GC Challenge Statement Magnox SL - Monitoring Waste Packages web.pdf

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A variety of container types are employed in waste packaging, and each has its particular constraints. It is therefore necessary to monitor the physical condition of the waste packages and the waste throughout the duration of their interim storage. This provides information regarding the integrity of the waste packages prior to their removal from the ISF.Both Magnox and Sellafield’s current monitoring arrangements are deemed suitable under current best practice. Both organisations are however keen to explore novel technologies and innovations that will:<ul><li>Indicate the condition of the waste package in the latter stages of its period of interim storage</li><li>Indicate the condition of the waste within the waste package</li><li>Reduce operator dose through remote means of monitoring</li><li>Enable the monitoring of aspects of waste package ageing that have been forecast, for which economic and practicable means for doing so have yet to be identified</li></ul>Accurately predicting the behaviour of waste and a waste package over a 100 year timeframe is obviously challenging. Some deterioration is to be expected, however techniques which offer some early indications of degradation or change would greatly increase regulator confidence. Such techniques may in future become routine depending on the ease of use, suitability of information provided and package ageing.Find out morePlease download a copy of the challenge statement for more details of this challenge.An interactive workshop will take place on Wednesday 22nd September at 10am where you'll have the opportunity to learn more about this challenge and to meet the challenge owners. Registration is <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/game-changers-webinar-monitoring-of-waste-packages-tickets-163611364997" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">now open on Eventbrite</a>.For more information about the funding available through Game Changers, please see our <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Game%20Changers%20FAQs%203.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">funding FAQs</a>.The closing date for applications is Wednesday 6th October 2021 at 12 noon.

Monitoring of waste packages

Magnox and Sellafield are both responsible for decommissioning nuclear sites which requires the disposal of radioactive wastes. These wastes will ultimately be disposed of in a Geological Disposal Facility, which is yet to be built. In the meantime, the waste is stored safely in what is commonly referred to as interim storage. This involves taking the wastes and storing or immobilizing them in containers. The waste and its container are referred to as a waste package. These waste packages may require interim storage for up to 100 years.The buildings where the waste packages are stored are known as Interim Storage Facilities (ISF). These are purpose built enclosures with a range of designs and layouts. Waste packages are stacked and accessed via an overhead crane with varying levels of access around each stack.

Sellafield Ltd and Magnox would like to explore novel technologies and innovations for long term monitoring of stored waste packages

ROV positioning challenge statement.pdf

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Both organisations have similar pond designs and are collaborating via the Game Changers process. 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 and DSRL are seeking a proof of concept capable of deployment as soon as practicably possible.<h3>Find out more</h3>An interactive workshop took place on 8 July. Watch the recording to hear more from the challenge owners.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/574039332/"></iframe> This challenge closes for applications at 12 noon on Friday 30th July.

ROV positioning in featureless pond environments

Challenge ROV positioning in ponds, nuclear

The Sellafield and Dounreay sites both contain ponds which have been used in cooling and storage of nuclear fuel rods as part of the decommissioning process. Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) are seeking improved and/or novel solutions to enable them to reliably and repeatedly position ROVs and associated characterisation equipment in a pond, without use of the stored inventory as a x/y coordination guide, to aid in retrieval of radioactive waste.These opportunities are highlighted in this Game Changers challenge statement. In addition to ROV positioning, DSRL would like to comprehensively characterise their pond structure and its contents over the next 3 – 5 years.

Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) are seeking improved and/or novel solutions to enable them to reliably and repeatedly position ROVs and associated characterisation equipment in a pond.

GC Challenge Statement - Leak Prevention 3.pdf

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<h3>Open call</h3>This call for innovation is open to applicants from any sector including industries such as oil and gas, mineral mining, chemicals and water.<h3>Challenge workshop</h3>Watch our workshop recording to learn more about this challenge, the Game Changers process and how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/556202707/"></iframe>

Leak prevention or minimisation

Leak prevention or minimisation challenge

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game changing solutions to prevent or minimise leaks from the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo (MSSS) Compartments 1 - 6.Current leak rates are circa 1.5 – 2.5 m3/d. It is desirable to reduce these as much as possible. At present, it is not possible to determine with certainty the precise location of the leak, or indeed the silo or silos (of the 6) that is leaking.Sellafield Ltd are seeking a proof of concept capable of deployment in a real environment as soon as practicably possible. Please download the challenge statement for a detailed explanation of the challenge aims and desired solutions.The closing date for this challenge is Friday 25th June 2021 at 13:00.

