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 took place on 8th December 2020. A recording of this session is available to watch where you can hear from some of the challenge owners.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/490744550/"></iframe>You might also be interested in recordings of separate Sellafield and Dounreay Q &amp; A sessions.Sellafield:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/490881187/"></iframe>Dounreay:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/490899560/"></iframe>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

Challenge deadline 12 noon, 7th January 2021Across 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;took place on 9th December 2020. You can watch the recording below to learn more about the challenge, hear from some of the challenge owners and listen to a Q &amp; A session.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/490728407/"></iframe>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

Challenge deadline 12 noon, 7th January 2021Nuclear 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.

Characterisation and Monitoring Challenge Statement.pdf

Sellafield Ltd would like to explore new game changing technologies and techniques which could help develop a deeper understanding of groundwater hydrology, water flow and surface and sub-surface contamination.The application deadline for this challenge has now passed

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Challenge aimsSellafield would like to explore techniques and technologies which may deliver significant improvements over the current practices employed. Applications are invited for technological solutions to meet part or all of this challenge, which may be broken down into the following categories: 1. Deployment of equipment to support data gathering – what techniques could be used to support data gathering to: <ul><li>a. Increase the number of areas data can be collected from </li><li>b. Obtain data without the need for groundworks </li><li>c. Obtain data through novel instrumentation on drilling rigs </li></ul>2. Gathering and analysing new data – how can Sellafield improve the quality of data through the use of alternative sensing, measurement, recording or analysis techniques? <ul><li>a. Increase the quantity of collected data </li><li>b. Modelling of complex and interacting groundwater flow fields </li><li>c. Perform real-time remote analysis and characterisation including of radionuclides </li></ul>3. Data cleaning and analysis of existing datasets – how can better information be extracted from existing datasets? <ul><li>a. Obtain new insights into existing datasets e.g. using data mining techniques</li></ul>Please download the challenge statement&nbsp;for a full description of the challenge aims, current practice and the solutions Sellafield are seeking.

Characterisation and monitoring using in-ground assets

Sellafield Ltd would like to explore new game changing technologies and techniques which could help develop a deeper understanding of groundwater hydrology, water flow and surface and sub-surface contamination to create a 3D picture of sub-surface heterogeneity within MSSS and the wider Sellafield site.This call for innovation is open to applicants from any sector including industries such as oil and gad, mineral mining, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and water. Sellafield are seeking a proof of concept project which could be deployed in a real environment as soon as is practicably possible.

Sellafield Ltd would like to explore new game changing technologies and techniques which could help develop a deeper understanding of groundwater hydrology, water flow and surface and sub-surface contamination

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.

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Game Changers Technology Talks are are aimed at anyone who is interested in technical innovation in the nuclear industry, learning about cutting-edge research developments and understanding how the Game Changers programme helps solve challenges which can’t be met with off the shelf solutions.<a href="https://bit.ly/3nh1moC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Register on Eventbrite</a> to join this month's webinar.﻿<ul><li>Sarah Bugby from Loughborough University will describe the Gamma Optical Video Imaging (GOVI) system. Originally developed for nuclear medicine, GOVI combines optical and high spatial resolution gamma imaging to produce a real-time display of the area being scanned. The system can provide the operator with an image showing the location, size, shape and relative activity of gamma emitting materials – with a camera head small enough to be posted through a 6-inch glovebox port. Due to the design of the camera, this can be done in real time without the need for post-processing – this means the camera can operate in video mode, constantly updating the images as the camera is moved. In this talk, Sarah will discuss the technology behind the GOVI system, results from initial testing, and recent developments in building a system suitable for an on-site demo for POCO.</li></ul> <ul><li>Habiba Lais from the Brunel Innovation Centre will present an alternative technique to mobilise adhered solids using a non-invasive in-situ ultrasonic cleaning device for pipeline blockage breakdown. Habiba will describe the novel approach to dislodging blockages by designing an array of externally attached high power ultrasonic transducers to generate acoustic cavitation. To assist with mobilisation of the material, optimisation of the ultrasonic wave propagation has been demonstrated in laboratory investigations across different lengths of blockages.&nbsp;</li></ul>

This month's talks will feature real-time scanning combining optical and high spatial resolution gamma imaging and mobilising adhered solids using a non-invasive in-situ ultrasonic cleaning device

January technology talk webinar

Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are seeking novel solutions or improvements to existing processes to remove concrete floors and walls from contaminated pondsA recording of a workshop describing this challenge in detail which took place on 8th December 2020 is available via the <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/5fac456bca1252239a1a6c9c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">removing contaminated concrete challenge page</a>.

Learn about this exciting Sellafield and Dounreay opportunity to remove contaminated concrete from the walls and floors of pondsRecording available

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.A recording of the interactive workshop which took place on 9th December describing the challenge in more detail is now available to watch via the <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/5fac4315ca1252239a1a6c9b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">detecting organics challenge page</a>.

