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UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDETechnology descriptionThis project aims to explore the possibility of using existing CCTV cameras installed on the vault store crane system at Sellafield for Condition, Monitoring &amp; Inspection (CM&amp;I) purposes. When installed, the original purpose of these CCTV cameras is to support recovery operations. They were not designed with CM&amp;I in mind and are not optimised for this task. There is now a requirement to inspect the store and commissioning new hardware for CM&amp;I tasks would require an independent and costly vision system (new lighting, new cameras). As a result, there is value in exploring what can be achieved using the existing hardware for CM&amp;I without or with minimal modification.&nbsp;The University of Strathclyde is exploring the design and development of image processing algorithms to improve the quality of images extending the current limitations of the existing systems and enabling them for CM&amp;I tasks.The developed techniques can be applied directly to the video footage gathered using the existing CCTV cameras in real time to extend the usability of these systems. A prototype software tool for this task is currently undergoing evaluation on the Sellafield site.Key benefits and applications<ul><li>Significant cost savings - CM&amp;I can be achieved with the existing CCTV surveillance system</li><li>Real-time (or close to real-time) enhancement of the video footage</li><li>Multiple ways to enhance the data (contrast enhancement, super resolution, denoising and many others)</li><li>Operators can select how to enhance the data and adjust settings in real time for an optimal view</li></ul>

Improving the quality of CCTV images for Condition, Monitoring and InspectionUniversity of Strathclyde

Image Enhancement for Vault Store Visual Inspection

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Hyperspectral Imaging Corrosion DetectionUNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE Technology DescriptionHyperspectral imaging technology is finding applications in a range of industry sectors including: agri-tech, manufacturing, recycling and even Condition Monitoring &amp; Inspection (CM&amp;I) in the nuclear industry.&nbsp;Conventional digital cameras capture images comprised of three colour channels (Red, Green, and Blue) from the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) sensors go far beyond this allowing the acquisition of hundreds of channels (contiguous spectral wavelengths) not only from the visible (400-1000nm) but also the near infrared region (1000-1700nm) and the short-wave infrared (1000-2500 nm).The University of Strathclyde is working together with Sellafield and the National Nuclear Laboratory to evaluate the potential of this technology for non-intrusive inspection of nuclear waste packages and special nuclear materials containers. The aim is to evaluate the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and advanced signal processing to develop new tools for detecting corrosion products and early indicators of surface corrosion.Different materials present different and characteristic spectral signatures, and with appropriate processing, the technology is expected to be able to detect the presence of corrosion as well as other substances (moisture, salt) on the surface of the packages.Key benefits and applications•	Early detection of corrosion and other corrosion agents (salt, moisture)•	Unlike conventional spectroscopy, HSI captures thousands of spectral responses across a two-dimensional space&nbsp;•	Strathclyde researchers use their expertise to design innovative signal processing techniques to analyse the HSI data and generate so called “corrosion maps”•	This concept can be extended for the detection of any other material / substance which has spectral features within the range of the sensors available•	Different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum can be explored depending on the final application

Evaluating the potential of hyperspectral imaging for early detection of corrosionUniversity of Strathclyde

Hyperspectral Imaging Corrosion Detection

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RESOLUTE ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTDTechnology SummaryResolute were founded in 2016 and are a technical solutions provider to the energy sector.The basis for the first phase of solutions is a range of super absorbent polymer materials. Originally designed for oil and gas applications, working with Sellafield through the Game Changers programme has allowed a diversification of the technology and it’s anticipated the polymers could be used to stop and prevent the leakage of radioactive materials into the ground. The materials are designed to be pumped into short well bores and the surrounding formation to swell and absorb leaked fluids while expanding to fill any leak pathways.Key benefits and applicationsUsing fluid deployed expanding polymer grains to create impermeable seals gives an excellent level of flexibility; both in terms of the adaptability, and the physical nature once in place. Barriers made of expanding polymer grains will deal with ground and formation movements better than a solid material like cement or resin and retain an element of expansion and therefore a self-healing nature.Benefits include:<ul><li>Expanding, impermeable barrier materials</li><li>Any leak point is encased in an impermeable shield of polymers</li><li>Reduced risk of fluids working through the seal and forming a new flow path</li><li>Provides a retained level of expandability, self-healing and will fill any new leak pathways.</li><li>Repeat treatments can be carried out with minimal cost and upheaval</li><li>Materials to be used are non-toxic and non-bioaccumulating, ensuring full environmental safety.</li><li>Importantly, this solution will cope with formation movement, friction, and temperature changes whereas other solid-state solutions would be at risk of opening up further leak paths.</li></ul><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVeocd7s5PA " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch their polymer in action on YouTube</a> (3 min).

