Nuclear Engineering, Science, and Technology (NEST) Facility

The Nuclear Engineering, Science, and Technology (NEST) facility accommodates experimental R&D, supporting advancements across the nuclear fuel cycle in both fission and fusion. Equipped to handle a wide range of radionuclides at low to medium activity levels, NEST enables ground-breaking work with various liquid media, including aqueous solutions, organic solvents, and molten salts.

At the heart of NEST is the Manchester hub of the Molten Salts in Nuclear Technology Laboratory (MSNTL) – a dedicated space for pioneering research in pyroprocessing, molten salt reactors, energy storage, and next-generation decontamination techniques.

Beyond molten salt technology, NEST also provides cutting-edge capabilities for aqueous nuclear processes, including:
     • Solvent extraction
     • Ion exchange
     • Precipitation techniques
     • Materials decontamination

With a focus on understanding solid-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces, the facility is fully equipped with advanced analytical and spectroscopic instrumentation, ensuring precise and insightful research outcomes.

Key Capabilities of the NEST Facility

  1. Molten Salt Research Excellence
     • Specialised gloveboxes, infrastructure, and experimental rigs for the drying, handling, and study of chloride and fluoride molten salts with radioactive materials, primarily uranium and thorium.
     • Ability to safely conduct experiments with corrosive gases.

  2. Handling & Containment of Nuclear Materials
     • Capability to work with up to 200g of uranium or thorium and 35 MBq of β/γ activity per experiment.
     • A diverse stock of oxides, salts, and solutions to support a broad range of studies.
     • Comprehensive radiation monitoring, fume cupboards, containment boxes, and waste disposal routes for safe handling and compliance.

  3. In-House Analysis & Characterisation
     • Fully integrated facilities for analysing and characterising radionuclide-containing solids and solutions, ensuring accurate assessments for nuclear research and development.

By combining cutting-edge technology, expert infrastructure, and a multidisciplinary research environment, NEST is driving the future of nuclear science – pushing boundaries in process development, safety, and sustainability.