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game changing solutions to prevent or minimise leaks from the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo (MSSS) Compartments 1 - 6

GC Challenge Statement - Leaking crack identification 2.pdf

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<h3>Open call</h3>This call for innovation is open to applicants from any sector including industries such as oil and gas, mineral mining, chemicals, and water.Sellafield Ltd are seeking a proof of concept capable of deployment in a real environment as soon as practicably possible.Please download the challenge statement for a full explanation of challenge aims and solution requirements.<h3>Challenge workshop</h3>Watch our workshop recording to learn more about this challenge, the Game Changers process and how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/556202707/"></iframe>

Leaking crack identification, location and condition monitoring

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game changing solutions to identify leaks and cracks in ageing, liquor retaining structures.Sellafield Ltd has experience in managing and maintaining buildings and understands the durability of ageing structures. Known cracks are small and stable and therefore not a structural concern – this may be termed a “crack under control” and may only require monitoring and not repairing. However, some cracks have the potential to change over time and may leak as a result if they are through-thickness cracks.Current monitoring techniques detect movement and general condition of the structure but cannot detect and, importantly, identify the precise location of the cracks.The closing date for this challenge is Friday 25th June 2021 at 13:00.

Sellafield Ltd are seeking ideas, innovations and technologies that will deliver game changing solutions to identify leaks and cracks in ageing, liquor retaining structures

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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="https://www.gamechangers.technology/partners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">partner pages</a>.Information about the <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/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.

Challenge Statement - Treatment of nitrogen oxides.pdf

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The challengeWet scrubbing is currently used to manage NOx generated by fuel recycling in the UK. This technique predominantly uses water, weak nitric acid or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) caustic scrubbing. It is a well-established technique, but significant quantities of liquid effluent are generated. While effluents from water scrubbing can be partly reused as weak nitric acid solution, caustic effluents cannot be reused and the nitrate containing liquor is discharged to sea.Scrubbing performance on the UK’s most recent recycling plant meets regulatory requirements, but improvements are desired for future plants.NNL are seeking an alternative to wet scrubbing for the abatement of NOx to:<ul><li>Reduce the discharge of NOx</li><li>Reduce or eliminate the liquid effluent generated</li><li>Reduce or eliminate the discharge of nitrate compounds to sea</li></ul>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 NNL are seeking.Interactive workshopWatch our workshop recording to learn more about this challenge, the Game Changers process and how to apply<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/519902723/"></iframe>Please note that specific IP arrangements are in place for funding applications made to Game Changers for AFCP challenges. More information can be found in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Game%20Changers%20FAQs%203.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Funding FAQs document</a>.

Treatment of nitrogen oxides from nuclear fuel recycling off-gases

The Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP) is part of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s £505m Energy Innovation Programme. AFCP is led in partnership with the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) who are collaborating with leading industrial, academic and research institutions to investigate the role of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for a Net Zero greenhouse gas emission future.A central theme of AFCP is advanced recycling and sustainability. Sustainable fuel cycles must take into consideration atmospheric effects and technical options are being developed by NNL to minimise the environmental impact of advanced recycling.

Through the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP), NNL is seeking an alternative to wet scrubbing for the abatement of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from nuclear fuel recycling off-gases.

Challenge Statement - Shape sorting of coated particle fuel.pdf

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The challengeA novel solution is sought to the quality assurance processes that separate misshapen kernel and coated fuel particles from those that are perfectly spherical. The kernels are uranium dioxide and typically 500 μm in diameter, and the coated fuel particles have an approximate diameter of 1 mm. The key attributes of the solution will be the accuracy of the separation process and the throughput.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 NNL are seeking.Interactive workshopWatch our workshop recording to learn more about this challenge, the Game Changers process and how to apply<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/520958524/"></iframe> Please note that specific IP arrangements are in place for funding applications made to Game Changers for AFCP challenges. More information can be found in our <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Game%20Changers%20FAQs%203.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Funding FAQs document</a>.

Shape sorting of coated particle fuel

The Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP) is part of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s £505m Energy Innovation Programme. AFCP is led in partnership with the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) who are collaborating with leading industrial, academic and research institutions to investigate the role of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for a Net Zero greenhouse gas emission future.Coated particle fuels are a potential advanced fuel technology consisting of a fuel kernel encapsulated within multiple layers of ceramic, typically silicon carbide and pyrolytic carbon.

Through the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme, NNL are seeking a novel solution for the quality assurance processes that separate misshapen kernel and coated fuel particles from those that are perfectly spherical.

