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April marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), with the successful completion of a graduate secondment aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear monitoring technology.Supporting a Game Changers innovation project, Charlotte Edge – a Technical Graduate from Sellafield and part of the Retrievals Strategy &amp; Technical team – took part in an embedded work placement with Fraunhofer CAP in Glasgow. The initiative focused on progressing the collaborative development of advanced <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Condition_monitoring_and_inspection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Condition Monitoring and Inspection (CM&amp;I) technologies</a>. These technologies are designed to monitor the evolution of nuclear waste and ensure the integrity of 3m³ waste storage boxes, crucial to Sellafield’s safety and environmental goals.&nbsp;At the heart of the project is the Range Resolved Hydrogen System, a state-of-the-art optical sensing technology being developed to detect and monitor hydrogen gas in nuclear waste stores. By using an upscaled Raman spectrometer, the system can detect hydrogen concentrations from distances up to 80 metres, providing real-time insights into gas evolution within storage environments.&nbsp;During the secondment, Charlotte worked alongside Fraunhofer experts to assemble and align the optical components of the system. The collaborative build phase included hands-on configuration of the laser-based detection apparatus, safety risk assessments related to laser usage, and preparation for upcoming field trials. This work plays a key role in developing an inactive demonstrator that will elevate the technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, with elements of TRL 6.&nbsp;The placement not only advanced technical development but also fostered significant cross-sector learning. Sellafield staff gained specialist knowledge in optics and laser-based sensing, while Fraunhofer deepened its understanding of the complexities and operational constraints within the nuclear sector. The exchange sparked insightful discussions on procedural and cultural differences between industries, enriching both teams’ perspectives."I had a great time," said Charlotte Edge. "It was a very valuable experience being able to be hands-on with the technology and getting to explore new concepts. Thank you to Fraunhofer for this wonderful opportunity!"This secondment exemplifies the strength of industry-academic collaboration in solving some of the UK’s most challenging nuclear engineering problems. By combining Sellafield’s operational expertise with Fraunhofer’s technological innovation, the partnership is creating a path forward for safer, more effective nuclear waste monitoring.&nbsp;As testing of the hydrogen monitoring system moves forward, both organisations look to continue building on this successful collaboration – one that not only drives innovation but also strengthens cross-sector knowledge and capability.&nbsp;

April marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), with the successful completion of a graduate secondment aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear monitoring technology.

Sellafield and Fraunhofer deepen collaboration through graduate secondment

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Three pioneering proof-of-concept (PoC) projects have been launched to tackle a critical <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Measuring_waste_bed_liquor_levels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenge</a> in the management of legacy nuclear waste retrievals at Sellafield Ltd, marking progress in the UK’s effort to safely decommission one of its most complex sites.The projects are developing innovative solutions to measure liquor levels within the waste bed of the Magnox Swarf Storage Silos (MSSS) – a group of legacy storage facilities that are central to Sellafield’s decommissioning programme.<h2>The challenge</h2>Over the coming years, Sellafield Ltd will begin retrieval operations to empty the MSSS Original Building (OB), which contains legacy waste stored under a head of water. The water plays a vital role in shielding and cooling the waste.During retrievals, it may be desirable to allow the water to drain below the surface of the waste bed. However, to protect the structural integrity of the silos, it is essential to monitor the liquor level within the waste bed to avoid differential hydrostatic pressures between the silos’ compartments. Without this monitoring, there is a risk of unbalanced forces acting on internal walls.This is a complex task analogous to measuring groundwater levels in impermeable clay. In February 2024, Sellafield Ltd launched this challenge through the Game Changers innovation programme.<h2>From application to PoC</h2>Following the challenge call, nine applications were submitted and six projects received initial funding for feasibility studies. These included four potential solutions that would rely on the deployment of sensors inside the waste bed and two that proposed external, non-invasive imaging techniques using muon tomography.In the autumn of 2024, the six candidates pitched for progression to the proof-of-concept phase. The following three were selected and commenced work in April 2025:<ul><li>Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd (Glasgow): This project employs Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) via fibre optic cables placed vertically within the waste bed. The aim is to use the resulting temperature profiles to infer the level of the liquor with high spatial resolution.</li><li>Lynkeos Technology Ltd (Glasgow): Leveraging its expertise in muon tomography, Lynkeos is developing a solution based on detectors deployed externally to the silos enabling the passive generation of 3D images of the internal structure using naturally occurring cosmic-ray muons. This technique could potentially provide a non-invasive, ex-situ means of observing internal liquid distributions.</li><li>Vista Clara (Washington State, USA): A leader in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) geophysical sensing, Vista Clara is exploring the use of high-resolution NMR technology for detection of hydrogen in subsurface fluids. The concept involves deploying their proprietary NMR Dart™ probe inside a protective tube inserted into the waste bed to directly measure water content within the compartment.</li></ul><h2>Looking ahead</h2>These projects are designed to validate the respective approaches at the hundreds of litres scale in a laboratory setting and are scheduled to report outcomes by the end of this calendar year.If successful, the technologies could form the foundation for new monitoring systems that ensure safe, efficient, and informed waste retrieval operations in the years ahead.

