Long term monitoring of air ducts.pdf

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Challenge aimsSellafield are seeking remote monitoring solutions which will enable them to detect any change, or potential for change, in the condition of the inside of the galvanised mild steel ducts.&nbsp;Solutions must have a long lifespan (a minimum of 20 years) and be capable of communicating data to a central receiver.&nbsp;The data received from each sensor must be combined and displayed on an interface which can be easily interpreted by operators.&nbsp;Solutions must be capable of providing inspection data to sub-metre resolution.&nbsp;Find out morePlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.You can also watch a webinar and Q &amp; A session with the challenge owner for more information and details of how to apply.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/722557897/"></iframe>The application deadline for this challenge is&nbsp;15 July 2022 at 12:00.

Long term monitoring of air ducts

There are a number of stores on the Sellafield site which contain Special Nuclear Material (SNM) packages.&nbsp;Each of the packages contains materials that are the result of nuclear reprocessing activities over the past 60 years.The packages are in long term storage in concrete cells. The environment within the stores is carefully controlled and the buildings are equipped with ventilation systems which provide a cooling system and a secondary containment barrier through a series of HEPA filters.&nbsp;Primary containment is provided by the main structure of the stores.&nbsp;Sellafield Ltd would like to explore long-term sensor solutions which will allow them to remotely monitor the condition of the inside of the ducts in the storage facilities.&nbsp;Techniques which offer early indications of duct degradation or corrosion are of interest

Sellafield Ltd would like to explore long-term sensor solutions which will allow them to remotely monitor the condition of the inside of air ducts in storage facilities. Techniques which offer early indications of duct degradation or corrosion are of interest

Game Changers challenge - Post Operational Clean Out.pdf

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Find out morePlease download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.Additional background information on <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/researchArea/5f889a0acb721f4107598b09" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">POCO at Sellafield</a> is also available.The application deadline for this challenge is&nbsp;18 February 2022 at 13:00.

Post Operational Clean Out (POCO)

POCO is a phase in a plant's lifecycle after operations have been completed where the radiological and chemotoxic hazards in the facility are reduced to a level which will enable the plant to undergo surveillance and maintenance and make the decommissioning process safer, faster, and cheaper.To support POCO, Sellafield and Ltd and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd would like to explore innovative:<ul><li>Access, deployment, and navigation techniques to remotely deploy tools for characterisation and decontamination</li><li>In-situ chemical and physical characterisation</li><li>Collection, interpretation and modelling of real time data</li><li>The use of chemical and physical methods to mobilise contamination</li><li>Decontamination of concrete</li><li>In-situ storage and immobilisation applications</li></ul>

Sellafield Ltd and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd are looking for innovative technologies to support Post Operational Clean Out.Techniques to enable the reclassification of waste, approaches to effectively remove hazardous material from cells or process equipment and methods to enable the deployment of tools in hard to access areas are desired

CS - Waste Encap Alts - FINAL WEB.pdf

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<h3>Find out more</h3>Please download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity.We hosted a webinar on 18th January 2022 which included Q&amp;A with challenge owners. <a href="https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/667763791" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">View the recording here.</a>The application deadline for this challenge is 31 January 2022 at 12 noon.

Alternative materials for encapsulation of nuclear waste in a net zero world

Challenge seeking alternative nuclear waste encapsulation materials

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking game changing encapsulation solutions that are more fitting for a future Net Zero world.&nbsp;Cement based materials are used extensively for&nbsp;the encapsulation of a wide variety of low and&nbsp;intermediate level radioactive wastes. However&nbsp;lower alkalinity alternatives are being explored to&nbsp;reduce corrosion of encapsulated metals. These&nbsp;alternatives also offer environmental benefits&nbsp;due to their lower carbon footprint. Additionally,&nbsp;alternatives are being sought to ensure security of supply. Current cement-based systems require&nbsp;considerable energy to produce and release&nbsp;CO2 in their production. In light of the UK Net&nbsp;Zero 2030 targets, there is a requirement to be&nbsp;even more ambitious. This challenge seeks novel solutions to more sustainable materials.

