Automated ILW Drum Scanning Using Robotic Manipulators

博士项目将对集成微型伽马能谱仪器的开发和优化进行详细调查，该仪器用于安装在机械臂上的辐射扫描系统的一部分。该项目还将调查使用小型化和辐射难重合的激光剖面图系统，以绘制目标物体或场景的地形图。该项目的目的是开展基础和应用研究，以实现先进的自动化能力，绘制中级核废料包装外表面的辐射能量和强度(和剂量)图，从而制作一张地图，表明靠近包装墙壁的燃料结转或覆层部分等所含高放射性材料的存在。同时，该系统还将生成包装表面的数字地形模型，突出显示内部材料与腐蚀有关的膨胀/膨胀可能引起的任何扭曲。该项目将利用已安装在大华银行的库卡机械臂系统，利用芬斯伍德农场研究地点，在那里可以在机器人安全围栏内进行激光和放射性工作。

The PhD project will conduct a detailed investigation into the development and optimisation of integrated micro-sized gamma spectrometry instrumentation for use as part of a robot arm mounted radiation scanning system. The project will also investigate the use of miniaturised and radiation hard coincident laser profiling systems to topographically map target objects or scenes. The aim of the project is to conduct fundamental and applied research towards an advanced automated ability to map the radiation energy and intensity (and dose) on the external surfaces of Intermediate Level Nuclear Waste (ILW) packages and thereby produce a map which can indicate the presence of contained highly radioactive material e.g. fuel carry-over or cladding sections, close to the package walls. Simultaneously the system will also produce a digital topographic model of the package surfaces highlighting any distortions that may have arisen from corrosion related swelling/expansion of materials inside.The project will make use of Kuka Robotic Arm systems already housed at the UoB, utilising the Fenswood Farm research site where laser and radioactive work can be undertaking inside a robot safety enclosure.