Exploring the application of a range of super absorbent, polymer materials at SellafieldResolute Energy Solutions Ltd

Expanding Polymer Grains for subsurface barriers

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i3D RoboticsAbout the technology &nbsp;Based on space technology adapted for terrestrial purposes, I3DR worked with Game Changers, NNL and Sellafield to develop a new remotely operated 3D mapping system that combines high-resolution imaging with machine learning to identify potentially sharp objects.&nbsp;This new generation of imaging systems can be deployed robotically and produce a 3D map of an environment in real time. It can be merged with other sensors capable of detecting radiation and identifying harmful chemicals and place these within the context of the scene. The system forms part of a new imaging toolkit designed to produce safer working conditions. Key benefits and applications<ul><li>Improved operator safety through the identification of unknown sharps and their location within gloveboxes</li><li>3D vision system is small enough to gain access via 6’’ ports and can be manoeuvred inside gloveboxes to provide real-time images and 3D models</li><li>Faster working times for operators through pre-identification and location of hazardous objects</li></ul>&nbsp;Find out more from our <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/events/October_Technology_Talk_webinar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Game Changers&nbsp;Tech Talk</a>.

Identification of unknown sharps in gloveboxesI3D Robotics

A new generation of 3D imaging systems

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Technology SummaryRemote Maintenance Systems (RMS) have been working with Sellafield Ltd through the Game Changers programme to develop a full-scale Proof of Concept deployment system for harsh environments. The aim is to provide flexible and reconfigurable access to difficult environments on the Sellafield site including cells, rooms, or similar congested spaces.The Modular Tube Deployment System (MTDS) allows safe, simple and effective access to hazardous areas using multiple tube and joint modules deployed through a roof penetration.&nbsp;Manually connected and remotely deployed, the modules form a continuous deployment path that can stay in place indefinitely. Once the path is complete, a tool or item of inspection equipment can be deployed to perform specific tasks such as visual inspection, repair, monitoring, sampling, and vacuum extraction. This system can allow access to areas that were previously inaccessible and can retrieve valuable information that can be used to make decisions for faster and more effective clean-up, decommissioning or justification for continued facility operation and prolonged life.Despite the early stage of development of the project, and the challenging requirements the iteration of design, analysis and testing has shown promising results.Over the next few months, the Proof-of-Concept MTDS system will allow RMS to demonstrate the technical capabilities, allowing Sellafield Ltd to decide on the design of a fully working article for deployment and use in the challenging environments that they are frequently faced with.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdRStm-d70M?showinfo=0"></iframe> Key benefits and applicationsThe MTDS has been designed as a modular system which enables a range of different scenarios and challenges to be overcome.Benefits include:<ul><li>Deployed through a 150mm port (6” port)</li><li>Provides access to previously unreachable places by avoiding obstacles</li><li>Continuous deployment path for a tool (5kg@2.5m reach)</li><li>Adaptable to different applications or locations​</li><li>Ø100 mm clear path for tool deployment</li><li>No actuation or electronics in the tubes and joints</li><li>Inner actuator deployed to actuate joint (+-30deg)</li><li>Safe, failure tolerant and recoverable at all times</li><li>Can be left in-situ​</li></ul>

