The cell has plugs from the cell shielding wall that allow radioactive cells on a nuclear site to be accessed, such as with robotic tools. But due to the nature of them forming part of the shielding wall it is vital they offer the same high level of shielding integrity as the cell wall itself.
When the operator analysed data from plugs, it found a discrepancy between the weights. The different readings begged the question whether there was a problem in terms of the integrity of the shielding plugs. It’s the type of problem which due to the hazardous nature of the industry can only be solved by experts using specialist techniques and equipment.
Responsive Ltd stepped up to the plate. Within 12 hours of being given the go-ahead to look at the problem at its specialist radiological testing lab, it had analysed the issue and filed a report on its findings with the operator.
At its specialist radiation bay, Responsive carried out gamma scintillation testing of the radiation cell’s shielding wall plugs to find out whether material inside had suffered any shrinkage.
Responsive CEO Lee Grears said: “We have been working with the nuclear industry for a number of years and are hugely experienced in this type of work. Responsive has 14 highly qualified inspectors among its 18-strong team operating across the North of England, from bases in Cumbria and Manchester.
Gamma monitoring and surveys for nuclear transport packages, stainless steel ultrasonic testing, magnetic testing and dye penetrant testing are just some of the services the company provides.
Responsive operates a large testing compound which offers 24-hour support to the nuclear, oil and gas, marine, engineering and construction industries.
Responsive also has a training arm - Responsive Training Services - and recently set up start-up business Flawed to supply components with hidden defects for training and testing, both in-house and for external markets.