Automated alpha in-air monitoring

Alpha radiation is the most ionising type of radiation, making it extremely harmful to humans. Sellafield Ltd must have the ability to detect any airborne alpha radiation on-site in order to be alert to loss of containment and to keep personnel safe.

There are several types of radioactivity in-air monitors used on the Sellafield site, but they all use the same basic principle of operation. The current monitoring systems require regular maintenance and often go into alarm status because of blocked filter media at the air intake. This results in access to areas being restricted unnecessarily. Sellafield Ltd would like to explore the possibility of implementing a fully automated monitoring system that does not require frequent, routine maintenance and allows operators to discern between genuine alpha radiation detected alarm states and other alarm states due to reduced airflow and other factors.

CHALLENGE AIMS

Sellafield Ltd is seeking an airborne alpha monitoring system that:

• Can cope with a dusty environment
• Has an alarm output that allows the operator to distinguish between the genuine detection of alpha or beta radiation and reduced airflow or any other false alarm states
• Reports its status digitally to a central location (long-term goal, not currently required)
• Can act as a first-line defence against alpha or beta contamination and provide reliable safety assurance for operations

Sellafield Ltd is aiming to discover the ‘art-of-the-possible’ rather than alternative commercially available products. The ultimate aim is to install a maintenance-free system that requires no intervention.

FIND OUT MORE

Please download the challenge statement for full details of this opportunity. Please note that this challenge statement supersedes a version published on 18th October 2023. The updated challenge statement includes the following clarifications:

• Any proposed monitoring solution must compensate for naturally occurring radon
• The ability to digitally self-report to a central location is an essential requirement
• The available power supply is 110V to 240V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz
• Any device must be suitable for UKCA marking

You can watch a webinar and Q&A session with the challenge owners for more information and details of how to apply.

The deadline for applications for this challenge is 6pm on Thursday 30th November 2023.