NPL teams with Rolls Royce for SMR monitoring

Led by NPL’s Nuclear Metrology group, the project will investigate the potential of using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for SMRs.

ICP-MS uses a plasma generated by electromagnetic induction to ionise samples, allowing for a variety of elements to be detected at very low concentrations. Applied to Rolls Royce’s SMRs, ICP-MS could facilitate the automated measurement of the constituents in different water chemistries within a reactor, providing an indication of operating conditions. 

“The Nuclear Metrology group has pushed inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry to advance measurement capabilities for low level radioactivity measurement, with the methods and standards developed increasingly used by industry, academia, and other measurement institutes,” said Ben Russell, principal scientist and science area leader for Nuclear Metrology at NPL.

“We are excited to apply this technique to solving measurement challenges related to automated monitoring of SMRs.”

NPL said its scientists have been working for several years to develop traceable techniques for the rapid and repeatable detection of stable and radioactive pollutants for use in a range of nuclear scenarios, including decommissioning, environmental monitoring and nuclear forensics. According to the project partners, ICP-MS can deliver simultaneous measurement of multiple elements; rapid measurement time of several minutes per sample; little or no sample preparation; and reduced analyst time.

By integrating automated analytical capabilities into SMR operation, it is claimed Rolls Royce will be able to minimise onsite lab testing and waste, curtail the footprint of the site, as well as reduce capital and operational costs.

“Our [SMR] design utilises long-established and well-understood pressurised water reactor [PWR] technology, allowing us to focus our research efforts in key areas, including in the development of inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry with NPL, to supplement and further enhance this technology,” said Greg Wilkinson, research and technology manager at Rolls-Royce SMR.

“We look forward to collaborating with NPL’s world-leading nuclear metrology team to achieve our vision of delivering clean, affordable energy for all.”