Radiochemistry Sensors for use on Robotic Inspection Vehicles
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Abstract
Robotic systems are becoming more widely used in the inspection and characterisation of radioactive facilities such as disaster sites (Fukushima) and nuclear storage facilities (Sellafield). Whilst there is significant ongoing research in the field of remote inspection vehicles for nuclear environments in terms of the mechatronics and autonomy, there are very few sensors which can be deployed on them to provide detailed information beyond the geometric layout (vision and
LIDAR) or general radiation levels (gamma and neutron detectors).
This project will investigate the use of a range of radiochemical sensing technologies which could be deployed onto remote inspection vehicles such as chemo-paper-sensors. The primary challenge will be to analyse the results on the vehicles themselves so that samples do not need to be retrieved and analysed in a lab, essentially creating a mobile lab. This is due to the fact that most inspection vehicles cannot be retrieved once they have been deployed.
Research areas will include the development of novel small-scale radiochemical detection methods which can be mounted on a robot and sampling methodologies for the mobile lab.
LIDAR) or general radiation levels (gamma and neutron detectors).
This project will investigate the use of a range of radiochemical sensing technologies which could be deployed onto remote inspection vehicles such as chemo-paper-sensors. The primary challenge will be to analyse the results on the vehicles themselves so that samples do not need to be retrieved and analysed in a lab, essentially creating a mobile lab. This is due to the fact that most inspection vehicles cannot be retrieved once they have been deployed.
Research areas will include the development of novel small-scale radiochemical detection methods which can be mounted on a robot and sampling methodologies for the mobile lab.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 2106120 | Studentship | EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2018 | 31/03/2022 | Thomas Johnson |
| EP/R513131/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2106120 | Studentship | EP/R513131/1 | 01/10/2018 | 31/03/2022 | Thomas Johnson |
| Description | This project aimed to increase the capabilities for robotic inspection vehicles to analyse the chemical and physical properties of radioactive environments. This project has made a substantial contribution to robotic sample retrieval, furthering our understanding of the swabbing process. |
| Exploitation Route | This project will help us to make more accurate estimates using swabs in the fields of nuclear decommissioning, weapons testing, food standards and other regulatory areas. This project has provided key insights in to the uncertainties involved in swab taking. This project will also aid the development of autonomous swabbing robotics, allowing for us to better understand the effects of the factors that we control (I.E. force application) during swabbing. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Insights in to the swabbing process gained as part of this award helped with the development and deployment of a robotic inspection vehicle at Dounreay. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Energy |
| Impact Types | Economic |