Smart Calibration of in-situ ultrasound rheological sensors for the long term characterization of highly radioactive nuclear waste

The cleanup of Nuclear Waste is a major environmental priority, with millions of gallons of high level nuclear waste stored in deteriorating tanks with the potential for significant ecological and radiological contamination. This multi-phase high concentration sludge requires identification to enable safe extraction Hence the material monitoring is an important sensing application. ITS produces process analytical sensors whichcharacterize complex materials in-situ. Waste recovery will take up to 25 years, during which time the sensor must operate reliably and continuously in spite of the continuous degradation due to radiation damage. ITS is seeking to develop a smart sensor system which adapts to the challenges inherent in a highly radioactive environment to provide novel new analytical monitoring capbility.