Proof of concept trials for in-situ testing of filter performance on Sellafield Self Shielded boxes

Abstract

The series of experiments described in this report was conducted to demonstrate the (expected) difference in the gas flow behaviour of sintered steel filters that had been manipulated to simulate possible fault scenarios. The filters used in this work are similar to the ones that will be installed on the Self Shielded Box (SSB). For that reason, an experimental gas rig was constructed to allow the filter behaviour to be examined using three different test methods. Six filter conditions were used (holed (2.8 mm), pinholed (10 × 0.3 mm), pristine, 0.25 blocked, 0.5 blocked and 0.75 blocked). All three scenarios have shown distinct differences between the various filters, successfully demonstrating their divergence in performance based on the filter condition and indicating the practicality of developing these ideas for industrial use, to monitor the condition of in-service filters.