Background

Pipeline systems at nuclear installations in the UK may be contaminated with low levels of Pu-239. This isotope decays almost entirely by alpha emission, which is an intrinsically short range process, undetectable from outside a pipe.

Currently, no low cost solution is available to effectively assess the presence of plutonium in a system of pipework other than cutting the pipes open risking the spreading of contamination.

Technology Overview

The University of York have developed a thin-film photovoltaic technology to offer a cheap, elegant and flexible solution for an alpha-particle detector based on crystalline silicon (). The silicon provides low cost nuclear detection for inner inspection of potentially contaminated pipelines. These thin (50-um thick) silicon sensors can be curved to conform to a cylindrical geometry. This makes them very suitable for a pipeline inspection system to monitor for radioactive contamination on the inside of decommissioned pipework at nuclear facilities.

Benefits

Extremely versatile, giving a wide range of applications.
Low cost of apparatus, making it the most viable option in comparison to competing technology.
Flexible detector which allows 360° coverage for complete detection uniformity.
Self-supported structure negating engineering challenges associated with traditional detector placement.

Applications

Nuclear decommissioning to inspect pipework for contamination.
Oil and gas pipework inspection.
Radioprotection, use in medical applications.
Potential wearable technology development.
Replacement of ineffective scintillation detection method.
Safe alternative to hazardous detection methods.

Opportunity

The university is interested in Licensing opportunities and collaborative research partnerships.

Low-cost and Flexible Alpha-particle Detector

Patents

IP Status

Seeking