NNL are seeking alternatives to cement-based solutions for use in nuclear waste encapsulation, which are more fitting for a future net-zero world

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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.

Game Changers challenge - Production of thin film targets.pdf

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One of the variables in a neutron irradiation experiments is the targets required. That is, more specifically, the target which the generated neutrons interact with to produce a changed material. The proposed STELLAR system at Central Laboratory is intended to have a range of flexible applications that would require the synthesis of a diverse range of target materials, including the production of novel radionuclides for the improvement of radiation based medical treatments.NNL would therefore like to explore reproducible methods of producing thin films. These methods could potentially already be in use in different industries and could be adapted for nuclear use. Of particular interest are the ability to predict the formation of material in the thin-film and the ability to thoroughly clean production equipment when it is being used with different materials or on different runs.<h3>Find out more</h3>Please download the challenge statement for full details of this challenge. You can also watch a webinar recording to hear additional information from the challenge owner, details of how to apply and a Q &amp; A session:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/646210814/"></iframe>Proposals must be submitted using the Game Changers online application system.&nbsp;The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 25th November 2021.

Flexible method of production for thin film targets used in nuclear physics and nuclear medicine experiments

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are inviting proposals to explore innovative processes or methods to put down thin, metal-based films onto a low atomic mass backing material in a flexible and reproducible manner. These thin films are to be used in a particle accelerator to help study fundamental nuclear physics and to identify and produce novel radioisotopes for research and use in the medical field.STELLAR is the name given to an ambitious NNL-led project to provide neutron irradiation facilities in the North West of England. Located at NNL’s Central Laboratory, STELLAR will define the requirements and establish a route to providing a unique UK and international capability for access to a high energy, high-flux neutron source.

The National Nuclear Laboratory are inviting proposals to explore innovative processes or methods to put down thin, metal-based films onto a low atomic mass backing material in a flexible and reproducible manner

Game Changers challenge - thermochemical hydrogen production.pdf

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Additionally, technology associated with thermochemical cycles could be coupled to other heat sources including, for example concentrated solar systems. However, there are currently no industrial solutions utilising this technology and both technical and commercial barriers remain. These need to be overcome to enable informed technology, investment and policy decision making which could assist in moving the technology towards commercialisation.The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are interested in innovations that draw on any and all relevant UK and international capability including technology transfer opportunities from any relevant sector such as bulk chemical manufacture, power generation, catalysis and control / safety systems. NNL are interested in working with partners over the long-term to help develop solutions that could expedite demonstration of hydrogen generation at pilot scale and beyond.<h3>Find out more</h3>Please download a copy of the challenge statement for more details of this challenge.You can also watch a briefing webinar to hear the challenge owners describe this opportunity in detail and to listen to Q &amp; A.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/642640362/"></iframe> Proposals must be submitted using the Game Changers online application system.&nbsp;The deadline for applications is 12 noon on&nbsp;Thursday 18th November 2021.

Technologies to scale thermochemical methods of hydrogen production

When partnered with a high temperature heat source, thermochemical (with purely heat input) and electro-thermochemical (where at least one process step could be electrochemically driven) hydrogen production from water has potential cost and efficiency benefits compared to hydrocarbon based or solely electrochemical hydrogen production methods (i.e. electrolysis).The nuclear industry has been at the forefront of this pioneering technological development worldwide as the technology is compatible with the high heat output of certain reactor types that could lead to reduced cost of hydrogen.

The National Nuclear Laboratory are looking for innovations that could overcome the barriers to scaling commercial deployment of thermochemical methods of hydrogen production from water

Game Changers challenge statement - Detecting alpha radiation.pdf

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The primary aims of this challenge are:• Detection of alpha radiation from contaminated surfaces under daylight illumination conditions from a distance of 2 metres or greater• Precise identification of the location of areas of alpha contamination above 50 kBq per m2Although not a primary aim of this challenge, it would be beneficial to be able to:• Quantify the level of alpha activity on a surface• Be able to identify (‘finger-print’) the source material<h3>Find out more</h3>Please download a copy of the challenge statement for more details of this challenge.You can also watch a recording of a challenge webinar where you can hear the challenge owners describe this opportunity in detail and listen to Q &amp; A:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/642633637/"></iframe> Proposals must be submitted using the Game Changers online application system.&nbsp;The deadline for applications is 12 noon on&nbsp;Thursday 18th November 2021.

