Revolutionizing Nuclear: Breakthrough Technologies Unveiled at WNE
Revolutionizing Nuclear: Breakthrough Technologies Unveiled at WNE
The World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) 2023 was a landmark event, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in nuclear technology. From digital innovations to enhance operational strategies and innovative safety solutions, the exhibition highlighted advancements that promise to shape the future of the nuclear industry. As we look back on these innovations, we also anticipate further revelations at the next WNE, scheduled for November 4-6, 2025.
Cancer-Fighting Isotopes: A New Hope from Bruce Power
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
One of the most groundbreaking announcements came from Bruce Power in Canada, which unveiled a method to produce radioactive isotopes with remarkable efficiency. Eric Chassard, EVP Process and Engineering at Bruce Power, revealed that the company could now produce medical isotopes. This swift production process, involving the irradiation of Ytterbium-176 to create Lutetium-177, holds great promise for cancer treatment. Each shipment of Lutetium-177, produced in collaboration with Isogen, ITM, and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, can treat up to 2,000 patients.
One of the most groundbreaking announcements came from Bruce Power in Canada, which unveiled a method to produce radioactive isotopes with remarkable efficiency. Eric Chassard, EVP Process and Engineering at Bruce Power, revealed that the company could now produce medical isotopes. This swift production process, involving the irradiation of Ytterbium-176 to create Lutetium-177, holds great promise for cancer treatment. Each shipment of Lutetium-177, produced in collaboration with Isogen, ITM, and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, can treat up to 2,000 patients.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
This innovation is facilitated by Bruce Power's Isotope Production System (IPS) and its Unit 7 reactor, the world's first commercial reactor capable of producing short-lived medical isotopes. Additionally, Bruce Power, ITM and Isogen's recent advancements include increasing the production capacity of Ytterbium-176 targets and harvesting Cobalt-60, another cancer-fighting isotope. These efforts are further supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with Boston Scientific to explore the feasibility of producing Yttrium-90 (Y-90) in Bruce Power's reactors.
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Hydrolox: Safeguarding Marine Life
Hydrolox, part of the US Pavilion at WNE 2023, showcased its innovative water-extracting filters designed to protect marine life. The engineered polymer travelling water screens, customized for any industrial water intake size, prevent fish from being trapped while allowing filtered water to pass through. This system ensures the safe return of any trapped fish to their natural habitat, enhancing safety and reliability in the nuclear industry. Tim Woodrow, Vice-President Commercial at Intralox, emphasised the screens' non-corrosive properties and their widespread use in the US and UK.
Ouest Acro: Rope Access Specialists
French exhibitor Ouest Acro demonstrated the vital role of rope access in maintaining nuclear installations. Operatives Benjamin Lorieux and Clement Granger showcased their rope-climbing skills, highlighting the company's expertise in inspection, non-destructive testing, anti-corrosion treatments, and structural repairs. Their agility and precision in accessing difficult areas underscore the importance of innovative maintenance solutions in the nuclear sector.
French exhibitor Ouest Acro demonstrated the vital role of rope access in maintaining nuclear installations. Operatives Benjamin Lorieux and Clement Granger showcased their rope-climbing skills, highlighting the company's expertise in inspection, non-destructive testing, anti-corrosion treatments, and structural repairs. Their agility and precision in accessing difficult areas underscore the importance of innovative maintenance solutions in the nuclear sector.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
Flyability's Elios 3 Drone: Enhancing Nuclear Safety
Swiss firm Flyability, represented by Foretec in France, introduced the third-generation Elios drone, a winner in the SME/VSE Nuclear Safety category at the WNE 2023 Innovation Awards. Equipped with a radiation detector, the Elios 3 drone is designed for inspecting and measuring radiation in hazardous environments without human intervention. Using light sensors and LIDAR pulse lasers, the drone navigates dark, dusty, and confined spaces, creating detailed maps of radioactivity levels. Jerome Marron, CEO of Foretec, highlighted the drone's capability to deliver accurate results in challenging conditions.
Swiss firm Flyability, represented by Foretec in France, introduced the third-generation Elios drone, a winner in the SME/VSE Nuclear Safety category at the WNE 2023 Innovation Awards. Equipped with a radiation detector, the Elios 3 drone is designed for inspecting and measuring radiation in hazardous environments without human intervention. Using light sensors and LIDAR pulse lasers, the drone navigates dark, dusty, and confined spaces, creating detailed maps of radioactivity levels. Jerome Marron, CEO of Foretec, highlighted the drone's capability to deliver accurate results in challenging conditions.
WNE 2023_© Collectif Favart
What to Expect at WNE 2025
The innovations showcased at WNE 2023 mark significant strides in the nuclear industry. From medical isotopes revolutionising cancer treatment to advanced safety measures protecting both marine life and human workers, these breakthroughs demonstrate the industry's commitment to progress and safety.
As we anticipate WNE 2025, we look forward to unveiling even more pioneering technologies and collaborations that will continue to revolutionise the nuclear sector. Join us from November 4-6, 2025, to witness the future of nuclear energy unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates and innovations from WNE, where the world of nuclear technology comes together to shape a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future.
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