineries or atmospheric monitoring.</li><li>Technologies or techniques for visual observation and image analysis.</li></ul>Please download the&nbsp;challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.

Condition monitoring and inspection

There are thousands of waste containers currently stored on the Sellafield site in west Cumbria, each containing materials and objects which are the result of nuclear reprocessing or decommissioning activities over the past decades.These cans, drums and mostly boxes (collectively known as packages) filled with various wastes are placed in above ground stores across the Sellafield site and it is anticipated that there could be more than 150,000 packages that will be sent to such stores over the next few decades.Wastes could be dry, grouted, water covered, heat generating, gas generating, vitrifies or any combination of these but, in all cases, some degree of corrosion of the package will occur.

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game-changing improvements over the current baseline options for monitoring stored nuclear waste

Join our interactive workshop to learn about ponds at Sellafield and Dounreay which need their concrete walls and floors to be remediated prior to final decommissioning and demolition.&nbsp;We'll share detailed information about the challenge, describe the opportunity and introduce our challenge owners who will be on hand to answer questions.Attendance is free and registration is now open via <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-workshop-removal-of-contaminated-concrete-from-ponds-tickets-128904114677" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a>.

Register for our workshop to learn more about this exciting Sellafield and Dounreay opportunity

Interactive workshop - removal of contaminated concrete from ponds

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Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking innovative vessel and pipework organic residue characterisation techniques.During this interactive workshop taking place using Teams, we'll describe the opportunity, explain the challenge and give you an opportunity to meet the challenge owners and ask questions.Attendance is free and registration is open via <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-workshop-detection-of-organics-in-pipes-and-vessels-tickets-128900463757" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eventbrite</a>.

Join us to learn about Sellafield's and Dounreay's challenge to detect organics and pipes and vessels

Interactive workshop - detection of organics in pipes and vessels

NNL are seeking an innovative sampling tool to collect carbonaceous deposits from the cladding of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel pins which are situated in cooling ponds.The sampling tool may work in conjunction with endoscopic equipment currently used by NNL for visual inspections of the fuel pins, or it may be a standalone device.If you missed our webinar or would like to recap, please watch the recording:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475053980/"></iframe>

Find out about NNL's challenge to develop an innovative in-pond sampling tool

Webinar: fuel pin remote sampling tool

This webinar describes NNL's challenge to minimise contact dose uptake for operators when handling americium oxide powder in gloveboxes.Watch the recording now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475526192/"></iframe>

A webinar describing NNL's quest for innovative and compact solutions to facilitate americium oxide powder handling for the production of space probe batteries

Webinar: manipulating americium in a glovebox

NNL are seeking alternative safe and efficient cleaning methods that retain the physical and chemical properties of solvents used during nuclear reprocessing, without generating significant additional waste (solid or liquid effluents).If you missed our webinar or would like to recap, please watch the recording:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/475081644/"></iframe>

Opportunity to learn about NNL's search for novel cleaning methods to extend the operational life of solvents and extractants used during nuclear reprocessing

Webinar: reduction of secondary waste

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If you missed this month's Technology Talks you can catch up by watching the recording below.Featuring sessions from Resolve Robotics describing a versatile and modular robotic deployment system for working at height within hazardous environments and a new generation of 3D imaging systems being developed by i3D Robotics.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/476316056/"></iframe>

A robotic deployment system for working at height within hazardous environments - Andrew Ludar-Smith, Resolve RoboticsA new generation of 3D imaging systems - Nicholas Bantin and Benjamin Crutchley, i3D RoboticsWatch the recording now

October Technology Talk webinar

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If you missed this month's Technology Talks you can catch up by watching the recording below.Featuring sessions from Eadon Consulting describing an innovative approach to waste management and image processing technology being developed by the University of Strathclyde to support enhanced visual inspection of nuclear waste packages.Watch the talks now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/451268372/"></iframe>

Innovative waste management - James Hill, Eadon ConsultingImage processing for enhanced visual inspection of nuclear waste packages - Paul Murray, University of StrathclydeWatch the recording now

August Technology Talks

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The first in our series of lunchtime Technology Talks featured sessions from Fraunhofer describing the range-resolved remote hydrogen detection technology they are developing with Game Changers and pioneering work being undertaken by Sensor Driven to extend the life of battery powered sensors.Listen to the talks now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/425510659/"></iframe>

Detecting hydrogen at range - David Stothard, Fraunhofer Centre for Applied PhotonicsExtending the life of battery powered Sensors - Bernard Stark, Sensor DrivenRecording available now