Stand-off alpha radiation detection under daylight conditions

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are seeking game changing solutions that could enable the remote (e.g. several metres distant) detection and identification of radiologically hazardous sources of alpha radiation and provide an accurate assessment of their location. As a time critical component of emergency responses, there is a need to more accurately and rapidly map radiological contamination. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hand-held alpha radiation monitoring equipment requires close proximity sweeps of the surfaces of potential source materials. This is time consuming, labour intensive and may not even be possible in some situations due to safety restrictions. Novel systems are sought that can operate from a distance of up to several metres under a range of illuminated conditions, including daylight.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are seeking game changing solutions that could enable the remote detection and identification of radiologically hazardous sources of alpha radiation

Game Changers ANSIC Challenge Statement - digital technologies.pdf

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<ul><li>Digital twins and smart sensor networks: specifically, application within a nuclear environment, role with project delivery and quality assurance, asset management maintenance and operability, standards for sharing of digital information, off-site modular manufacture, and digitalisation of design-build-operate</li><li>Collaboration and security of digital assets: specifically, secure sharing of information, collaboration involving sensitive data sharing.&nbsp;Establishing a common cross industry approach to digitisation and an exploration of blockchain and cybersecurity technologies to support the establishment of a collaborative cross-industry digital ecosystem</li><li>Cloud technologies and large-scale computing: specifically nationally significant digital infrastructure to support new nuclear build</li><li>Artificial intelligence and high-fidelity computer simulation: specifically, application of AI to nuclear safety and operations, uncertainty in numerical simulation, credibility of computer models with key stakeholders including owner operators and nuclear regulators</li></ul><h3>Find out more</h3>This funding call is part of a short pilot of the Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus (ANSIC), delivered by NNL on behalf of BEIS, and will provide feasibility grants of up to £25k per project.A challenge briefing webinar took place on 21st October 2021. Catch up on the recording here: <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/638120476/"></iframe>

Digital technologies to  support development, deployment,  operation and decommissioning of  Advanced Nuclear Technologies

<h3>Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus call for proposals</h3>On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Game Changers are seeking innovative approaches to overcome barriers to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the nuclear sector.&nbsp;It is recognised that digital integration, and the technology drivers behind Industry 4.0 have so far had limited traction in the nuclear industry, whilst having revolutionised other sectors.&nbsp;We would welcome proposals that will help the nuclear industry learn adopt technologies including but not limited to the following topics:

On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Game Changers are seeking innovative approaches to overcome barriers to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the nuclear sector

Game Changers challenge - advancing heat exchangers 2.pdf

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On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Game Changers are inviting proposals for innovative ideas which could advance technology for extracting and managing the heat from ANTs.&nbsp;This includes developing a better understanding of the requirements placed on such systems by energy conversion systems and reactors.&nbsp;Applications are therefore welcome that cover systems such as:<ul><li>Heat exchangers (e.g. ceramic boilers for high temperature applications, their materials and layout)</li><li>Manifolds capable of diverting the heat from the same reactor to various different energy conversion or use systems (e.g. materials, control systems, safety aspects)</li><li>Energy conversion systems in terms of the requirements that they place on any element of the heat transfer or management systems (e.g. the requirements from electrolysers or the intended industrial process end use</li><li>The requirements advanced reactors could place on heat transfer and management systems due to operation at elevated temperatures and pressures and the use of novel cooling fluids and/or fuel&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Find out more</h3>This funding call is part of a short pilot of the Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus (ANSIC), delivered by NNL on behalf of BEIS, and will provide feasibility grants of up to £25k per project.Please download the challenge statement for a full description of this challenge. Further information is also available via a recording of the challenge webinar:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/636043903/"></iframe>

