Speaker
Description
Hot cells, which are shielded containment chambers for handling radioactive materials, play a critical role across the nuclear sector. They support activities in nuclear power generation, neutron source facilities, nuclear medicine, and scientific research. Although hot cells have traditionally been static structures equipped with lead glass viewing windows, mechanical remote handling systems, and optional glovebox ports, recent advances have enabled modern mobile and fully windowless designs that incorporate sophisticated robotic telemanipulators.
The European Spallation Source (ESS), now under construction in Lund, Sweden, represents a significant step forward in this evolution. The ESS facility will house the largest windowless hot cell in the world, with a volume greater than 4000 cubic meters. It is designed for the remote processing and storage of highly radioactive waste reaching intensities of up to 1000 Gy per hour. Because the radiation levels render the environment completely inaccessible to humans, the design gives equal emphasis to both remote operation and remote maintenance of all equipment within the facility.
To fulfil its radioactive waste handling requirements, the ESS hot cell incorporates cranes, robotic manipulators, diamond wire cutting machinery, shielding equipment, environmental monitoring devices, and an advanced low latency viewing system that supports human in the loop remote operation. A bespoke supervisory control system has been developed to integrate information and functionality across all equipment in a unified manner. This system includes the use of virtual reality to enhance operator immersion, situational awareness, training, and precision during remote handling tasks, providing a safer and more intuitive interface for complex operations within the fully inaccessible environment.