Game Changers funding for asset inspection projects

Mobile phone camera sensors and high-resolution miniature cameras are amongst two of the technologies that will be put through their paces in response to one of the latest Sellafield challenges.

Routine visual inspection of assets across the Sellafield site is important for understanding their condition, predicting their lifetime and recognising any hazards that may be present. Assets are often located in hard-to-reach areas, with access being severely restricted.

The asset inspection challenge called for technology capable of remote, visual inspection of duct systems through 19mm access ports, providing reliable high-quality images and video of the areas inside. Inspection through extremely narrow diameter access ports is a significant challenge and existing devices are unable to provide adequate characterisation of assets inside these areas.

Of the 11 applications received, four projects will receive feasibility funding of £10k each:

Design Driven Solutions

This project will trial the use of commercially available mobile phone camera sensors which will be extended through the 19mm port inside an articulated enclosure. Bristol-based Design Driven Solutions will explore the use of two cameras with varying degrees of view, with onboard processing enabling the simultaneous use of the cameras to create the best quality images. 

ICE9 Robotics

Two applications submitted by Warrington-based ICE9 Robotics were awarded funding.

The first project will involve the use of an imaging device that will be capable of capturing images remotely, reducing the risk of device contamination and maximising deployment capability.

Off-the-shelf high-resolution miniature cameras will be adapted by ICE9 in the second of their projects, where they will be integrated into a deployment mechanism capable of passing through the 19mm access ports.

Jacobs

Warrington-based Jacobs will investigate an articulated camera system, combined with an image stitching technique, to enable both ultra-high-resolution images and video to be captured with minimal processing. The camera package will be modular to enable future use in areas across the Sellafield site. 

It is expected that the feasibility projects will be completed in the autumn.