A few weeks ago, MechaTech Systems were delighted to welcome key stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd, the NDA and TDA to our second unit in Berkeley, where we are conducting a programme of full-scale, in-active vacuum drying trials for Sellafield.
The trials are being carried out using simulant nuclear waste in the Advanced Vacuum Drying System (AVDS). The AVDS, manufactured by north Bristol based MechaTech Systems Ltd, is designed to condition waste in ductile cast iron containers.
Conditioning removes the free water and subsequent moisture content, in its original container, down to acceptable levels for interim and long-term storage, transport and eventual disposal.
The AVDS was originally designed in a collaborative effort by MechaTech Systems and Magnox - now NRS Ltd – as an alternative to concrete encapsulation of nuclear waste.
The system won the Magnox i4 innovation award in 2014 and MechaTech Systems were highly commended by the NDA for the best application of an innovative solution.
Today, the AVDS is actively conditioning ILW at nuclear decommissioning sites in the UK. To date, MechaTech Systems have delivered five AVDS to UK nuclear decommissioning sites, are currently working on a sixth system and provide scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
The recent visit proved a great success, presenting an excellent opportunity for the MechaTech Systems’ team to meet with key stakeholders who were able view the AVDS trials configuration and discuss progress, key features and potential future uses of the AVDS.
For further information about the AVDS, please visit: www.mechatechsystems.co.uk/advanced-vacuum-drying-system-avds Or contact us: enquiries@mechatechsystems.co.uk / +44 (0) 1454 414723
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