Measurement and Analysis

Transcription

Service Overview
www.nnl.co.uk
National Nuclear Laboratory
5th Floor
Chadwick House
Warrington Road
Birchwood Park
Warrington
WA3 6AE
UK
T: +44 (0)1925 289800
F: +44 (0)1925 289988
E:customers@nnl.co.uk
Direct tel:
+44 (0)1925 289873
Direct e-mail: darren.f.lee@nnl.co.uk
Dear Sir / Madam,
NNL has over 25 years experience in providing high quality sampling and
characterisation of nuclear materials. We work in partnership with our
High quality, customer driven sampling and characterisation of nuclear materials
customers from our initial contact, through to the production of a final report.
We have a proven track record of exceeding expectations with our flexible
approach
andover
professional
service.
The NNL has
twenty-five
years experience of providing high quality sampling and
characterisation
materials.
We work and
in partnership
with our
customers from the initial
We
offer a varietyofofnuclear
sampling
methodologies
comprehensive
radiometric,
contact,
through
to
the
production
of
a
final
report
and
we
have
a
proven
track
chemical and physical analysis on a wide range of sample matrices. NNL
is record of exceeding
expectations
withaccept
our flexible
approach
and
service.
able
to routinely
samples
with all
levels
of activity through utilisation of
our Windscale Laboratory at Sellafield. We have both the skills, experience and
We offer a variety of sampling methodologies and comprehensive radiometric, chemical and
the shielded facilities to experiment on and understand the behaviour of high
physical analysis on a wide range of sample matrices. The laboratory is able to routinely accept
activity nuclear material.
samples with all levels of activity by utilisation of our Windscale Facility at Sellafield and has the
skillshas
andalso
shielded
facilities
to experiment
onfor
and
understandmonitoring,
the behaviour
of high activity nuclear
NNL
developed
bespoke
solutions
radiological
in-situ
material.
analysis and instrument testing.
This
provides an
overview
of the key
services wemonitoring,
offer customers,
Theshort
NNLborchure
has also developed
bespoke
solutions
for radiological
in-situ analysis and
along
with a
series of case studies which explain how we have successfully
instrument
testing.
delivered these servies.
I have enclosed some information that illustrates a selection of our services. Please do not hesitate
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your measurement and
to contact me if you require more information or would like to visit our facilities.
analysis needs, please get in touch with me and I will be delighted to assist you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Dr Darren Lee
Dr Darren Lee
Business Leader for Measurement & Analysis
Business Leader
National Nuclear Laboratory
t: 00 44 (0)1925 289873
m: 00 44 (0)7730 052565
e: darren.f.lee@nnl.co.uk
National Nuclear Laboratory Limited (Company number 3857752) Registered in England and Wales.
Registered office: 5th Floor, Chadwick House, Warrington Road, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6AE
Overview of M&A Services
Overview
NNL has over 25 years experience providing chemical, physical
and radiometric measurement and analysis. We provide a
high quality, professional service with a proven track record of
exceeding customers’ expectations.
We have provided analytical support to all 18 UK nuclear power
stations analysing routine and more diverse sample matrices
including effluents, swabs, resins, FED and a wide range of
operational and waste decommissioning samples.
Our state of the art facilities and skilled analysts ensure we provide
a high quality, scientifically driven, customer focused service.
Analytical Services
NNL offers a complete service for the radiometric, chemical and physical determination of an extensive
range of samples. We have segregated laboratories enabling us to handle activity levels ranging from
free-release up to 50mSvh-1 gamma.
Radioanalytical analysis
• Radionuclide determinations involving chemical separations
for the analysis of decommissioning waste samples e.g.
sludges, resins, FED
•
Isotopic fingerprinting analysis to support disposal for
UK nuclear power stations. Ongoing monitoring of
effluent samples
•
Characterisation of Low Level and Intermediate Level Waste
to satisfy disposal criteria
Analytical and Physical characterisation
• Particle Size Distribution (PSD) analysis.
• Characterisation of wet or mobile wastes e.g. wet and dry weight per unit volume, settling behaviour,
viscosity, soluble organic content, specific gravity.
