Thursday 16 August 2018

Sellafield trials new system for mapping radioactive hotspots

A new system for mapping radioactive hotspots is being trialled at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria.

Cavendish Nuclear has developed a lightweight system that combines “plug-and-play” electronics with algorithms, resulting in a highly manoeuvrable device that provides “rapid and highly accurate modelling of plutonium deposits” inside pipes and valves used to process nuclear material.

Preparations are currently being made for the post-operational clean-out of the Sellafield reprocessing plant - the new technology promises to transform the decommissioning of the redundant nuclear facility,

Janet Fletcher, Head of Products and Services at Cavendish Nuclear, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, said: “Innovation in the use of technology is transforming the ease with which redundant plant can be mapped for the build-up of plutonium on the inside of pipes, valves, gloveboxes and other kit that is reaching the end of its operational life.

“Sellafield Ltd is an important customers of Cavendish Nuclear and we share a strong desire to innovate to deliver nuclear clean-up safer, faster, at lower cost.”