Deployment system for harsh environmentsRemote Maintenance Systems

Modular Tube Deployment System

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<h3>FRAUNHOFER CENTRE FOR APPLIED PHOTONICS</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fh-CAP) have been working with Sellafield through the Game Changers programme to develop a system capable of remote hydrogen detection.&nbsp;During a relatively short space of time, an initial idea has progressed through a Proof of Concept project to an active deployment on the Sellafield site.&nbsp;The technique uses Raman spectroscopy and makes use of the unusually strong Raman emission of hydrogen and highly sensitive high speed photodetectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;This allows remote measurement of the concentration of hydrogen&nbsp;and&nbsp;the determination of range.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>The technology is capable of detecting hydrogen down to a concentration of 0.05% at distances between 0.1m and 100m.It is a standalone all-optical system which can make measurements over extended range using only light.&nbsp;This means that hydrogen can be detected without needing to place operators or instruments in sensitive or hazardous areas.Other benefits include<ul><li>Speed – fast detection of hydrogen and measurements can be quickly taken once the system is deployed</li><li>Flexible – can be adapted to detect other molecules if required</li><li>Device is remote controlled so the operator does not need to be in close proximity</li><li>Features an optional video “feed” so the operator can pinpoint the exact region of interest</li><li>System can run autonomously and collect data for subsequent analysis</li><li>Beam can be scanned to build up a two-dimensional hydrogen density map of the area</li><li>Features a wide dynamic range capable of detecting hydrogen at concentrations between 0.05 and 10%</li><li>No consumables required</li><li>Incorporates automatic calibration by measuring other known components of the air</li></ul>If you'd like to learn more about this project and how it's been developed through the Game Changers programme, please watch the video below:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/507500871/"></iframe>

Standalone optical system for the remote detection of hydrogenFraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics

Remote detection of hydrogen using Raman spectroscopy

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<h3>RAWWATER ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>A suite of metal alloys with compositions that can be tailored to expand, contract or remain neutral when they solidify according to need, in a process called Molten Metal Manipulation (M3).Developed by Rawwater Engineer Company, the system is capable of underwater crack repair, sealing holes and full encapsulation of complex cementitious and metallic shapes.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>The M3 technology has been proven to be capable of sealing large openings, or filling small micron sized cracks or pores, preventing leakage of fluids in a wide range of applications, for example the recovery of a leaking cracked civil structure. The process can also be used to fully encapsulate complex shapes to stabilise a structure and provide radioactive shielding.The process:<ul><li>Can be used both underwater and in air</li><li>Is reversible and the alloys are recyclable</li><li>Can be deployed at low temperatures</li><li>Is fast and easy to use in a range of situations</li><li>Reduces cost associated with recovery</li><li>Is designed for extreme life&nbsp;</li><li>Can be designed through alloy selection to operate at different temperatures (based on the use case)</li></ul>

Adaptable alloy system used to seal leaks, repair cracks and for encapsulationRawwater Engineering Company Ltd

Repair and life extension of plant infrastructure

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Access, characterisation and handling solution Eadon Consulting

Inspection and characterisation of nuclear facilities

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<h3>LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>Based on technology developed for medical imaging by the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham, Gamma Optical Video Imaging (GOVI) combines optical and gamma imaging to produce a real-time display of the area being scanned. GOVI can provide the operator with an image showing the location, size, shape and relative activity of gamma emitting materials. Due to the design of the camera, this can be done in real time without the need for post-processing – this means the camera can operate in video mode, constantly updating the images as the camera is moved.The underlying technology has undergone extensive development for medical applications, but the requirements for nuclear decommissioning are different. Researchers at Loughborough University have been working with Game Changers and Sellafield to identify the adaptations needed.&nbsp;They are currently producing a Proof of Concept device which they hope will be used for a live demonstration on the Sellafield site.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>The GOVI technology&nbsp;is portable and easy to deploy, it could be operated while handheld or mounted on an arm for imaging at distance.&nbsp;The key application identified for the technology is during Post Operational Clean Out, one aspect of which may require operators to manually clean areas of congested gloveboxes, potentially with restricted motion and poor visibility.&nbsp;The camera could be operated inside gloveboxes to identify areas which need to be focussed on and to monitor when a suitable end point for cleaning is reached.The technology offers the following benefits:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">‘Postable’ through a standard 6-inch glove port</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Delivers simultaneous, co-aligned gamma and optical images</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Offers relative activity quantification</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Provides real time imaging (i.e. a video feed with no reconstruction time needed)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Delivers high spatial resolution – shapes of distributed sources can be seen or close sources separated</li></ul>If you'd like to learn more about this project and how it's been developed through the Game Changers programme, please watch the video below:<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/639940051/"></iframe> The GOVI camera continues to be developed as “Seracam” by Serac Imaging Systems Ltd in collaboration with Loughborough University. For more information, please go to the <a href="https://www.seracimagingsystems.com/industrial/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Serac Imaging Systems website</a>.

