Helen Beddow, Nuvia - Low Level Waste Repository Ltd

In-Situ Object Counting System (ISOCS) Model• Detector characteristicsare defined• Gamma-ray interactionsare well understood• Exploit this knowledge touse mathematical modelsto generate efficiencycorrections based onphysical parameters• ISOCS models the drumas a simple cylinderassumes homogeneousactivity distributionHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 97

Outcomes• Count time of 10 minutes achieved detection limits of 0.02Bq/g 60 Co and 0.03 Bq/g 137 Cs• ~ 30 drums a day• Drums were distorted at the base – not stable on the turntable;manual ‘drum dollies’ were used, but the process quicker• Magnox supplied with the report for 72 drums a week aftercompleting the measurements• The whole process went very smoothly and to time• Data was compared to results obtained using the site assaysystem and feedback from Magnox was very positive• A trial work package – Nuvia would offer HIRAMHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 98

Old Main Active Drain (OMAD), Harwell• Nuvia assurance monitoredthe first wastes to leaveHarwell to go to the EastNorthants ResourceManagement Facility(ENRMF) operated byAugean plc• The waste route is overseenby the Low Level WasteRepository Ltd (LLWR)Helen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 99

High Resolution Assay Monitor (HIRAM)• The work was done at Harwell for the Environment Agencyunder the supervision of RSRL• First use of Nuvia’s High Resolution Assay MonitorHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 100

High Resolution Assay Monitor (HIRAM)• Purpose built trailer comprisesa cabin and turntable• Cabin equipped with a table fora laptop, an area for positioningthe detector on a scissor-lifttrolley and a window for viewingthe turntable• Wired at 110 volts to complywith construction site protocols• Petrol-fuelled generatorsupplied with the trailer – or usemains supply via a transformer• Anchor points are located in thecabin to secure equipmentduring transitHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 101

High Resolution Assay Monitor (HIRAM)• The system can be fully automated – operator keys physical parametersinto the programme• At the end of the count time a spreadsheet of results are generated• 4 contracts completed measuring 900 packages; 3 new contracts inproposal• 3 HIRAM unitsHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 102

High Resolution Assay Monitor (HIRAM)Helen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 103

Thank youHelen Beddow, 1 st May 2013 104