Developing a Graphical User Interface for a Data-Driven Automated Hazardous-Chemical Handling module.
Supervisor: Dr Nicola Bell
School: Chemistry
Industry Partner: Sellafield Ltd
Description:
Working under inert gas atmospheres is key for handling a range of hazardous chemical materials, including nuclear waste based on uranium and plutonium. Currently, this work is conducted manually in inert atmosphere gloveboxes, but the nuclear industry has a drive to develop remotely operated chemical handling systems which can maintain an inert atmosphere. This is because even a pinprick-sized hole in a glovebox glove can expose workers to dangerous levels of radiation, while errors in manual handling can lead to fire which can aerosolise radioactive particles.
Automation of the manual processes which must be undertaken by these users requires the development of new technologies for remote gas handling, work on which is undertaken in the Bell group. My digitally operated gas/vacuum manifold can mimic the inertisation processes undertaken by inert atmosphere chemistry to analyse pyrophoric materials.
One important factor when designing automated systems is user operability and the level of training required. Currently, my system is programmed using C++ or Python. Demonstrating its utility to my collaborators at Sellafield will require a responsive Graphical User Interface (GUI) that can build into their standard workflow and is simple and easy to understand. Similarly, a GUI can provide a platform to collect data about the system operations and display feedback from integrated sensors, including a pressure sensor and an -particle detector.
This project will involve the development of a GUI using Megunolink (or similar software) to allow easy access to common commands and visual feedback and logging of readings from sensors. Updates to the current Arduino board firmware will also be required. Depending on the timelines and interests of the student, the design of an Arduino shield board for the system may also be undertaken.
Milestones:
M1 (week 1): Assess options & Identify the best GUI software.
M2 (Week 3): Deliver an interactive interface allowing remote opening and closing of manifold taps upon a button click and providing status feedback.
M3 (Week 4): Allow for remote actuator speed control using an interactive control method in the GUI (e.g. slider).
M4 (Week 6): Integrate & test pressure sensor feedback graph for fingerprinting/logging of status.
M5 (Week 8): Parallelise system to allow operation of multiple sets of taps across several control boards
M6 (Week 7): Data capturing and annotation capabilities in the GUI to facilitate data-driven manufacturing after the internship
M8 (Week 10, Optional): Begin designs of Arduino shields for simpler interfacing with manifold control.