Advancing heat exchangers, energy management and conversion systems for advanced nuclear technologies

<h3>Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus call for proposals</h3>The drive to achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 requires us to re-consider how we apply all our low carbon energy sources to enable deep decarbonisation of all energy end-use applications including home heating, shipping, land transport, aviation, agriculture and industry.Advanced nuclear technologies (ANTs), covering both Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), have the potential to support decarbonisation in a wide variety of ways. This is beyond the decarbonisation opportunity represented by the conventional use of nuclear reactors, which in the UK operating fleet has been limited to electrical output.&nbsp;To be successful in the broader application of ANTs, there is a need for novel ways of extracting and managing the heat they produce for subsequent use in energy conversion systems.&nbsp;

Proposals are invited for innovative ideas which could advance technology for extracting and managing the heat from Small and Advanced Modular Reactors

Game Changers Challenge Statement - Materials Irradiation.pdf

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On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Game Changers are inviting proposals for innovative technologies that will enable the controlled irradiation of material specimens in nuclear reactors which are being simultaneously used for power generation. Solutions should take into consideration safe and secure integration into a range of advanced nuclear reactor designs, with regard for factors such as: how to introduce material into the reactor, control irradiation, remove material and extract samples.&nbsp;Subsequent sample preparation for transportation should be assumed to be undertaken in facilities located at or close to the reactor within appropriate timeframes.These secondary target irradiation activities must not affect long-term continuous reactor operation.<h3>Find out more</h3>This funding call is part of a short pilot of the Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus (ANSIC), delivered by NNL on behalf of BEIS, and will provide feasibility grants of up to £25k per project.Please download the challenge statement for a full description of the aims of this challenge.You can also watch a recording of a challenge webinar to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply for funding:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/638560177/"></iframe>

Irradiation of materials specimens in advanced nuclear reactors

Innovative technologies to enable the controlled irradiation of materials specimens

<h3>Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus call for proposals</h3>The design and development of advanced nuclear reactors offers a unique opportunity to develop technologies that can harness some of the energy produced to be used for irradiation of material specimens, without affecting primary reactor operations for power generation. This may include, but is not limited to, targets and specimens for irradiation research, medical isotope production, materials development, and materials processing and recycling.

Exploring innovative technologies that will enable the controlled irradiation of material specimens in nuclear reactors which are simultaneously being used for power generation

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About this event&nbsp;Join us to connect with the robotics and AI community, learn about the latest advancements in the sector and hear from inspirational keynote speakers from diverse industries. Through engaging discussions and hands-on insights, we will highlight how far we have come, the current challenges we are facing, and where we want to go as a community to make technology better for a safer world.&nbsp;&nbsp;What to expect:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Engaging workshops to launch new robotics and AI Game Changers challenges&nbsp;</li><li>Stimulating panel discussions with leaders in the robotics and AI field&nbsp;</li><li>Inspirational exhibits&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>A very special announcement from Sellafield Ltd&nbsp;</li></ul>And of course, the chance to network with local and national businesses as well as academics working on new and novel solutions for robotics and AI in extreme environments.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Robotics%20and%20AI%20agenda.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Event programme</a>The event is likely to be oversubscribed and places are strictly limited so make sure you <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/robotics-ai-for-extreme-environments-tickets-374236701047" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SIGN UP</a> to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!&nbsp;

Bringing together businesses, engineers and academics focussed on the development of robotics and AI solutions, the event will encourage cross-sector collaborations and stimulate ideas and future innovation