Challenge statement - Controlling oxygen and moisture levels in salts.pdf

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The challengeIt is imperative for the success of pyrochemical processing that oxygen and moisture levels in the system are tightly controlled. The ability to maintain low oxygen and moisture content during pyrochemical processing would be game-changing for both the choice of construction material for vessels and for process control.The aim of this challenge is to identify and implement a novel, or pre-existing, method to control levels of oxygen and water during pyrochemical processing. Achieving this aim would reduce construction costs, improve operability and increase plant life expectancy, thereby reducing operator exposure to radiation and environmental impact.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 NNL are seeking.Interactive workshopWatch our workshop recording to learn more about this challenge, the Game Changers process and how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/520984500/"></iframe> Please note that specific IP arrangements are in place for funding applications made to Game Changers for AFCP challenges. More information can be found in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Game%20Changers%20FAQs%203.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Funding FAQs document</a>.

Controlling oxygen and moisture levels in salts

The Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP) is part of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy’s £505m Energy Innovation Programme. AFCP is led in partnership with the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) who are collaborating with leading industrial, academic and research institutions to investigate the role of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for a Net Zero greenhouse gas emission future.Through AFCP, NNL is developing a technology for the recycling and refining of nuclear fuels based on pyrochemical processing. This approach has benefits that make it an important candidate for the recycling of nuclear fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors.

Through the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme, NNL is seeking to identify and implement a novel or pre-existing method to control levels of oxygen and water during pyrochemical processing.

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

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If you missed this month's Technology Talks you can catch up by watching the recording below.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/534376788/"></iframe>From oil well plugs to nuclear seals: successful technology transfer through Game ChangersProfessor Bob Eden, Rawwater Engineering Company LtdAging facilities require unique solutions for life extension and repair. Rawwater’s Molten Metal Manipulation (M3) technology for the nuclear industry can seal large openings or fill micron-sized cracks or pores, preventing fluid leakage.Key unique aspects when compared to other repair technology include reversibility, reapplication and zero curing time. M3 alloys are deployed using kinetic spray techniques or by pressure displacement – technology in development and testing.In this talk, Bob explained the journey Rawwater have embarked upon from their oil and gas heritage, through the Game Changers programme, to an ongoing nuclear offering and beyond.Commercialising Game Changers technology: introducing our Innovation ForumDr Stuart Brown, FIS360 LtdA new initiative is being developed to support the scaling and commercialisation of Game Changers technology. The Game Changers Innovation Forum will provide an opportunity to create connections between organisations receiving funding through the Game Changers process, and the rest of the nuclear supply chain.In this talk, Stuart described how the forum will facilitate commercial relationship development between Game Changers project partners and large supply chain companies, Site Licence Companies, other global nuclear operators and with Game Changers alumni. He also highlighted opportunities for involvement.

An introduction to the new Game Changers Innovation Forum and a successful technology transfer journey from the oil and gas sector to nuclear innovation featured in this month's talksRecording available

March Technology Talk webinar

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If you missed this month's Technology Talks you can catch up by watching the recording below.Sarah Bugby from Loughborough University described 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 her talk, Sarah discussed 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.Habiba Lais from the Brunel Innovation Centre presented an alternative technique to mobilise adhered solids using a non-invasive in-situ ultrasonic cleaning device for pipeline blockage breakdown. Habiba described 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;Watch the talks now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/509412657/"></iframe>

January's talks featured real-time scanning combining optical and high spatial resolution gamma imaging and mobilising adhered solids using a non-invasive in-situ ultrasonic cleaning device. Recording available

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

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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.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

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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

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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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In the second of our new profile features, looking at the people behind Game Changers projects, we turn the spotlight onto Dr David Stothard

