Water industry technology holds promise for Sellafield

One of Game Changers’ most recent feasibility projects enlists cross-sector technology to further support Sellafield’s decommissioning challenges.

Sunderland-based CC Informatics has been awarded £10k feasibility funding to explore how their expertise in unmanned surveys can be used to help monitor on-site Sellafield assets. Using technology such as drones and remote vehicles along with the power of artificial intelligence and machine vision, the technology, called AssetScan, has a proven track record in the water industry.

AssetScan (patent pending) can rapidly identify specific features, defects or deterioration in structures. It can also be trained to look for almost any degradation or change, using visual clues. For example, assessing the condition of blockwork, timber, roof tiles, rendered or painted metal surfaces.

Repeat surveys can monitor change over time and data can be mapped onto easy-to-use digital twin models which can help determine the scope of required repair.

CC Informatics applied to take part in Game Changers after becoming aware of the programme following a presentation about Sellafield’s challenges at the Maritime Innovation Week in June.

“Our involvement with this company represents a great example of the benefits of taking advantage of cross-sector technology,” said Dr Frank Allison, CEO of FIS360, which delivers Game Changers in partnership with the National Nuclear Laboratory.

“We are always looking for the best technology for Sellafield, whether it originates from large organisations, SMEs or individuals. And we’re always working with other sectors to identify applicable solutions for Sellafield.”