Ultra Energy’s proposal for an innovative airborne alpha radiation monitoring system has been selected for funding through Sellafield Ltd’s Game Changers programme in the UK.
Working with innovation programme specialist, FIS360, Sellafield Ltd’s Special Nuclear Materials team launched the competition in October 2023. It was designed to stimulate innovation that would ultimately conclude with the development of a fully automated monitoring system that minimizes routine maintenance, while enhancing discernment between genuine containment breaches and naturally occurring radiation.
A diverse range of nuclear organisations were invited to submit proposals, with eight awarded feasibility funding. At the conclusion of Sellafield Ltd and FIS360’s validation and assessment process in April 2024, successful organisations were informed that their idea had been selected for funding, one of which is Ultra Energy.
Ultra Energy’s proposal is based on our proven SmartCAM radiation monitoring system. Our SmartCAM design will be adapted to replace the filter in its detector head with a bespoke filter-less collection and detection assembly. It will use electrostatic precipitation techniques previously developed by Ultra Energy to detect any fuel leaks into reactor coolant systems. This new system will eliminate any possibility of false alarms caused by blocked filters, as well as the recurring maintenance task of replacing filters.
Ultra Energy’s proposal will now move on to the next phase of its development, with ongoing support provided by Sellafield Ltd and FIS360.