Lab Impex Systems announces signing of an intellectual property license deal on AWE technology

May 2011

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and Lab Impex Systems have joined forces to announce an intellectual property license deal which will see the launch of new equipment designed for monitoring radioactive particles in the air.

AWE plc manage and operate the Atomic Weapons Establishment on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, manufacturing and maintaining the warheads for the UK’s nuclear deterrent. It is the technology and innovation required for this programme which has led to the development of an innovative Continuous Air Monitoring (CAM) system by AWE employees Morgan Jones and Graham Auld.

CAM systems are already used in facilities on AWE sites to check that the air does not contain hazardous levels of radioactivity.  This new system provides dramatically improved performance and will now be manufactured and sold worldwide for use in civil nuclear applications by Lab Impex Systems using the AWE innovations.

AWE’s Morgan Jones, said: “The system monitors whether radioactivity is below a safe level. If it isn’t, an alarm sounds so people can take appropriate action. This monitor was required for our AWE programme but the spin-off from this work can provide wider benefit throughout the nuclear industry or wherever radioactive material is processed, at home or abroad.”

AWE’s Managing Director, Andrew Jupp, said: “At AWE we are continually striving to enhance safety, security and environmental standards. With over 1000 CAM systems already in operation on site, this innovation is a clear demonstration of AWE’s commitment to Safe, Secure and Clean operations. These latest developments significantly increase the sensitivity and responsiveness of the CAM system thus safeguarding the health and safety of our people, the community and the environment which is at the heart of everything we do.”

Digby Thomas, AWE’s Technology Transfer Executive, on secondment from Ploughshare Innovations, said: “Innovation is an important part of everyday life at AWE, and in many cases the result of this is also of commercial value beyond the requirements of the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme. Where these opportunities occur, AWE is keen to engage with industry to derive greater value for money and for the benefit of the wider UK economy. The CAM currently monitors alpha radiation levels but further research and development with Lab Impex will take place to extend its use to the monitoring of beta radiation too. This will be of particular interest to those working in power stations, waste storage facilities and reprocessing.”

Chris Palmer, Managing Director, Lab Impex Systems, said: “This is a strategic step for both companies; we at Lab Impex Systems are very excited by the opportunity of working closely with the AWE innovation team on this project. Our experience in the world nuclear market over the past 15 years brings detailed knowledge and understanding of applications in this field. We are confident the AWE innovation will be a success worldwide adding further capabilities to our Air Monitoring family of products.”

Andrew Jupp added: “I am really passionate about AWE delivering innovative high performance through our excellent people and technologies and exploiting wider opportunities as they present themselves. Innovations such as this are increasingly vital as AWE continues to build on its unique knowledge and expertise maximising its contribution as a trusted partner to Government in delivering innovative and integrated solutions.”

This agreement is seen by all concerned as very significant and is also in sync with Lab Impex Systems’ ongoing efforts to effectively contribute to the safety requirements of Nuclear facilities,  in the UK and internationally.

For enquiries on licensing opportunities regarding AWE’s technologies, please contact:

Digby Thomas, Technology Transfer Executive, AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 4PR,
Tel: +44 0118 98 27484

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