Cavendish Nuclear is testing a new mapping system at the Sellafield plant which it says promises to transform decommissioning.

The company is taking advantage of a breakthrough in fast neutron detection technology to develop a lightweight system that combines simple electronics with algorithms developed by Cavendish Nuclear.

It provides rapid and highly-accurate modelling of plutonium deposits inside gloveboxes, pipes and valves used to process nuclear material.

Janet Fletcher, head of products and services at Cavendish Nuclear, said: "Innovation in the use of technology is transforming the ease with which redundant plant can be mapped for the build-up of plutonium."

The new detector is mobile and weighs six kilogrammes, making it easier for workers to carry out scans.

Cavendish Nuclear identified the potential of the lightweight device in 2015 and Sellafield Ltd is very keen to bring innovation to its plans for decommissioning and has been working with Cavendish Nuclear for the last 12 months on trials.

Paul Little, head of post-operational clean-out of special nuclear materials at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We are always keen on making the most of innovation and new techniques to transform the way we work and support us in our mission of safe and cost effective risk retirement."