Collective demonstration underlines achievements of remote inspection projects

Multiple technology demonstrations and a virtual simulation at the Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cumbria marked the culmination of four restricted-access remote inspection feasibility projects. In just 12 weeks, working prototypes designed to access and inspect size-constrained and light-limited areas have been built and tested. It is hoped that this technology will offer a step-change improvement for Sellafield Ltd in the visual inspection of long and congested areas of ductwork and adjoining areas.

In order to address one of the main constraints faced by this potential technology, an inactive demonstration was staged in low light conditions to assess the quality of images provided by the prototypes, with the dimensions of the equipment determined separately.

Results of the Extending the Clear View project, trialling the use of commercially available mobile phone camera sensors, were demonstrated by Design Driven Solutions. Warrington-based ICE9 Robotics showcased the outputs of two projects: the Periscopic project makes use of a small, modular, access port imaging inspection device, while Camdroid looks at extending the range of mobile phone cameras through 19mm access ports. The Ultra-High Resolution Imaging Camera for small diameter ports from Jacobs was presented using designs and a simulation of the inspection system.

Stephen Israel, Spent Fuel Management Technical at Sellafield Ltd, said “It has been fantastic to see how ideas and diagrams have been translated into demonstrable prototypes in just 12 weeks. The applicants have all produced amazing work as part of the feasibility studies, and the team at FIS360 have ensured that the project as a whole has run smoothly with no issue whatsoever.”

An announcement regarding ongoing funding and further development of these solutions is expected shortly.