Robotics and AI for extreme environments

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Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th JulyNewcastle Race Course, Gosforth, Newcastle upon TyneUnderstanding and proactively managing asset health in the water and nuclear industries is becoming increasingly important. Assets are ageing, demands are increasing and the pressure to keep customer costs low can take away focus on long term industry planning.Join us on this asset health sprint with colleagues from the water and nuclear sectors where we will combine our knowledge on the here and now, and build on this to develop solutions for the future.<a href="https://www.innovationfestival.org/the-festival/sprints/Jacobs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">REGISTER NOW</a>We'll be focussing on three different topics over the course of the event. You can join us for just one, or all three.Interested organisations will be invited to pitch their ideas at the end of each day. The best ideas will be put forward for Game Changers and Northumbrian Water funding consideration.Day 1, 12 JulyMEASUREMENT AND MONITORING OF ASSET HEALTHHow do we measure and monitor the health of our long life (environmental), medium life (civil structures and pipes) and short life (mechanical and electrical) assets? How do we do this in best value way? How do we take a holistic system view?Day 2, 13 JulyPREDICTING AND FORECASTING FUTURE ASSET HEALTHHow might we predict (shorter term) and forecast (longer term) the future health of our assets to aid decision making? What interventions should we make and when is the best time to make these? How do we take a holistic system view?Day 3, 14 JulyCOMMUNICATING INSIGHTS OF CURRENT AND FUTURE ASSET HEALTHHow can we create a picture of asset health across the system which is useful for all stakeholders including operators, planners, the board, customers and regulators?

We are delighted to be working with Northumbrian Water in conjunction with Jacobs to launch an&nbsp;asset health sprint&nbsp;at the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival.Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th JulyNewcastle Race Course, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne

Asset health sprint with Northumbrian Water

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If you missed this webinar you can catch up by watching the recording below.Remote access in hazardous environments - James Hill, Eadon ConsultingREACH is a high payload capacity, modular system for long-range mapping, data collection and tool deployment in hazardous environments. Offering a reusable and configurable toolkit that can be adapted to suit different instruments, tools and environments. REACH improves efficiency and safety whilst reducing deployment preparation time and cost.Remote scabbling technology for the decommissioning of legacy ponds - Colin Bickersteth, Barrnon Barrnon’s remote scabbling technology has been developed through Game Changers with the aim of allowing the efficient remote decommissioning of legacy ponds at nuclear sites such as Dounreay and Sellafield. The concrete removal head allows the dry retrieval of 50mm depth contaminated concrete from walls or floors in a single pass. It also fully suppresses dust and retrieves the waste via a vacuum to a collection drum. The cutting head is deployed via a hydraulic ROV meaning that it removes operatives from the radioactive work area.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/726768229/"></iframe>

Details of the latest Game Changers Technology Talks session

This month's talks featured a high payload capacity, modular access system for hazardous environments and remote concrete scabbling technologyRecording available

Lunchtime Technology Talk webinar

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Join us for ice-cream and innovation at the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven. Create new connections and learn about cutting edge technology, as well as complex challenges within nuclear. The event will include demos and exhibitions, lightning talks and bookable meeting slots.<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Final%20programme%202.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">View event programme</a>.Registration is via Eventbrite <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/230219240947" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sign up here.</a>

Join us for ice-cream and innovation at the Rosehill Theatre. An event for challenge owners and innovators to spark new ideas and collaborations.

Game Changers Innovation Festival

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Game Changers Technology Talks 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.This month's webinar featured:Rob Sharratt, Remote Maintenance SystemsThe hazardous and congested environments combined with difficult access, mean that decommissioning and dismantling radioactive nuclear cells and gloveboxes is a complex task.&nbsp;Manual decommissioning is hazardous for the operator and extremely time consuming and therefore the development of an effective remote deployment capability may facilitate safer, cheaper decommissioning and reduce secondary waste generation.RMS is developing a ground-breaking Modular Tube Deployment System (MTDS) to enable access to hazardous nuclear environments efficiently and effectively, while keeping human operatives safely out of harm. The MTDS is a flexible modular solution that can reach diverse different areas within a hazardous environment via an entry point in the roof.&nbsp;Tools and equipment (up to 5kg in mass) can then be deployed into these areas via it, while the operator remains safely outside the area. It is made up of tubes and joints, connected in a series, assembled, and connected from outside the hazardous area using a deployment system.&nbsp;&nbsp;Flexibility of reach comes via the joints which allow +/- 30 degrees of articulation in 10-degree increments.&nbsp;It is infinitely and easily adaptable.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this talk, Rob will provide an outline of the functionality of the MTDS, its possible uses and the staged process of development from initial concept idea through to full scale prototype.&nbsp;Sabrina Shirazi, NNUF Hot RoboticsThe National Nuclear User Facility for Hot Robotics (NNUF-HR) is an EPSRC funded programme. It assists UK academia and industry to deliver ground-breaking, impactful research into the use of robotics and AI&nbsp;in extreme environments, by providing opportunities to access cutting-edge equipment and expertise. The aim of the NNUF-HR is to support the UK ambition for more cost-effective decommissioning, nuclear new-build, advanced modular fission reactors and future fusion powerplants. Sabrina will share the facilities available via Hot Robotics and how you can access them.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/670205211/"></iframe>