• Chemical characterisation using ICP-OES, ICP-MS and anion analysis.
• Reactor compatibility analysis.
• Qualitative analysis on particulate using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/
EDX) including sample morphology, indicative particle size and elemental information.
• Structural information and chemical structure characterisation using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Quality Assurance and Control
NNL has a fully comprehensive ISO17025 (UKAS) accreditation for radiochemical and analytical analysis.
Contact: Darren Lee, Business Leader
T. 00 44 (0) 1925 289873 M. 00 44 (0) 7730 052565 E. darren.f.lee@nnl.co.uk
Instrumentation
and
Overview
of Instrumentation
In-situ
Analysis
and
In-situ
Analysis
NNL has over 30 years experience in providing
professional instrumentation and in-situ analysis for
customers.
Our service is wide-ranging and is tailored to meet
the needs of individual customers. Key offerings
include:
• Instrument related bespoke software solutions
• Instrumentation for physical metrology (including
displacement, temperature, pressure, humidity
and liquid level measurements
• Development and production of novel radiation detection and imaging technologies
• Visual image processing enable measurements of crystallisation, temperature, meniscus tracking, leak
detection and physical dimensions
• Non-invasive sensing, imaging and measurement technologies, as well as less-intrusive in-situ
measurement and analysis
Products and Services
• Radball®: deployable radiation mapping device for
location and quantification radioactive contamination
• Video Barcode Reader: operates efficiently over several
metres and through lead-glass windows
• In-situ chemical analysers: a fleet of process analysers
supporting the Sellafield reprocessing plants
• RadLine™: robust and deployable fibre optic based
radiation detection system for low, medium and high level
detection
• Port Profiler: a sensor trolley that can be moved along
each port in the product store in order to acquire data for
all store cans
• Flask Surveillance System: a multi-camera surveillance
system to monitor the movement of legacy irradiated fuel
Contact: Dr Steve Stanley, Business Manager
T. 00 44 (0) 1772 762566 M. 00 44 (0) 7841 327496 E. steven.j.stanley@nnl.co.uk
Transport,QA
QAand
andSafety
Safety
Transport
NNL provides a professional transport service
focused on delivery, safety and quality. We work
in partnership with customers from initial contact,
transport of samples and throughout the analysis
and final reporting.
Transport Service
NNL owns a number of approved Type A
packages and a Croft IP3 container that can be
used for transport of higher activity radioactive
samples.
We use a dedicated, secure Class 7 courier
service for Excepted, Type-A & Industrial
Packages. The company are ISO 9001 and
14001 accredited Quality and Environmental
Management System.
Quality Assurance and Control
M&A Laboratories at Preston have a
fully comprehensive ISO17025 (UKAS)
accreditation schedule for the radiochemical
and analytical analysis.
20
11
Winner
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Sector Award
NNL also operates a company wide quality
system to the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:
2008, which has been assessed by Lloyd’s
Register Quality Assurance.
Quality is controlled throughout the analytical
process including the analysis of blanks,
duplicates and quality controls. We also
participate in quality assurance schemes
including NPL and AQUACHECK.
For more details of our schedule of
accreditation please visit the UKAS webiste
using the following link: www.ukas.org/testing/
schedules/Actual/4038Testing%20Single_003.
pdf
Safety
NNL is very proud to have won the RoSPA Research and Development Industry Sector Award 2011.
4 This
shows our commitment to continual improvement in safety as well as our successful track record. This is
all the
have been highly commended.
years.InIn2012
the 87th time we have won this award in 11
8 years.
weother
wereyears,
highlywe
commended.
Case Study #1
Case Study
ILW Wet Waste Analysis
Challenge
Sludge generated by the removal and historic treatment of
radioactive material from a Cartridge Cooling Pond (CCP) is
stored in purpose-built tanks on the Hunterston A site. The wet
waste will eventually be retrieved, packaged and encapsulated
and the product stored temporarily in an ILW store. Prior to this,
the physical and radiological variability of the contents of the
waste need to be determined.
