Lucideon Helps Sellafield Ltd to Verify Waste Container Integrity
Case study
Sellafield Ltd is a Site Licence Company (SLC), formed for the purpose of managing the decommissioning of the Sellafield multi-function nuclear facility. Its responsibilities cover nuclear fuel production and reprocessing, and international nuclear decommissioning and transportation.
The challenge
Sellafield Ltd needed to verify the integrity of their waste containers intended for the storage of problematic waste, ensuring that no encapsulated materials could be released during an accident scenario.
What we delivered
Lucideon performed drop testing of these containers from a height of up to 13 metres to confirm their integrity. The deformation of these containers were established through surface 3D laser scanning and a residual gas test was performed through full underwater immersion of the container and collection of residual gas.
Analysis showed no visible hole through which material could directly escape, and there was no splitting or initiation of other deformation associated with the drilled holes in the cans.
Value to the client
Due to its suite of analysis & evaluation capabilities, Lucideon was contracted via UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) to perform this custom testing for Sellafield on specified waste containers, providing specialised materials performance data to support evidence-based decision making. Sellafield was provided performance and safety data regarding the integrity of its containers and, therefore, can determine if and where design developments are required.