Find out about facilities available to you via NNUF hot robotics and hear about the development of a Modular Tube Deployment System, in response to the Game Changers working at heights challenge. Recording available.

January Tech Talk

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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

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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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A special celebratory event marking exciting robotic achievements will be held in Cumbria in the autumn.Robotics and AI for Extreme Environments will be jointly hosted at Energus by Game Changers, Sellafield and the RAICo1 robotics hub. Robotics have a key part to play in the clean-up of the Sellafield site and the event on September 15 is designed to celebrate recent successes in developing, testing and deploying new robotics systems fit for nuclear environments.&nbsp;Sellafield’s Head of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Rav Chunilal, said: “Robotics and AI are recognised as key in our decommissioning mission. Our teams deploy robotics across the NDA group. And the innovative ideas of our supply chain and academic partners ensure this work succeeds. We are just at the beginning of a truly exciting journey.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The day will also demonstrate how robotics are underpinning significant advances in other sectors such as medicine and agriculture.&nbsp;Along with a large exhibition showcasing robotic developments from throughout the UK supply chain, event organisers hope that this will stimulate ideas and discussions about future innovation and inspire people to see the full potential in robotics.Chris Ballard, Robotics and AI manager at Sellafield, said: “It’s really important that challenge holders and supply chain providers can get together in a collaborative nature, in an environment such as this, to provide robotic solutions for our extreme challenges.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two new robotics Game Changers challenges will be launched during the day and a special announcement will be made.&nbsp;Programme details, including a registration link, are available on the <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/events/Robotics_and_AI_for_extreme_environments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Game Changers website</a> and the event will host a capacity audience of 300.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A special celebratory event marking exciting robotic achievements will be held in Cumbria in the autumn

Event celebrates robotic gains

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The latest joint challenge issued by Sellafield and Dounreay has resulted in Game Changers funding for five organisations.Sellafield and Dounreay are looking for technology to support Post Operational Clean Out (POCO). They are seeking to reduce radiological and chemo-toxic hazards to make decommissioning faster, safer and cheaper.Out of the 24 challenge responses from across Europe, five organisations have been selected to each receive Game Changers feasibility funding of £10k.The organisations and their POCO projects are as follows:<ul><li>Process Decontamination Systems (ProDecon®) – Applying specialist chemical decontamination and technical expertise from the petrochemical industry to the nuclear industry.</li><li>Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (FCAP) – the remote detection of hydrogen in sealed glove boxes using through-window measurements. This project will involve an adaptation of single-photon ‘quantum’ Raman spectroscopy technology successfully developed by FCAP for the stand-off detection of hydrogen.</li><li>University of Nottingham – exploring the use of a disposable snake manipulator to deploy tools for remote operations.</li><li>AirCube – exploring the use of an inflatable, snake-like arm inside cells to allow visual inspection and cell characterisation.</li><li>Eadon Consulting and Resolve Robotics – The development of an auxiliary remote monitoring system to aid in the deployment, planning, and navigation of long reach equipment. The user interface will provide an interactive 3D third-person view, showing the precise position of equipment relative to the environment in which it is deployed.</li></ul>It is expected the feasibility projects will be completed by the end of September.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest joint challenge issued by Sellafield and Dounreay has resulted in Game Changers funding for five organisations

POCO projects achieve funding

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Generous helpings of ice cream and innovation

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.