Solution
NNL undertook an extensive sampling programme from eight
storage tanks and vessels located in the Radiologically Controlled
Area at the Hunterston A site. Working in a C3 area requiring the
use of PVC and respirator RPE, NNL pioneered a range of sampling
techniques which led to the successful recovery of 172 samples at
incremental depths through the waste materials, some in excess
of 2.5m thickness in tanks up to 12.5m deep.
Using a gamma dose meter, NNL successfully profiled
the activity of the wastes in situ in each of the vessels
where samples were taken from. The samples were then
transported to the NNL Preston Laboratory using Type A and
IP3 transport packages.
Limited physical analysis and gamma spectrometry was
carried out on the individual samples followed by physical,
chemical and radionuclide characterisation of bulk
samples prepared at the NNL laboratory. The data obtained
from the analysis provided an indication of the physical and
radioactivity variation of material in the tanks
Benefits
NNL was able to provide high quality physical and radioactivity data to our customer. We were able to
quanitify the main chemical and radionuclide compositions of the waste. Our in-situ analysis also allowed
an accurate measurement of the waste volumes to be made.
The data provided underpins proposals for the retrieval, encapsulation and storage of the wet ILW as part
of the overall decommissioning programme.
Case Study #2
Case Study
Liquid Effluent Monitoring
Challenge
Monitoring of effluent discharge and pond water samples is
required by EDF Energy to allow the sites to meet statutory
reporting requirements. NNL provides the monitoring and
analysis service for key power stations.
Solution
NNL’s analysis regime includes quarterly and annual bulk Final
Monitoring Delay Tank (FMDT) effluent and pond water samples,
Tritiated Waste Storage Tank (TWST) and gas bubbler samples
from EDF sites. We also analyse several gas bubbler samples.
Our analysis programme covers the following:
• gamma spectrometry
• total activity by triple channel liquid scintillation
• H-3
• S-35
• Pu, Am and Cm alpha, Pu-241
• Ca-45
• Ni-63
• Fe-55
• Sr-90
Benefits
NNL’s delivers quality assurance measurements and formal reporting on a quarterly basis. These enable
sites to meet statutory reporting requirements.
NNL’s delivers quality assurance measurements and formal reporting on a quarterly and annual basis
enabling the sites to meet statutory reporting requirements. Analytical data to support regulatory
requirements is delivered within tight time scales, to high quality standards with strong technical expertise.
Case Study #3
Case Study
Analysis of Oily Waste
Challenge
The Active Waste Vault (AWV) project at Trawsfynydd
Decommissioning Site (TDS) was charged with the disposal of
oil contaminated waste accumulated over the operational
and decommissioning lifetime of the site. The wastes were
stored in drums and had come from a variety of sources and
varied in form, activity and contamination.
Samples taken from 36 waste drums were provided by TDS
for analysis to support a future disposal strategy. Radionuclide fingerprints were required to support activity inventory
assessment of the waste.
Solution
NNL carried out the work in two phases.
The first phase involved visual inspection and direct
gamma spectrometry analysis of all 36 samples allowing
identification of possible bulking combinations for more
detailed analysis. The samples were very heterogeneous so
consideration of the bulking regime was required.
The second phase involved the analysis of 18 bulked
samples.
The analysis scope for the second phase was
•gamma spectrometry
•Pu-238, Pu-239/240, Am-
•H-3 and C-14 by pyrolysis
241, Pu-241, Cm-242, Cm-
•Cl-36
243/244
•Fe 55 and Ni-63
•total activity assessment
•Sr 90
Benefits
Results were provided in a verified and approved test report as specific activities and fingerprints (ratios
to Co-60 and Cs-137) to aid assessment of processing/disposal options and radionuclide inventories of
the waste. This was of significant benefit to our customers.
Measurement
and Analysis
Case Study #4
Case Study
Quality Assurance of Torness PS LLW
Stream Fingerprints
Challenge
NNL provides technical support to EDF Energy as part of an
ongoing programme to ensure the continued validity of
waste stream fingerprints at power station sites.
These waste stream fingerprints are required for the
consignment of waste.
Solution
A full waste stream fingerprinting programme, including data
interpretation, was carried out at Torness Power Station. The
approach was developed and refined by NNL over a period
of about 25 years.