June Technology Talks

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A record nine projects have been green-lit in one go by the Game Changers programme, which calls for innovative solutions to challenges on the Sellafield site.The nine projects were chosen for funding from more than 40 entries, all showing an incredible high quality of ideas and innovation.All three challenges called for innovative solutions to land remediation requirements.Around 130 attendees from more than 70 organisations joined Game Changers webinars organised to detail two challenges - one focused on the characterisation of landfill and disposal areas, the other on making better use of existing in-ground monitoring infrastructure to develop better understanding of groundwater hydrology and subsurface contamination, especially around our Magnox Swarf Storage Silo (MSSS).The third challenge - the KTN-iX competition, launched by the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), focused on leak mitigation and groundworks near sensitive structures. One of the central aspects of this challenge also focussed on the decommissioning of MSSS.All the applications received were reviewed by a specialist panel of Sellafield experts and Game Changers team leaders. Feasibility funding has been awarded to a total of 10 organisations working on nine projects spread across the three challenges as follows:Characterisation of landfill and disposal areasUniversity of Birmingham, Ground-Gas Solutions Ltd, ANAMAD Ltd and Hydrock working in partnership with CreatecGroundwater monitoringHybrid Instruments Ltd, University of Liverpool and Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey LtdLeak mitigation and groundworks near sensitive structuresAubin Ltd and Resolute Engineering ServicesEach organisation will now use the funding to work with Sellafield to learn more about their challenge and shape their ideas, working towards a full business case. John Heneghan, Contaminated Land Specialist at Sellafield, said: "We've been genuinely impressed both by the quality and the range of the technology presented in the applications. It made our job of selection very difficult but I'm confident we will see promising potential realised."

A record number of Game Changers projects have achieved funding in a single tranche in response to the three latest Sellafield decommissioning challenges

Game Changers projects hit record high

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A new Sellafield Ltd-backed Game Changers project, designed to improve the efficiency of soil contamination detection, should help ensure the Sellafield site will be left in a safe condition for future generations.The 12-month project, recently awarded funding, is based on a collaboration between the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (FCAP) and the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Signal and Image Processing (CeSIP). It aims to develop technology which will allow Sellafield Ltd to detect soil contamination in ways that will enhance productivity and significantly cut costs.Currently, soil samples are prepared for off-site laboratory analysis.&nbsp;This analysis provides highly accurate results, but it is a time-consuming practice that is impractical for large quantities of soil. The technology being developed by FCAP and CeSIP aims to make accurate on-site soil analysis possible using spectroscopic techniques called Raman Spectroscopy and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). These techniques exploit the interaction of light with matter to provide substance-specific "fingerprints" which enable researchers to detect individual substances. It is hoped that an additional technique - hyperspectral imaging (HSI) - will help researchers rapidly characterise the surface of sample areas. Innovative signal processing will also be developed to support the analysis of the sensor data aiming to provide new decision support capabilities for identification of multiple contaminants in soil.Success of the new Game Changers project should deliver real-time results, helping Sellafield Ltd's land remediation team enhance productivity and significantly reduce operational costs.&nbsp;Fraunhofer CAP scientist David Stothard commented: “It is deeply pleasing to be able to develop new technology which will offer a potential step-change improvement in speed and capability to those charged with the crucial task of land remediation at the Sellafield site. Their expertise in materials analysis and handling, combined with the spectroscopic instrument and data processing capabilities of FCAP and the CeSIP group here at Strathclyde, represents the perfect focus for this project, and a clear operational benefit should it move forwards to deployment.”Paul Murray, Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde added: “This is an exciting project enabled by the Game Changers programme in which fundamental research, driven by industrial requirements for innovation, will be conducted between Fraunhofer and Strathclyde. Critically, the team will work in partnership with Sellafield Ltd staff to ensure the project outcomes have the maximum impact.”

Funding awarded to Fraunhofer and the University of Strathclyde to develop soil contamination detection technology

Collaboration sets sights on improved soil testing

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A new Game Changers project, based on a collaboration between Hybrid Instruments and Lancaster University, offers Sellafield Ltd the chance of meeting important statutory requirements more efficiently.Nuclear sites such as Sellafield are required periodically to measure waterborne tritium. Currently, this involves collecting and preparing groundwater samples and sending them off-site for third-party laboratory testing. This is a lengthy and costly process.Hybrid Instruments and Lancaster University’s collaboration has resulted in a prototype device, called TRIBECA, for the fast detection and measurement of waterborne tritium.&nbsp;It’s hoped this new technology will enable Sellafield Ltd to measure tritium in real time, on site, removing the need to send samples away for analysis.Using TRIBECA, Hybrid and Lancaster have shown they can measure tritium in groundwater samples under laboratory conditions. TRIBECA is based on a solid-state, scintillation detector which is fast and accurate. It provides precise measurement of waterborne tritium and is immune to other possible contaminants in the water.As well as supporting statutory reporting, in field, high frequency analysis may also help in improving Sellafield Ltd’s conceptual understanding of groundwater flow and how this may vary with time.&nbsp;This will support efforts to remediate the Sellafield site.The new Game Changers project will focus on showing the prototype complies with statutory user regulations and on developments needed to turn a laboratory demonstrator into a commercial system, useable on site by Sellafield Ltd.&nbsp;Opportunities to use the device in active trials are currently being explored and it is hoped that a deployable system may be available for use within two years.The developing technology could well prove useful on other nuclear sites where tritium groundwater measurement is also a statutory requirement.

Improvements in the detection and measurement of waterborne tritium are promised through a new Game Changers project based on a collaboration between Hybrid Instruments and Lancaster University

Game Changers is an innovation programme which finds solutions for complex nuclear industry challenges.We work with organisations of all sizes, across all sectors, to identify and develop the most promising technologies.

Game Changers is an innovation programme which finds solutions for complex nuclear industry challenges.

We work with organisations of all sizes, across all sectors, to identify and develop the most promising technologies.