Aasim Mohamed

Dual-Tandem Sensor-Enabled Robotize Plasma Cutting System

My research project focuses on developing a sensor-enabled robotised plasma arc cutting system. Currently, most techniques include mechanical and thermal cutting that requires manual settings and operations, leading to a longer operating time, higher cost, and lower productivity. Here comes ultrasound technology to play a role in improving the process and meeting the demands of Industry 4.0. The use of ultrasound technology will help in increasing operational safety, quality control and production efficiency of systems alongside digitizing the process.

 Developing an advanced robotic plasma cutting system capable of adapting to various decommissioning tasks, will revolutionize the way we approach nuclear facility dismantling and radioactive material handling. The benefits of the system include increased efficiency, operating speed, remote operation, versatility, precision, safety, and cost reduction.

 I envision my career taking me to the forefront of technological advancements, collaborating with experts in robotics, artificial intelligence, and nuclear engineering. Through continuous innovation, I strive to contribute to safer and more efficient decommissioning processes, ultimately making a significant difference in the field of nuclear research and ensuring a sustainable future.

Aoife Keane

Optical Imaging and Analysis Techniques for the Early Detection and Quantification of Corrosion on Special Nuclear Materials Packages

My work looks at the combination of different optical sensor modalities (hyperspectral imaging, RGB imaging, Raman spectroscopy etc.) to train machine learning models to detect corrosion at the earliest possible point. This work is done in collaboration with Sellafield Ltd, where the corrosion detection algorithms are optimised specifically to monitor the state of the stainless-steel packages which house Special Nuclear Materials (SNM).

Monitoring and assessing these packages in a store is important in a decommissioning context, as it can flag packages that have been compromised, without the need for in-situ human inspection. The a final inspection tool can be used to support decision-making. 

 I hope my career in nuclear research will take me far and wide! There are opportunities in decommissioning which are interesting and exciting to me, but also: every industry is impacted by rust! The skillset I have developed through this research has applications in many different areas of nuclear research. 

Adam Gilmour

Using Phased Array Ultrasound to Localize Probes During the Inspection of Welds

The research focusses on remote automated Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of maritime structures through robotics and in developing the next generation of inspection platforms. Off the shelf products are often limited in their usage case and lack a general-purpose design, therefore, this research - and that within SEARCH - look to create a flexible solution for a variety of inspection requirements. The poster describes a novel method of positioning an ultrasonic NDE probe by using the live feedback of data as means of updating the probe location during a scan to achieve maximum coverage of the area of interest, allowing for reliable remote inspections to take place.

During decommissioning, the structural integrity & upkeep of radioactive environments is still a crucial aspect towards complete shutdown. Remote solutions that are flexible in the tasks they can complete can support those on-site by accessing certain areas with minimal associated risks.

I am thoroughly enjoying the work here at the university and working with our industrial partner. I hope to continue on the path of automated NDE and continue to develop supportive technology for on-site inspectors.

Andrew Young

Calandria Tubesheet Bore Inspection Decision Support

Visual inspection of assets is performed throughout the nuclear sector, this I also the case within nuclear decommissioning. In most cases, an engineer has to view the inspection videos in order to make a decision. My research focus on automating or semi-automating the analysis process while still keeping the human in the loop to make the final decision. 

My current research focus is on the development and application of explainable AI systems. In a heavily regulated environment such as the nuclear sector, in my opinion it is critical in order for AI to adopted readily is to move away from black box approaches, and move to transparent and interpretable models that provide understandable explanation for their decisions and actions.

Catriona McFarlan

On-Line Monitoring to Facilitate Next-generation Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing

Optical spectroscopic techniques can be applied to provide on-line, real-time monitoring of the Advanced PUREX process. The ability to accurately quantify nitric acid, uranium and tributyl phosphate concentrations in PUREX-relevant model mixtures was demonstrated using Raman and mid-infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometrics. Application of these methods on-line will allow deviations from the optimum operating conditions to be quickly detected, enable optimisation and control of the process, and provide accountancy of the radioactive components. 

The methods demonstrated in this work could be applied to provide real-time quantification of key analytes during nuclear decommissioning.

I think my career in nuclear research will allow me to provide process monitoring expertise to facilitate next-generation nuclear fuel reprocessing and manufacturing operations. 

David Morrison

Colloidal Silica Grout as an Injectable Sub-surface Barrier for Nuclear Site Remediation

CS grout has unique properties which allow it to be employed in certain applications in nuclear decommissioning where conventional materials cannot, or are highly undesirable. If it can be shown that its behaviour is well understood and its cost is not prohibitively expensive, then CS grout has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of contaminant release during decommissioning operations, amongst other benefits. The findings of my research are intended to be used in support of a future safety case for CS grout in nuclear decommissioning.

After completing my PhD, I intend to work in the nuclear decommissioning industry, in site remediation or radioactive waste management, ideally employing the results of my research, as well as the skills and knowledge I have acquired through my PhD, to real-world scenarios. I hope that I can make a positive contribution to the industry and help make nuclear decommissioning safer and more efficient.