Saturn_Nuclear_CDT
UoM_Nuclear
The decommissioning of reactor graphite requires size reduction and recovery methods that can operate remotely, generate predictable feedstocks and minimise secondary waste. Current approaches to graphite retrieval are challenged by constrained access, variable component geometry, radiological and contamination controls, and the presence of embedded or legacy materials. A combined size reduction and vacuum retrieval approach offers a route to controlled in situ fragmentation while capturing particulate at source, but the relationship between key parameters and resulting feedstock is not yet fully established.
Rationale
The decommissioning of reactor graphite requires size reduction and recovery methods that can operate remotely, generate predictable feedstocks and minimise secondary waste. Current approaches to graphite retrieval are challenged by constrained access, variable component geometry, radiological and contamination controls, and the presence of embedded or legacy materials. A combined size reduction and vacuum retrieval approach offers a route to controlled in situ fragmentation while capturing particulate at source, but the relationship between key parameters and resulting feedstock is not yet fully established.
Central hypothesis
A remotely deployable Nibble and Vacuum tool can be designed to fragment graphite in a controlled and stable manner, while capturing a high fraction of generated particulate. Furthermore, its operating parameters can be tuned to produce recovered graphite with particle size and morphology suitable for recycling or reuse pathways.
Aim
To develop, experimentally validate and optimise an integrated Nibble and Vacuum technique for the controlled generation, retrieval and feedstock conditioning of nuclear graphite particulate under representative decommissioning constraints.
procedures and scale-up recommendations. Outputs will inform future deployable systems and contribute feedstock optimisation principles to the ENLIGHT Graphite Programme.
Methodology and outputs
The research will combine requirements capture, mechanical design, benchtop prototyping, designed experiments, particulate capture measurements, material characterisation and data modelling. Key outputs will include a validated prototype tool system, particulate characterisation datasets, process-feedstock correlations, mitigation guidance for embedded materials and recommendations for future integrated decommissioning deployment
About SATURN
This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Bangor, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear- focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course, as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)
The Bootcamp is based in Manchester.
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Alex Theodosiou
Projects are subject to funding confirmation
How to apply
Please complete the Enquiry Form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.
If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.
Our application process can also be found on our website: here If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
