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

Call for Proposals - Industrial Innovator Research Project 2.pdf

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Find out moreIn this call, proposals for research projects that explore all potential uses of nuclear technology as part of a low carbon economy are invited. This includes, but is not limited to, research projects investigating:<ul><li>The use of nuclear technologies in hydrogen production, direct heat for industrial or domestic use, energy storage, chemical synthesis and production of medical isotopes</li><li>Technologies that enable the recovery and reuse of radioactive waste material for energy and non-energy use</li><li>Technologies that reduce the cost of advanced nuclear systems</li><li>Mechanisms of enabling licensing and validation of new technologies</li><li>Opportunities to derive additional value from advanced nuclear systems</li></ul>Please download the Call for Proposals PDF (via Get Challenge Statement) for full details of this opportunity and how to apply.An online briefing event took place on 15th&nbsp;September to provide an overview of ANSIC and further information about this call.&nbsp;Watch the recording now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/606316882/"></iframe>Proposals must be submitted using the Game Changers online application system.&nbsp;The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 7th October 2021.Template documents for the supplementary information required as part of this application process are provided below. Please note that these documents are for guidance only and should not be regarded as being editable. There is no requirement to submit a poster in support of ANSIC open call applications.<a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Template%20application%20PDF%20industrial.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Supporting information</a><a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/static/u/Project%20plan.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Project plan</a>

Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation Campus industrial innovator research and development projects

On behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Game Changers are inviting proposals from businesses for access to facilities at NNL’s Preston Laboratory to undertake research and development projects focussing on advanced nuclear technology.The projects must be undertaken between 15th November 2021 and 25th March 2022.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 innovation grants of up to £135k per project. It is intended that two innovation projects will be funded.&nbsp;The cost of instrument and facility access at NNL’s Preston Laboratory and support from NNL experts will be covered by ANSIC, and therefore free at point of use for the successful applicants.&nbsp;

Open call for proposals from businesses for access to facilities at NNL’s Preston Laboratory to undertake research and development projects focussing on advanced nuclear technology

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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 will feature: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.<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/copy-of-game-changers-lunchtime-technology-talk-webinar-tickets-242991312557" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sign up now to join the webinar on 26 January 12-1pm</a>. A recording will be available here post-event.

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.

January Tech Talk

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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.Full programme coming soon!

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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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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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

The latest Game Changers opportunities have successfully resulted in potential solutions to a widely diverse range of challenges, demonstrating the breadth and scope of the Game Changers programme.The three focus area challenges launched on behalf of the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) in support of their open innovation agenda encompass clean energy, health and nuclear medicine, and security and non-proliferation.&nbsp;Nine funding awards have been announced in response to these distinct and varied challenges, showing the flexibility of the Game Changers process and illustrating the huge range of sectors that Game Changers connect with.And the geography of the funded projects matches the wide scope of the challenges with projects from Tonbridge in the south, to Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University in the north, and as far afield as an alpha radiation mapping project in Finland.The three challenges were:<ul><li>Health and Nuclear Medicine - Flexible method of production for thin film targets used in nuclear physics and nuclear medicine experiments </li></ul>Applications were invited for innovative processes or methods to put down thin, metal-based films onto a low atomic mass backing material in a flexible and reproducible manner.<ul><li>Security and Non-Proliferation - Stand-off alpha radiation detection under daylight conditions </li></ul>In collaboration with the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), NNL invited solutions that could enable the remote detection and identification of radiologically hazardous sources of alpha radiation.<ul><li>Clean Energy - Technologies to scale thermochemical methods of hydrogen production</li></ul>Innovations that could overcome the barriers to scaling commercial deployment of thermochemical methods of hydrogen production from water.NNL funding awards in the thin film targets challenge go to The University of Bristol, Solaris Photonics (Cambridge) and Thin Metal Films (Basingstoke).Projects receiving awards for the alpha radiation detection challenge are from WilCrom Ltd (Manchester), Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK Ltd, Didcot), i3D Robotics (Tonbridge), Alfa Rift Oy (Finland) and Interface Analysis Centre (Bristol).Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) will deliver a project in response to the thermochemical hydrogen production challenge.Frank Allison, CEO of FIS360, which delivers Game Changers in partnership with NNL, said: “We are delighted to see that our proven processes are capable of supporting such a widely diverse range of projects from an equally diverse range of sectors.”Allan Simpson, Senior Research Technologist at NNL, said: “It is fantastic to see the range of companies selected to undertake each Focus Area challenge, from UK academic institutions to technology companies based as far as Finland. “In health and nuclear medicine, we value the unique Game Changers process to bring forward ideas to address our common challenges. Innovation is a vital component of NNL’s S&amp;T agenda; tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges to find reliable solutions.”

Nine funding awards announced in response to NNL focus area challenges

Game Changers announce NNL focus area challenge awards

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Game Changers have awarded £10k feasibility funding to a project that aims to overcome one of the biggest telerobotic challenges – robots’ lack of sense of touch.The funding will help Touchlab investigate the potential use of their e-skin technology in the nuclear sector. e-skin will allow a robot to appreciate that something could be dropped and compensate accordingly, preventing accidents and increasing safety.Touchlab’s vision is to enable a revolution in physical robotics. It is one of only 15 teams worldwide to reach the finals of a prestigious American competition which aims to transform and expand human presence through the use of non-autonomous robotic avatars.The combined use of VR, motion tracking and Touchlab’s e-skin allows an operator to hear, see and feel the telerobot’s environment. Touchlab will work with Sellafield and other partners over the coming months, testing e-skin as the next step towards its use in nuclear decommissioning.Touchlab applied to Game Changers for funding through our open call mechanism. We’re always interested in hearing about projects or technology which could help deliver innovation in the nuclear industry.&nbsp;If you have an idea or technology which you think might be applicable, why not <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/General_application" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">get in touch</a>?

Touchlab is collaborating with Sellafield via Game Changers to investigate applications for robots with a sense of touch

Testing robotic skin to the limits

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To mark the launch of our 50th challenge, we’ve released a video ‘We are Game Changers’ tracking the programme’s route to success, showcasing the many powerful partnerships we’ve forged and the significant contributions made to solve nuclear sector challenges. Watch the video now:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/656630125/"></iframe>

Marking the launch of our 50th challenge, we've released a video showcasing the Game Changers programme route to success

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.