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

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

Game Changers' expanding range of activities has been extended to challenges issued on behalf of the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), including one to support the European Space Agency's moon space probe programme.The first three challenges were launched via webinars attended by 70 delegates, resulting in 21 applications. From these, six successful projects have been announced and will receive feasibility funding from Game Changers.The three challenges focus on solvent cleaning, manipulating americium in a glovebox and the development of a fuel pin remote sampling tool.The americium challenge seeks an innovative solution to facilitate americium oxide powder handling for the production of space probe batteries.&nbsp;Powder will be handled in a new facility in NNL's central laboratory and the primary challenge objective is to minimise contact dose for operators transferring solids to a suitable container for decomposition&nbsp;in a furnace within a glovebox. The NNL process developed for the European Space Agency will provide power in either heat or electricity in "americium batteries".Novel methods are needed for solvent cleaning whereby NNL can extend the operational life of solvents and extractants used in nuclear reprocessing to recover valuable, reusable plutonium and uranium from spent nuclear fuel. NNL is looking for alternative safe and efficient solvent cleaning methods without generating significant extra waste.The third challenge - development of a fuel pin remote sampling tool - requires an innovative sampling tool to collect carbonaceous deposits from the cladding of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fuel pins in cooling ponds. Deposits on AGR fuel pins affect efficient operation of fuel in nuclear reactors and sampling can provide assurance that fuel conditions remain within expectations for reactor operations.Successful projects that will receive Game Changers funding are being developed by five organisations. Two of the five have scored Game Changer hat tricks. Eadon Consulting of Sheffield previously achieved success for waste container development and REACH (remote access to cells) and will now work on the fuel pin remote sampling tool. Cumbria-based Resolve Robotics, previously funded to develop remote access solutions, will also now work on the remote sampling tool as well as the americium challenge.Beardsell and Sons of Cumbria have been awarded funding for their fuel pin remote sampling tool proposal. The University of Manchester was successful in the solvent cleaning challenge and the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre will receive funding for their americium project.Feasibility study results are expected from all the organisations by mid-March.

Five applicants awarded funding to address NNL challenges

Game Changers announce NNL challenge awards

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Expert electrical engineers Sensor Driven are building on earlier Game Changers success to help Sellafield Ltd overcome the challenge of monitoring product container cans in long-term storage.With the backing of Game Changers funding, Sensor Driven proved that sensor components developed to dramatically extend battery life can withstand radiation. They will now create a fully functioning prototype of a remote sensor system to help Sellafield Ltd monitor the condition of product container cans in long-term storage.Sensor Driven sensor components not only tolerate radiation but they can also detect changes rapidly. They will be capable of functioning for decades without battery replacement meaning they could also be used in new ways and other applications, such as embedding them in equipment and infrastructure during manufacture.The longevity of sensors without battery replacement is critical when monitoring in areas with problematic access, and especially those in harsh environments."We're delighted to have the opportunity to develop our initial Game Changers project to demonstrate its further considerable potential, by proving that our technology works remotely in radiative areas" said Bernard Stark, Director of Sensor Driven. Simon Malone, Sellafield Ltd Central Technical R &amp; D said: “This is a genuinely exciting project which builds on previous work with Sensor Driven. I’m really looking forward to seeing the prototype which will be delivered and taking the next step towards deploying a remote sensor system.”&nbsp;

Remote sensor system being developed by Sensor Driven to help monitor product container cans

Sensor Driven prototype to help solve Sellafield storage challenge

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The Game Changers programme is expanding as Dounreay joins Sellafield Ltd in their quest for innovative solutions to decommissioning challenges.Dounreay, Scotland's largest decommissioning project, is internationally recognised as one of the most complex nuclear site closure schemes. Two new challenges mark the Game Changers partnership. One seeks improved technology for the removal of contaminated concrete from walls and floors of ponds. The other aims to improve organic residue detection in pipes and vessels.The challenges are open to any organisation, of any size, from any sector that believes they may have technology that could prove useful.Both Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay are part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate and, as such, shared goals and common experiences will add up to economies of scale and value for money to the taxpayer through Game Changers."Dounreay and Sellafield share similar decommissioning challenges, dating from their common historic origins. Joining forces to solve them makes perfect sense for the sites, the NDA and the taxpayer" said Gordon Tait, Dounreay’s Deputy Head of Fuel Cycle Area.Katherine Eilbeck, Sellafield Ltd’s Head of Research and Development added: “It’s fantastic to see the hard work from the technical teams of both sites pay-off in the publication of these joint challenge statements.&nbsp;We always get a really good response from the supply chain from our Game Changers challenges and I’m looking forward to seeing the response we get to this call for innovation.’

Dounreay joins Sellafield in their quest for innovation decommissioning solutions

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.