Pioneering PoC projects from Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd, Lynkeos Technology Ltd and Vista Clara launched to develop innovative solutions to measure liquor levels within the waste beds of the Magnox Swarf Storage Silos (MSSS).&nbsp;

Three innovative projects seek to inform MSSS retrievals operations

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Successful demonstration at RAICo in Whitehaven marks end of Game Changers proof of concept phase and start of new era in asset inspection at Sellafield.A pioneering new technology, developed through a collaborative effort between Warrington-based Ice Nine Ltd and Bristol-based Design Driven Solutions Ltd (DDS), has been successfully demonstrated, showcasing a major leap forward in the remote inspection of nuclear infrastructure. The solution, known as Camdroid, was unveiled at a live demonstration to stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) facility.The demonstration marked the culmination of a Game Changers proof of concept project, launched to solve Sellafield’s challenge of performing detailed <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Asset_inspection_through_19mm_diameter_access_ports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">asset inspections through narrow 19mm diameter access ports</a> in heavily shielded and congested environments. Existing technologies, including borescopes, have long struggled with poor image quality, limited fields of view, and unreliable repeatability – making effective inspection of critical infrastructure difficult or impossible.Sellafield’s challenge, posed through the Game Changers innovation programme, attracted interest from multiple organisations. Following promising <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/Collective_demonstration_underlines_achievements_of_remote_inspection_projects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">feasibility studies</a>, challenge owners recommended combining the strengths of proposals from DDS and Ice Nine into a unified solution – a decision that has borne impressive results.Over the past 12 months, the two companies have worked closely to develop a full prototype of Camdroid – a compact, articulated inspection camera based on modern smartphone camera technology. The device is capable of delivering high-resolution images and video from within large and complex tank rooms, accessed only through tiny 19mm ports in concrete walls up to a metre thick.What sets Camdroid apart from traditional inspection tools is its articulated end, allowing the camera to be manoeuvred once inside the target area. Combined with a bespoke user interface, users can intuitively control the camera’s movement and capture visual data. The modular design allows the camera head to be swapped or upgraded without replacing the entire system – offering both flexibility and cost efficiency.Lighting, often a limiting factor in small inspection devices, is addressed with a unique combination of high-powered LEDs and advanced sensors, ensuring that even in the darkest, most inaccessible environments, Camdroid delivers clear, actionable visual data.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1085719934/"></iframe>David Hargreaves, Technical Specialist at Sellafield Ltd, said ‘Camdroid provides a significant step change for inspection capability at Sellafield Ltd. Not only will it provide improved inspections, in terms of coverage and quality, in the area that the challenge was focussed on, but it also opens up multiple inspection opportunities across the Sellafield Ltd organisation and the wider NDA estate. Following on from the demonstration, some minor development work will allow Camdroid to be deployed through fifty 19mm inspection ports later this financial year. The output from these inspections (and those expected in the future) will provide greater confidence in site assets, supporting longer plant longevity, as well as providing the opportunity to proactively respond to any potential issues.’‘It was a great project to be involved in.’ said Bart Dworzanski from Driven Solutions Ltd. ‘Support from challenge owners at Sellafield and guidance from FIS360 has been instrumental in developing this high-resolution imaging system. Feedback received after the demo was very positive, opening potentially further development to meet similar challenges across multiple areas. We are looking forward to continuing the collaboration with Ice Nine in taking this product to the next level.’Matthew Nancekievill, Co-founder and CEO of Ice Nine Ltd, commented ‘Camdroid is a step change in currently available technology to inspect spaces through small access ports. Engaging with Sellafield throughout this challenge has been invaluable in directing the evolution of Camdroid, making sure our technology solves a real-world problem.’The end of the Game Changers proof of concept phase marks just the beginning for Camdroid. With its promising performance, it is expected to move into further development and deployment phases, potentially transforming inspection capabilities across the UK’s nuclear sector.

A pioneering new technology, developed through a collaborative effort between Ice Nine Ltd and Design Driven Solutions Ltd (DDS), has been successfully demonstrated at RAICo in Whitehaven to stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL).

New “Camdroid” technology promises breakthrough in inspection of inaccessible nuclear infrastructure

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The first ever autonomous Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) has been driven on the Sellafield site, marking a major leap toward safer, smarter, and more efficient operations across the UK's most complex nuclear facility.

