Abstract
NUKEM’s system FREMES (Free Release Measurement System) provides the possibility to radiologically characterize and sort large amounts of different bulk materials (like soil types, crushed building materials, shredded metals, etc.) in real time and with high throughputs. Although basically being a well-established measurement procedure, to reliably process large material quantities with many single measurements and a fully automated system is challenging and requires a concise effort.
Experience from commissioning and operation of two realizations of this system is presented in this article, showing the main challenges which were met, together with the key success factors, which helped dealing with them and closing the process to the customers’ satisfaction. Main challenges from the first project implementation were mainly technically, like design of a new system with up-to-date technologies and its many small optimizations and fixes, as well as unexpected conditions and events on site.
Careful preparation, and a constant process of optimizing the system during operation resulted in a reliable design, which proved itself in the second installation. There however, the general circumstances of the project were much more difficult. Intensive communication with by the customer, good planning, as well as most important a motivated team and the willingness of all parties for success proved here as key factors, as already in the project before. NUKEM’s team are therefore well prepared and ready for more applications in the future.