Real-time scanning combining optical and gamma imaging&nbsp;Loughborough University

Gamma optical video imaging

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<h3>BRUNEL INNOVATION CENTRE AND THE NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>The development of an in-situ solution for ultrasonic cleaning to be implemented within the POCO decommissioning process.This innovative project is a collaboration between Brunel Innovation Centre (Brunel University London), the National Nuclear Laboratory and Sellafield Ltd.&nbsp;Ultrasonic cleaning experts at Brunel Innovation Centre will optimise a bespoke non-invasive ultrasonic cleaning device for pipeline blockage breakdown.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>The technology is capable of breaking down fouling on the inner walls of pipeline structures by attaching an ultrasonic cleaning device on the outer wall of the pipeline. This allows the breakdown of blockages within nuclear and chemotoxic structures to be carried out safely during the decommissioning process.Method<ul><li>The ultrasonic cleaning device is attached onto outer wall of structure with pipe blockage</li><li>A bespoke power amplifier is operated by user-friendly interface to excite the cleaning device</li><li>The cleaning device vibrates the structure and generates cavitation bubbles to breakdown the blockage</li><li>Wave propagation across the structure allows to transfer the blockage material down the pipeline</li></ul>

In-situ ultrasonic cleaning to support Post Operational Clean OutBrunel Innovation Centre and the National Nuclear Laboratory

Exogenous ultrasonics for decommissioning

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<h3>ARKTIS RADIATION DETECTORS</h3>Technology summaryA helium-4 neutron detector-based mobile active neutron assay system for radioactive waste containers called WANDS (Waste Assay Neutron Detection System).&nbsp;Developed by Arktis, WANDS will be a massive step forward in sensitivity and portability.A helium-4 based system can achieve an order of magnitude lower limit of detection over currently available technology when assaying fissile material in glove boxes, drum containers, or soft waste material.Key benefits and applicationsArktis' 4-He detector systems have inherent cost, weight, and performance advantages over incumbent helium-3 based systems. WANDS is suited to assaying dense metallic packages because of the penetrability of fast neutrons. This system will reliably identify the quantity of fissile material down to the levels necessary to confirm material can be directed to a low-risk waste stream, avoiding the expense associated with unnecessary over-classification of waste.WANDS will:<ul><li>be less expensive and bulky than existing assay systems</li><li>be sensitive enough to assay below the intermediate-level waste/low-level waste threshold</li><li>lower waste disposal costs by reducing expensive over-categorization of waste packages</li><li>be able to assay metallic waste packages where existing assay technology is ineffective</li></ul>

Mobile active neutron assay system for radioactive waste containersArktis Radiation Detection Systems

Next generation waste assay system

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<h3>RESOLVE ROBOTICS</h3><h3>Technology Summary</h3>CellRail by Resolve Robotics is a versatile modular deployment and retrieval mechanism for robotic payloads which deploy sensors and tools into nuclear cells through a 150mm access port. It has unlimited in-cell range and allows for the remote execution of tasks through the deployment of any tool or sensor to any position and orientation in hazardous environments, inaccessible locations, at height, and in confined spaces. Multiple robotic payloads with a variety of end effectors can be deployed for specific tasks including cutting, material collection, characterisation, visual inspection and 3D modelling. CellRail improves safety, increases productivity, and reduces costs.&nbsp;CellRail’s key innovation is its ability to autonomously construct a scaffolding-like structure from modular tube segments on the inside of a nuclear cell, guaranteeing reliable behaviour even in&nbsp;complex&nbsp;environments. The tubes are constructed in an accurate and reliable way by virtue of their geometry, their fit, the design of the deployment mechanism, and the integrated electronics and software control systems.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">Key benefits and applications</h3>Designed specifically for the nuclear decommissioning market the system is highly radiation tolerant, provides automated retrieval in the event of total failure, and delivers accelerated deployment times through a modular safety case.Other benefits include:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Removes the need for human intervention at height and in confined spaces</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Improves safety by enabling inspection of hard to reach assets and quantifying degradation</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Collects data to substantiate the case for extending an asset’s operational lifetime</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Enables inspection, maintenance and repair to be conducted on a wide range of assets using a single system</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Self-recovery enables operation in hazardous and high radiation environments</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The system is controlled via a software application run on a laptop/PC, providing remote operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>