The campaign for Torness involved:
•initial discussion with station personnel to define the sampling
strategy
•sampling of contaminated areas using filter paper swabbing
•analysis of swab samples for a wide range of gamme, beta (H3, C-14, S-35, Cl-36, Ca-45, Fe-55, Ni-63, Sr-90, Pm-147, Pu-241)
and alpha (U-234, U-235/6, U-238, Pu-238, Pu-239/40, Am-241,
Cm-242, Cm-243/4) emitting nuclides to generate nuclide: Co60 or Cs-137 ratios for each area (i.e. area fingerprints)
•The fingerprint from each sampled area was combined into
waste stream fingerprints using weighting factors calculated
by NNL from area waste arising information
•Comparisons made between the new fingerprints and those
from previous campaigns and any significant difference noted
Benefits
The waste stream fingerprints are used by Torness Power Station to aid provision of the consignment
radionuclide inventories required for LLW disposal. With NNL’s knowledge and applied expertise, a
solution to the customers’ challenge has been achieved.
Case Study #5
Case Study
Trawsfynydd Analysis of Hoover Bag and Walnut
Shell Samples
Challenge
Waste accumulated over the operational and
decommissioning lifetime of the site in the Active Waste
Vaults (AWV) at Trawsfynydd Decommissioning Site require
disposal. This waste, classed as Intermediate Level Waste
(ILW), included 7 drums containing 92 Hoover bags and 5
drums of pulverised walnut shells. For disposal the waste
material needed to be comprehensively described in terms of
its appearance, form, solids loading, water, oil and chemical
content, radiological inventory and fingerprint.
Solution
Samples of both Hoover bag dust and pulverised walnut
shells were taken by the customer and submitted to NNL for
analysis.
The analysis programme included:
• visual inspection including
photographs
• Cl-36
• Fe-55 & Ni-63
• particle size distribution
• Sr-90
• specific gravity
• Pu-238, Pu-239/240, Pu-241
• oil content
• Am-241, Cm-242, Cm-
• total sample digestion
243/244
• elemental breakdown
• U-234, U-235/236, U-238
• gamma spectrometry
• total activity assessment
• H-3 & C-14 by pyrolysis
Fingerpints of the waste were produced and ratios to key
indicators obtained, in this case Co-60 and Cs-137.
Benefits
Results from analysis provided a comprehensive breakdown of the waste in terms of its appearance,
form, solids loading, water, oil and chemical content, radiological inventory and fingerprint necessary to
support processing of the waste.
Measurement
Case
Study #6 and Analysis
Case Study
Proportional Sampler
Challenge
Sellafield Ltd’s analytical laboratories generate traceactive effluent that is processed to remove significant
radionuclides prior to discharge from the site. A
volume of sample must be collected for daily alpha
and beta analysis that is directly proportional to the
total discharged volume in order to calculate the total
discharged activity.
Solution
The sampling device uses subtle hydrostatic principles
to transfer 1 dm-3 for each 25 mm of depth. It is
operated simply by applying and then venting a
controlled level of suction to the device. Two samplers
were installed, operating alternately at 1 minute
intervals. There is a “heel” volume in the device, but it
is not significant in this application.
Weir Plate
The flow (Q) trough a rectangular notch weir is related
to the depth (d) by the equation Q = k.d3/2 while for
a V-notch weir it is Q = k.d5/2 (where k is a composite
constant). Linear proportionality can be achieved using
an inverse hyperbolic weir described by the equation
x√y = k, where k can be varied for the required range of
flow rates.
Benefits
The combination of the linear sampling device and
hyperbolic weir delivered a flow proportional sampler
with no moving parts, making it extremely reliable. The
device has been in operation for more than 30 years.
Measurement
Case Study #7 and Analysis
Case Study
Video Barcode Reader
Challenge
Product containers from Sellafield Limited’s Thermal Oxide
Reprocessing Plant (THORP) are identified using laseretched barcodes representing unique six-digit numbers.
However, the containers are handled remotely behind
concrete radiation shielding and thick lead-glass windows.
