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# Interview: Elios Drones at Sellafield, Europe's Largest Nuclear Site
## Exploring the Integration of Drones at Sellafield
Our conversation with Amanda Smith, the UAV equipment programme manager at Sellafield, delves into how drones are transforming operations at this massive nuclear facility. She shares insights on enhancing safety and streamlining workflows through innovative drone technology.
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### About Sellafield: A Hub of Innovation Amidst Decades of Decommissioning
Nestled on the Cumbrian coast of the UK, Sellafield—formerly known as Windscale—is a sprawling site that once housed an active nuclear power plant. Today, it serves as the epicenter of one of the world’s most ambitious decommissioning projects, expected to span decades. Covering nearly six square kilometers, the site resembles a small town bustling with activity, complete with its own fire service, medical teams, and numerous departments managing the complex operations.
Amanda Smith, who leads the UAV equipment programme, is part of the Engineering and Maintenance Profession at Sellafield. Her team is responsible for integrating drones into daily operations, aligning with the broader mission to execute work more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. This initiative forms part of the specialist equipment services, a suite of projects that collectively involve 3,500 employees.
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## Amanda's Journey: From Novice to Expert
When Amanda began her role at Sellafield, she had no prior experience with drones. Her background as an electrical engineer equipped her with foundational knowledge, but navigating the nuances of UAV technology required a steep learning curve. Yet, her dedication and adaptability have yielded impressive results. Under her leadership, the UAV programme has grown exponentially, with over 20 drones and 20 trained pilots contributing to routine operations.
Amanda explained, "We started by bringing in external contractors to demonstrate the potential of drones. After evaluating their capabilities, we decided to build an in-house program. It took six months to gain necessary approvals and complete our first flight. Now, we’re conducting over 200 asset inspections annually."
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## Expanding Horizons: Beyond Security to Asset Management
Initially, drones at Sellafield were deployed primarily for security and emergency response. However, their utility soon expanded to encompass a wide array of asset inspections. Today, drones are used to generate detailed visual reports, construct 3D models, and perform LiDAR scans of critical infrastructure. These capabilities have significantly enhanced situational awareness and facilitated informed decision-making.
One notable application involves inspecting pipe hangers—structures vital for supporting and protecting pipes transporting hazardous materials. By leveraging Elios drones, Sellafield can remotely assess these assets, identifying maintenance needs while minimizing human exposure to dangerous environments.
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## Navigating Challenges in Radioactive Environments
Working in a radioactive setting presents unique challenges. Amanda emphasized the distinction between "radiation" and "contamination," both of which must be carefully managed. While drones excel in many aspects, certain conditions impose limitations. For instance, loose contamination—essentially radioactive dust—poses risks if disturbed during flight. Though Elios drones’ protective cages mitigate some hazards, accessing motor interiors remains problematic. Consequently, drones operating in contaminated zones are permanently stationed there, requiring meticulous maintenance protocols.
Despite these constraints, the Elios 3 RAD payload offers promising advancements. Equipped with an RDS-32WR sensor by Mirion Technologies, it enables real-time radiation detection and mapping. During a recent proof-of-concept flight, the payload successfully identified elevated radiation levels in various test scenarios. Future trials aim to refine flight techniques and establish optimal use cases for this technology.
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## A Bright Future: Scaling Operations and Innovating Further
Looking ahead, Sellafield plans to expand its UAV fleet and refine operational strategies. The modular design of the Elios 3 facilitates versatile payloads, including LiDAR scanners capable of generating intricate 3D models. These models are already proving invaluable in visualization efforts, aiding in planning and execution of decommissioning activities.
Moreover, ongoing pilot training ensures that operators remain proficient in handling diverse missions. Each flight contributes to refining procedures, ultimately driving improvements in safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. As Amanda noted, "Every project reveals new possibilities. Whether it’s reducing scaffold assembly or conducting LiDAR scans, drones continue to open doors."
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## Conclusion: A Transformative Partnership
From its humble beginnings, the UAV programme at Sellafield has evolved into a cornerstone of modern nuclear facility management. Thanks to Amanda Smith and her dedicated team, drones are reshaping how Sellafield approaches safety, innovation, and resource allocation. With the Elios 3 RAD paving the way for advanced radiological surveys, the future looks bright indeed.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to Amanda Smith and Tom Calverley for sharing their inspiring journey. For more details, visit the UK Government’s Sellafield page. To learn more about the Elios 3 and its transformative applications, explore further resources provided by Flyability and Coptrz.
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*Image Credits: [Flyability]*