Thermometry of intermediate level nuclear waste containers in multiple environmental conditions

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using phosphor thermometry and thermal imaging to accurately monitor the internal temperature of intermediate level nuclear waste containers from external surface measurements under various environmental conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a practical method for non-invasively estimating internal waste container temperatures in diverse environmental settings.

Findings

External surface temperature correlates well with internal temperature.

Thermometry methods are effective within 10-25°C and 60-90% humidity.

Monitoring techniques support safe nuclear waste management.

Abstract

Intermediate level nuclear waste must be stored until it is safe for permanent disposal. Temperature monitoring of waste packages is important to the nuclear decommissioning industry to support management of each package. Phosphor thermometry and thermal imaging have been used to monitor the temperature of intermediate level waste containers within the expected range of environmental storage conditions at the Sellafield Ltd site: temperatures from 10 {\deg}C to 25 {\deg}C and relative humidities from 60 %rh to 90 %rh. The feasibility of determining internal temperature from external surface temperature measurement in the required range of environmental conditions has been demonstrated.