Moving boundary models for the growth of crystalline deposits from undetected leakages of industrial process liquors

In this study, a computational model which simulates the growth of crystalline deposits from dripping salt solution is developed and validated. This problem is of interest to the nuclear industry where the morphology of deposited material impacts on its associated criticality risk. An existing model for simulating geological-stalagmite formations is adapted to the case of dripping salt-solutions which form thin films of fluid that precipitate out over time, forming accumulations. The implementation of a CFD Volume-of-Fluid multiphase model is developed such that the fluid-flow is coupled to the crystallisation kinetics and a moving-boundary model is used for describing the size and shape of growing crystalline deposits. The fluid-flow and forming accumulation are fully coupled, with the model able to account for solute diffusion and solvent evaporation. Results are in good agreement with experimental data for surrogate salt-solutions. Numerical results are presented to assess the sensitivity to process and environmental parameters

The advantages of creating a positive radiation safety culture in the higher education and research sectors

The safety culture of any organisation plays a critical role in setting the tone for both effective delivery of service and high standards of performance. By embedding safety at a cultural level, organisations are able to influence the attitudes and behaviours of stakeholders. To achieve this requires the ongoing commitment of heads of organisations and also individuals to prioritise safety no less than other competing goals (e.g. in universities, recruitment and retention are key) to ensure the protection of both people and the environment. The concept of culture is the same whatever the sector, e.g. medical, nuclear, industry, education, and research, but the higher education and research sectors within the UK are a unique challenge in developing a strong safety culture. This report provides an overview of the challenges presented by the sector, the current status of radiation protection culture, case studies to demonstrate good and bad practice in the sector and the practical methods to influence change