New technology for mapping plutonium hotspots is being tested at the Sellafield nuclear fuel complex in Cumbria, U.K. Preparations are underway for post-operational cleanout and decommissioning, and the technology developed by Cavendish Nuclear could lead to the faster, safer and cheaper decommissioning of PHUMS detector deployed near a shielded glovebox. Source: Cavendish NuclearPHUMS detector deployed near a shielded glovebox. Source: Cavendish Nuclearnuclear facilities.

The Decommissioning In-Situ Plutonium Invention Monitor (DISPIM) from Cavendish Nuclear currently used at the Sellafield site for mapping alpha contamination is heavily shielded and weighs half a ton. A smaller version of this monitor – the ARKTIS S670e – is now available, providing a more mobile solution that weighs just 6 kg. The lightweight system combines simple plug-and-play electronics with algorithms developed by the company.

Development of compatible data processing based on these algorithms resulted in the Plutonium Hold Up Management System (PHUMS), a portable device based on the ARKTIS detector head with a laptop housed in a carry-case. The technology can be used for rapid and accurate modeling of plutonium deposits inside glove boxes, pipes and valves used to process nuclear materials. The size and weight advantage of PHUMS enables its deployment in areas that the DISPIM cannot access.

Trials of the system are currently underway at Sellafield.

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