About the challenge

Develop or identify a leak testing solution for nuclear transport packages that is easy to use, reliable, and can be capable of meeting a range of requirements across a range of package sizes and environments.

Nuclear containers must be tested to ensure they are sealed before they can be transported to any other site or location. Typical testing at present includes pressurising an interspace between two seals incorporated in the package and monitoring the pressure drop to calculate a leak rate. This process involves specialist training to ensure that all the standards are met. An example existing unit at present is taken to the location of the package and put together, tested during setup for leaks from joints and connections before being attached to the package and tested.

The challenge holder is seeking solutions that will result in increased efficiency, reduced operator exposure to radiation, improved staff satisfaction, lower training and maintenance costs, and enhanced reliability and data management.

The challenge holder is interested in existing equipment that can be adapted to their particular application or a new design where a prototype could be built and ready for testing within a year. There may be help available for the right equipment to bring up to nuclear standards if needed.

Functional & technical requirements

• Must measure pressure, temperature, and volume accurately to calculate leak rates with compensation for environmental factors.
• Should be man-portable or easily deployable, with the possibility of separating compressor and measurement units.
• Should provide digital outputs and integrate with modern data management systems.
• Should minimise setup time and operator intervention.
• High sensitivity for leak rate measurement circa 1×10-6 Pa.m3.s-1 (in line with or better than current standards)
• Compatibility with a range of package sizes and interspace volumes from a few cm³ to several litres – current packages range from interspace test volumes of 20cm3 to 1300cm3.
• Compliance with relevant ISO/British standards for leak testing and non-destructive testing.
• Robustness against leaks in manifold connections and adaptability to different connection types.
• Digital output and data logging are preferred; printouts alone are insufficient.
• Off-the-shelf solutions are welcome, but bespoke or adapted systems are also in scope.
• Continuous monitoring is not a primary requirement but may be discussed at the pitch stage.

Eligibility & assessment criteria

This challenge is open to established businesses, academic institutions, SMEs, ideally UK-based but open to international applicants if appropriate.

Applications will be assessed on:

• Relevance to the defined challenge
• Benefit of implementation
• Feasibility/economic viability
• Innovative nature
• Ability to launch in line with expected timescales
• Credibility of applicant company
• Coherence of the proposed business model
• Development potential
• Maturity of the solution
• Suitability for the intended geographic market

Timescales

• Target launch: End of November.
• Challenge open for 4-6 weeks.
• Assessment and pitch workshop in early to mid-February.
• £100,000 approved for 2025/26 financial year (if proposal requires more time, then state in the application what will be spent and achieved this FY and and what will be next FY).