Autonomous HGV drives into the future at Sellafield

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The Game Changers innovation programme is funding two groundbreaking feasibility projects aimed at revolutionising material characterisation and measurement for nuclear waste management at Sellafield Ltd. These projects, led by Clifton Photonics and Veolia, were chosen from applications submitted in response to the "In-situ real-time characterisation and measurement of materials" <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/In-situ_real-time_characterisation_and_measurement_of_materials_for_effective_nuclear_waste_management" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenge</a>.&nbsp;The initiative seeks to shift from traditional laboratory-based testing to real-time, in-situ analysis, enabling the rapid detection of a broad spectrum of radiological and chemical properties. This transition is expected to significantly cut down the current 12-week timeframe required for data collection and analysis.&nbsp;Funded Projects:&nbsp;<ul><li>Clifton Photonics: Known for their innovative Raman spectroscopy systems, which they have successfully demonstrated in active trials at Sellafield through a previous Game Changers project. Raman spectroscopy enables the detection of contaminants such as TPH, PCBs, PAHs, SVOCs, VOCs, and asbestos within seconds to minutes. In this study, Clifton Photonics will investigate the applicability of Raman spectroscopy for contaminated materials not previously tested.</li><li>Veolia: Veolia plans to adapt its Neomab container-based mobile labs – originally designed for wastewater analysis in Africa – to suit the nuclear sector. These flexible mobile units can integrate various global technologies to treat and analyse hazardous waste efficiently. Their portability allows for deployment across the NDA and MOD estate, offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional methods.&nbsp;</li></ul>By reducing the need for intrusive sampling in hazardous environments, these projects aim to enhance safety while optimising laboratory capacity and expediting waste management processes.&nbsp;Both projects are scheduled for completion in April 2025.&nbsp;

Game Changers is funding two groundbreaking feasibility projects aimed at revolutionising material characterisation and measurement for nuclear waste management at Sellafield Ltd.

Game Changers funds innovative approaches for in-field testing

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In response to a Game Changers <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Improvement_of_information_management_in_Nuclear_Safety_Cases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">challenge</a> focused on enhancing information management, three feasibility projects have been awarded funding to develop innovative solutions for Sellafield Ltd. The initiative aims to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and traceability of information transfers within Nuclear Safety Cases and their associated documentation.The Nuclear Safety Case is a critical body of evidence that ensures nuclear hazards are adequately managed, operations remain safe, and risks are minimised to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). The associated documents undergo continuous revisions and currently exist in various formats without live links between them. This can result in time consuming processes to maintain consistency and traceability.To address this challenge, three companies have been funded to conduct feasibility studies:<h2>Eigen Ltd – Safety Case Management and Visualisation</h2>Eigen Ltd has proposed a feasibility assessment of the Eigen Safety Barriers application, a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution designed for managing, visualising, and retrieving documents related to Major Accident Hazards (MAHs) in the oil &amp; gas industry. With similarities between MAHs and Nuclear Safety Cases, an adaptation of this solution for Sellafield’s requirements is expected to enhance information management and visualisation for nuclear safety documentation.<h2>Amentum – ThreadSafe: Robust Golden Thread Alignment</h2>Amentum aims to introduce ThreadSafe, an advanced information management approach that automatically captures the relationships and dependencies within safety cases, operating instructions, and maintenance instructions. Utilising advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning tools, ThreadSafe will seek to extract entities and relationships from text-based and unstructured documents, improving data consistency and accessibility.<h2>Cerberus Nuclear Ltd – ClearThread: Providing Clarity in Safety</h2>Cerberus Nuclear Ltd is developing ClearThread, a concept aimed at streamlining Nuclear Safety Case management using large language models (LLM) and optical character recognition (OCR). This system aims to automate the extraction, analysis, and organisation of document content into a centralised database. By processing large volumes of documents in varying formats – including PDFs, Word files, and scanned images – ClearThread is being developed to enable previously non-searchable documents and document structures to become intuitively presented, accessible and therefore easier to manage.﻿The feasibility studies will conclude in April 2025 with pitches for proof-of-concept funding. These projects mark a significant step toward valuable solutions for the integrity and efficiency of nuclear safety documentation management, ensuring enhanced compliance and operational safety for Sellafield Ltd.

Three feasibility projects have been awarded funding to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving the accuracy, efficiency, and traceability of information transfers within Nuclear Safety Cases at Sellafield Ltd.

News

Sellafield and Fraunhofer deepen collaboration through graduate secondment

Three innovative projects seek to inform MSSS retrievals operations

New “Camdroid” technology promises breakthrough in inspection of inaccessible nuclear infrastructure

Autonomous HGV drives into the future at Sellafield

Game Changers funds innovative approaches for in-field testing

Feasibility projects awarded funding to improve Nuclear Safety Case information management