Conventional laser barcode readers do not function
because of the light reflection and refraction. An alternative
barcode reading technology is required.
Solution
NNL developed a video barcode reader that operates efficiently over many metres range and through
lead-glass windows. Six of these instruments support operations in the THORP reprocessing plants.
The barcodes use the “interleaved 2 of 5” format in which both the marks and spaces represent digits.
The containers can be placed ‘head’ or ‘tail’ first in the reading position, so a star sequence identifies the
appropriate direction of reading.
The reader is based on a smart camera with a zoom lens.
Bespoke software (written in C) is incorporated into the
camera itself. When a barcode is detected in the frame, the
container is interpreted and superimposed on the live image.
Sophisticated algorithms are used to compensate for skew
and irregular lighting. The code interpretation is highly
robust and fault tolerant.
In some cases, the radiation is sufficient to damage the
camera electronics. For these cases, NNL has developed a
periscope housing with optical mirrors so that the camera is
shielded from the radiation source.
Benefits
NNL’s video barcode readers have replaced conventional equipment that was difficult to set up and
unreliable. The integrated software is robust and tolerant to both poor lighting conditions and inaccurate
container placement. The need for expensive radiation-tolerant cameras is avoided by using periscope
optics. The design is modular and flexible to allow customisation to meet customer’s requirements.
Overall, NNL’s solution provides a safe, reliable and significantly cheaper solution to our customer’s problem.
Case Study #8
Case Study
Intermediate Can Reader
Challenge
THORP Finishing Line product is packaged and stored in
special containers comprising three concentric stainless
steel cans. The intermediate can has a tamper-proof
identification barcode machined into the surface. This must
be read through the outer can. The inner and outer cans
also have laser-etched barcodes.
Solution
NNL has developed instrumentation to
read the intermediate can barcode
using the eddy current techniques
developed for use in the field of nondestructive testing. When an alternating
current flows in a coil in close proximity to
a conducting surface, the magnetic field
of the coil will induce circulating (eddy)
currents that penetrate the surface.
As the measuring head travels along the length of the outer can, the eddy currents are interrupted
by the grooves in the intermediate can. Pulses in the output signal corresponding to the grooves are
processed by digital electronics and analysed by bespoke software. The software can interpret the can
number when travelling in either direction and incorporates sophisticated error detection.
There are 17 grooves on each can. The width of the grooves is constant but the spacing between them is
varied to produce a 15 bit binary number. This means that there are 32768 unique can numbers.
The product store is arranged in horizontal ports, each holding up to 13 cans. The eddy current head is
therefore mounted on a trolley enabling all the cans in a port to be analysed in a single pass.
Benefits
The instrumentation developed by NNL has helped the customer to meet the regulatory requirements of external
auditors. Additional benefits include decreased plant downtime and decreased risk of operators receiving a
radiation dose.
Case Study #9
RadLine™ Case Study
RadLine
RadLine has been successfully deployed on the Highly Active Waste Vitrification Plant (WVP) on the
Sellafield site. A single RadLine was used to map the radiation intensities in part of the breakdown
cell of the production line 1 in the WVP.
RadLine was posted through a traverse (normally used for posting electrical cables from the cell
face into the cell) and moved around by Master Slave Manipulators (MSMs) to provide multiple
point measurements of radiation intensity. At the end of the deployment the fibre optic cable was
cut and sacrificed in the WVP breakdown cell.
The RadLine radiation results from the deployment trial were presented to Sellafield Ltd. on a 3D
visualisation of the breakdown cell. The RadLine deployment identified that the radiation levels in
the breakdown cell were of lower magnitude than previously estimated by the customer and it
was concluded that the dose rate estimates were too conservative and pessimistically evaluated
conditions in the cell.
For the purpose of this publication the radiation doses have been illustrated in the figure as a
percentage of the maximum recorded dose: Colours: Red = 100%, Orange = 15 – 25%, Yellow = 2 –
15%, Green = 0 – 2% of the maximum recorded dose.
