Compact Viscometer Prototype for Remote In Situ Analysis of Sludge

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Legacy storage tanks and silos at Sellafield contain sludge with uncertain physical properties.
• Accurate characterization of sludge shear behavior, density, and temperature is crucial for safe decommissioning.
• Limited access and hazardous conditions hinder traditional sampling and analysis methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective, compact, and robust device for in-situ analysis of sludge rheological properties.
• To enable characterization without the need for sample extraction from hazardous environments.
• To support safe and efficient decommissioning of legacy nuclear facilities.

Main Methods:

• Development of a prototype device using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and rapid prototyping.
• Integration of a microcontroller for remote control and data acquisition.
• Testing with a sludge simulant to establish a benchmark for rheological measurements.

Main Results:

• A prototype device capable of measuring sludge shear parameters has been successfully developed.
• The device is designed to be compact, fitting through a 75 mm opening for enhanced deployment.
• Initial analysis of a test material provides a benchmark for future rheological measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed device offers a viable solution for in-situ rheological characterization of hazardous sludge.
• Its compact and robust design facilitates deployment in challenging legacy storage environments.
• This technology can significantly improve safety and efficiency in nuclear decommissioning operations.