Enabling sensor and tool deployment in nuclear cells and hazardous environmentsResolve Robotics

CellRail - versatile modular deployment and retrieval system

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<h3>FIRMA ENGINEERING</h3><h3>Technology Summary</h3>FIRMA Engineering have been working with Sellafield Ltd through the Game Changers programme to develop a full scale mechanical articulated Proof of Concept maintenance and decommissioning device. The design intent focuses on addressing difficult to access environments on the Sellafield site including cells, rooms or similar congested spaces.Despite the early stage of development of the project, the ongoing design is yielding a range of possibilities for inspection and maintenance that have not previously been available to the end user on the Sellafield site.Over the next few months, the Proof of Concept will allow FIRMA Engineering to demonstrate technical capabilities, allowing Sellafield Ltd to help steer a decision on the design of a fully working article for deployment and use in the challenging environments that they are frequently faced with.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>Conventional exploratory and light maintenance options are limited, often leading to costly or unreliable outcomes. The design intent of the device directly addresses many of these limitations.Benefits include:<ul><li>Increased scope of exploration to support greater variety and rates of data acquisition</li><li>Simple concise controllability allows the end user to focus on the specific area of interest</li><li>Inherent failsafe retractable nature of the design eliminates risk of secondary waste generation</li><li>Modular design which:</li></ul><ol><li>promotes multiple configurations and toolsets to support a range of decommissioning tasks with the same platform</li><li>allows the equipment to be brought to the site of interest safely and conveniently</li><li>supports ease of maintenance extending the longevity of the equipment life</li></ol>

A full scale mechanical articulated maintenance decommissioning deviceFIRMA Engineering

Flexible Interchangeable Reconfigurable Mechanical Arm

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<h3 class="ql-align-justify">PAJARITO SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION</h3><h3 class="ql-align-justify">Technology Summary</h3>Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) has been working with Sellafield Ltd through the Game Changers programme to investigate options to develop a small, alpha/beta monitoring system which could be used for sampling ponds on the Sellafield site. The work undertaken so far has been based on the current PSC Alpha Liquid In-Situ Assay System (ALIAS).&nbsp;ALIAS is an in-line, real-time and inexpensive direct measurement/quantification instrument for the analysis of alpha activity in liquids. The ALIAS concept and design was originally developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in the late 1990s to provide near real-time alpha activity measurements of aqueous solutions in gloveboxes.&nbsp;The scintillation fibre employed in the system contacts an aqueous solution flowing through the detector. The alpha particle interacts with the scintillating fibre and produces a light pulse that is transmitted through the low-attenuating fibre. The number of pulses produced is proportional to the alpha activity in the solution.PSC’s ALIAS is capable of detecting various types of radiation; alpha, beta, gamma and neutron.&nbsp;PSC has already studied the feasibility of employing suitable pulse-processing electronics in ALIAS to enable the device to discriminate alpha and beta activity in liquids.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">Key benefits and applications</h3>The scope of work being undertaken will result in a benchtop proof of principle system incorporating an optimized organic fibre and photomultiplier tube configuration.&nbsp;The fibre will be exposed to a combination of alpha and beta radiation activities using known, traceable sealed radiation sources. Resulting detector signals will be processed through a custom DSP device incorporating prototype FPGA/software. These experiments will demonstrate discrimination/separation of the signals into two counting channels which will then relate to the two radiation types. A key benefit which will be realised by this scope of work will be the identification of the design considerations for a productionised system.&nbsp;This system will be tailored to satisfy Sellafield Ltd's need for a small, alpha/beta monitoring system for sampling ponds. Such a system would reduce or remove the requirement for time-consuming sampling and wet chemistry analysis. The main design considerations include:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Sensitivity and Lower Limits of Detection </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Continuous operation vs. periodic sampling </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Manual vs. automated operation (manual syphon vs. peristaltic-pump) </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Size and weight and other physical constraints (portable vs. installed) </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Operator display and data logging functions </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Calibration, function and quality assurance checks</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Power (battery vs. AC mains)</li></ul>