Position in WVP Breakdown Cell
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
% of max
dose
A
Window 1: Melter Pre-heater
0.8
B
Window 2: 2ft from back wall
5.2
C
Window 2: Top of 1488 drum
19.3
D
Window 2: Melter neck
11.4
E
Window 2: Melter head
100.0
F
Window 2: Melter bottom
17.7
G
Window 3: Saw
3.0
H
Window 4: Melter neck
2.0
I
Window 4: Melter
1.4
J
Window 4: HA bin
1.4
K
Window 4
1.4
L
Window 5: Scrap
1.5
For more information on the use of RadLine for your application, please contact:
Darren Lee, Business Leader, darren.f.lee@nnl.co.uk
Measurement
Case
Study #10and Analysis
Case Study
Remote Laser Spectroscopy
Challenge
Nuclear decommissioning often requires the analysis and
characterisation of a range of materials (sludges, solids,
liquids) as part of clean-up operations. Typical analysis
methods involve gathering numerous samples for laboratory
analysis - onsite or offsite. The process is laborious and often
very expensive. Additionaly, in some cases, even obtaining
the sample is impossible due to access restrictions. The
challenge therefore is to undertake in-situ analysis and
negate the need for costly alternatives.
Solution
NNL, through its new collaborative ‘Photonic and Laser Analysis of Materials and Environments
(PHLAME)’ Research Group with the University of Manchester, are developing novel remote, and
at-a-distance, laser-based, spectroscopic instrumentation that will enable the in-situ analysis of
materials and environments. The techniques, which include remote-Raman spectroscopy and
remote laser-induced spectroscopy, are being combined with existing methods such as
3D LiDAR and visualisation, leading to total virtual characterisation. Our remote Raman
prototype has successfully characterised materials that are representative of a range of nuclear
industry environments including CBRNE, decommissioning, operations and waste management
and disposal.
Benefits
Our remote Raman system (left) comprises a low-powered laser,
a new motorised autofocus telescopic light collection system
and a Raman spectrometer. Nuclear industry materials have
been successfully characterised at up to 6m distance.
NNL and the University of Manchester have developed prototype
remote, in-situ characterisation systems that are now providing
new, speedier and cheaper solutions for the characterisation of
potentially dangerous materials and environments as part of the
decommissioning and clean-up programmes at UK nuclear sites.
Measurement
Case
Study #11and Analysis
Case Study
Port Profiler
Challenge
THORP Finishing Line product is stored in special
stainless steel containers arranged in horizontal
ports of up to 13 cans. The product generates
heat, so there is a need to periodically monitor
the in-situ temperature of each can, identify any
deformation due to pressurisation and ensure
they are correctly positioned on the guide rails to
enable efficient heat transfer.
Solution
NNL has developed a sensor trolley that can be moved along each port in the store to
acquire data for all cans. The device measures precise vertical displacement using two
laser triangulation sensors, can temperature using a non-contacting infrared sensor and
air temperature using a platinum resistance thermometer. The trolley position within the
port is determined using an optical encoder on one wheel. Two miniature cameras also
record video images that can be used to visually assess any anomalies and to read the
identification barcodes on the cans.
The port profiler is operated from a remote control room. Bespoke data acquisition and
analysis software presents the recorded data in both tabular and graphical forms at the end
of each run. The video images can be reviewed and individual frames can be enlarged and
archived. Barcodes can be interpreted automatically, even though they are spread over
multiple frames. The maximum temperature of each can be calculated, taking account of
the low emissivity of the surface. Contemporary and archived data can be compared sideby-side to easily identify physical changes.
Benefits
The instrumentation developed by NNL provides
reassurance that product cans are correctly
stacked and neither overheating nor deformed.
Previously, each can had to be manually removed
and inspected visually. Now, an entire port can be
scanned in a matter of minutes.
Winner 2004 - 2008, 2010 - 2011, 2014
Highly Commended 2009, 2012, 2013
5th Floor
Chadwick House
Warrington Road
Birchwood Park
Warrington
WA3 6AE
T. +44 (0) 1925 289800
E. customers@nnl.co.uk
W.www.nnl.co.uk
@UKNNL

Measurement and Analysis

Transcription

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