Game Changers leading light

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Game Changers underline the power of partnership in the latest National Nuclear Laboratory’s (NNL) <a href="https://nnl.foleon.com/nnl-strategic-report/nnl-strategic-report/cover/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strategic Plan</a>, which has the theme “Nuclear Science to Benefit Society”.NNL is the UK’s national laboratory for nuclear fission. Its recently published Strategic Plan 2021 – This is NNL – focuses on four strategic areas: clean energy; health and nuclear medicine; environmental restoration; security and non-proliferation. It outlines a programme of work designed to help the UK meet net zero targets by 2050 and deliver on the government’s agenda to make the UK a science superpower.Throughout the strategy, it’s clear NNL sees appropriate, quality partnerships as essential to help them deliver their targets and the Game Changers contribution to that end is recognised at several points in the plan.Part of the Environmental Restoration section deals with the introduction of new technologies, skills and facilities and examples of innovation through collaboration include Game Changers. It says the programme “has successfully incentivised over 100 other organisations, ranging from universities to pioneering Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the supply chain to find ways to overcome some of the most complex challenges in the nuclear industry.”It further highlights a successful Game Changers project with Resolve Robotics, a Cumbrian SME. Funding was awarded to support the development of Resolve Robotics’ CellRail – a versatile and modular robotic deployment system which will make it safer, easier and cheaper to carry out inspection and intervention processes in nuclear cells.Andrew Ludar-Smith, Resolve Robotics’ Technical Director, said: “Our relationship with Game Changers and ability to work with NNL has had a significant impact on our business, lending us credibility within the UK nuclear sector and the confidence to expand our market reach.” He added that since being involved with Game Changers, the Resolve Robotics workforce had increased from one to nine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the strategy’s section on Quality Partnerships with Customers and Suppliers, NNL speaks of their lifetime collaboration with Sellafield. And under the umbrella of collaboration and partnership, the Game Changers programme is cited as a benefit of the one-team approach.Duncan Steel, former Chief Technology Officer at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Having a long-term partnership set up with NNL means a long-term commitment to jobs, skills and capabilities, ensuring that the UK is ‘match fit’ for the ongoing environmental restoration work we need to achieve our purpose of creating a clean and safe environment for future generations. Programmes like ARC and Game Changers are just two examples of the added benefits this one-team approach can bring for the UK nuclear sector and supply chain.”And it is partnership that is again key in the final section of the strategy – Driving Innovation Through Partnership. Here the plan talks about the importance of strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors for the translation of nuclear science potential into viable technologies and transferable knowledge.Game Changers work with Cheshire-based SME Rawwater illustrates the importance of translating technology from other sectors. The Game Changers programme, described in the plan as “a partnership in itself between NNL, Sellafield Ltd and FIS360”, introduced Rawwater to the nuclear sector.It has provided Rawwater the opportunity to adapt its Molten Metal Manipulation (M3) leak-sealing capabilities for nuclear decommissioning activities and is developing three new emerging technologies to further improve decommissioning – sealing around pipes and flanges, manually spraying alloy seals and remotely spraying alloy seals.“We’re delighted that, through our Game Changers partnership, we have been able to contribute to NNL’s strategy, designed, as the strategy states, to unleash innovation across the whole of the UK’s nuclear sector,” said Dr Frank Allison, Director FIS360.&nbsp;

Game Changers underline the power of partnership in the latest National Nuclear Laboratory’s (NNL) Strategic Plan

Game Changers add value to NNL strategy

The latest announcement of successful challenge applicants sets the seal on the new partnership between Game Changers and the <a href="https://afcp.nnl.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme</a> (AFCP).Game Changers launched three challenges on behalf of AFCP and of the 11 high quality applications received, five have been awarded funding to complete feasibility studies.AFCP is part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) £505m Energy Innovation Programme, investigating the role of advanced nuclear fuels and fuel cycles for a Net Zero future. Pioneering a collaborative approach to innovation, AFCP is led in partnership by BEIS and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL).&nbsp;It unites NNL’s nuclear infrastructure with the capability of more than 100 organisations from more than 10 countries.The AFCP challenges launched by Game Changers were:<ul><li>Shape sorting of coated particle fuel: supporting the development of nuclear fuels of the future</li><li>Treatment of nitrogen oxides from nuclear fuel recycling off-gases: minimising the environmental impact of advanced recycling while ensuring industry effectively meets regulatory standards</li><li>Controlling oxygen and moisture levels in salts during pyrochemical processing: refining the chemical and physical processes utilised to transform used nuclear reactor material into new fuel</li></ul>The two successful applications for the shape sorting of coated particle fuel challenge were from the University of Sheffield and Capgemini. The three organisations awarded funding in the treatment of nitrogen oxides challenge are Edwards Ltd, the York Plasma Institute based at York University and American based Aqua Metrology Systems. A number of interesting applications were received in response to the controlling oxygen and moisture in salts challenge, but none have been funded at this time.Josephine Tunney, Game Changers Programme Manager said “We’ve really enjoyed working on these diverse conceptual Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme challenges. The tried and tested Game Changers process has yet again proved to be effective.”Feasibility studies are expected to be completed by July.&nbsp;Outputs will include detailed plans for Proof of Concept projects which will build on the feasibility study results.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest announcement of successful challenge applicants sets the seal on the new partnership between Game Changers and the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP)

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.