The development of a small alpha/beta monitoring system for pond samplingPajarito Scientific Corporation

Alpha/beta monitoring in liquors

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<h3>HYBRID INSTRUMENTS</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>A collaboration between Hybrid Instruments Limited and Lancaster University has produced a prototype device, TRIBECA, for the real-time measurement of waterborne tritium. This project offers Sellafield Ltd the chance of meeting important statutory requirements more efficiently.Nuclear sites such as Sellafield are required periodically to measure waterborne tritium. Currently, this involves collecting and preparing groundwater samples and sending them off-site for third-party laboratory testing. This is a lengthy and costly process.Using TRIBECA, Hybrid and Lancaster have shown they can measure tritium in groundwater samples under laboratory conditions. Concentrations as low as 10 kBq/l (10 Bq/g) have been detected. It has also been demonstrated that measurements are immune to other possible contaminants.Efforts are now focussed on further development of the instrument with an anticipated detection level of 100 Bq/l.With the support of LabLogic Systems Limited in automating the fluid handling, the aim is to deploy the technology on the Sellafield site by mid-2021.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3><ul><li>Results in hours, rather than days or weeks</li><li>Offers Sellafield Ltd the chance of meeting important statutory requirements more efficiently</li><li>All manual interventions involve some radiation risk, increased automation of monitoring reduces these risks</li><li>Proprietary technology renders the detector immune to other radioactive contaminants thus eliminating time consuming and costly purification processes</li><li>Sending samples off site is costly and involves some radiation risks; on site analysis reduces these risks</li><li>Siting at the borehole will employ existing pumping infrastructure</li></ul>

Real-time measurement of waterborne tritium for on-site analysisHybrid Instruments

Rapid interference free measurement of waterborne tritium

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<h3>FRAUNHOFER CENTRE FOR APPLIED PHOTONICS AND UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE</h3><h3>Technology summary</h3>This 12-month project is based on a collaboration between the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (FCAP) and the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Signal and Image Processing (CeSIP). It aims to develop technology which will allow Sellafield to detect soil contamination in ways that will enhance productivity and significantly cut costs.Currently, soil samples are prepared for off-site laboratory analysis.&nbsp;This analysis provides highly accurate results, but it is a time-consuming practice that is impractical for large quantities of soil. The technology being developed by FCAP and CeSIP aims to make accurate on-site soil analysis possible using spectroscopic techniques called Raman Spectroscopy and Laser Based Induction Spectroscopy (LIBS). These techniques exploit the interaction of light with matter to provide substance-specific "fingerprints" which enable researchers to detect individual substances. It is hoped that an additional technique - hyperspectral imaging (HSI) - will help researchers rapidly characterise the surface of sample areas. Innovative signal processing will also be developed to support the analysis of the sensor data aiming to provide new decision support capabilities for identification of multiple contaminants in soil.<h3>Key benefits and applications</h3>If the technology proves to be successful it is hoped that the following benefits will be realised:<ul><li>Speed - fast detection of contaminants and real-time results</li><li>Cost - significant reduction in costs by eliminating the need to send samples for off-site analysis</li><li>Productivity - large volumes of soil to be analysed quickly</li></ul>

Soil contamination detection using spectroscopic techniquesFraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics and University of Strathclyde

Field assessment of granular materials

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Fast neutron detection

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The aim of this project is to develop a remote pressure alert sensor system which will help Sellafield Ltd monitor product container cans in long-term storage.&nbsp;The sensor will be smart and provide regular monitoring updates of the container cans and alerts if any deformation of cans is detected. This will enable Sellafield Ltd to minimise the number of physical inspections of cans which need to take place and to target inspections on particular cans of interest, thereby reducing the need for human intervention, saving time and reducing costs.The sensor system should be long-life and radiation tolerant and to communicate wirelessly from within a dense storage facility.All of the aims of the project can be linked back to the NDA grand challenges for intelligent infrastructure, moving humans away from harm and digital delivery.

Extending the life of sensors using unique Sensor Driven technology

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