Dalton Cumbrian Facility
The Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) is a state of the art complex for the Dalton Nuclear Institute where academia and industry from the UK and overseas can carry out world-leading research and deliver dedicated skills development programmes.
DCF, situated on the Westlakes Science & Technology Park, provides West Cumbria with a scientific research base that is unique in the UK and Europe and has the aim of achieving global recognition as a trusted provider of world-leading fundamental and applied research and world class skills for industry.
Research
DCF provides universities and industry from the UK and overseas with a facility designed to support research and knowledge transfer.
Research will focus in three specific areas:
- Radiation chemistry, physics and radiation damage to materials
- Nuclear engineering decommissioning
- The management of radioactive waste
Research at the facility will be characterised by a holistic approach spanning mathematical modelling, experimental analysis and interpretation, through to development, demonstration and practical application.
At the heart of DCF's radiation sciences research programme will be extensive irradiation facilities including:
- A 5MV ion-beam accelerator capable of supplying 10MeV protons, 15MeV helium ions and a variety of partially stripped heavy ions
- A self-shielded cobalt-60 irradiator
From top to bottom: Accelerator hall, student area and analytical lab.
The irradiation facilities allow researchers to simulate the main radiolysis mechanisms and research is supported by an extensive array of high-end analytical and surface inspection equipment for the examination of irradiated chemicals and materials.
Research in the fields of nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management links to national and international programmes and aims to deliver world-class academic research on key, industry relevant, scientific and engineering issues.
Facilities
DCF comprises the ion-beam accelerator hall, containing the extensive irradiation equipment and an adjoining building containing the analytical/inspection laboratories, office accommodation, meeting/seminar rooms and the computer modelling capability.
DCF also provides academic access to the facilities of the National Nuclear Laboratory to carry out research using radioactive materials and develop and demonstrate practical application of research outputs in extensive engineering facilities.
Once fully operational it is envisaged DCF will support around 35 research personnel, comprising both PhD students and Post-Doctoral Research Associates, supported by the requisite technical, teaching and operational support staff based at DCF.
Want to find out more?
Research Director - Professor Simon Pimblott: simon.pimblott@manchester.ac.uk
Commercial Director - Kevin Warren: kevin.warren@manchester.ac.uk
General Enquiries: enquiries-daltoncumbrianfacility@manchester.ac.uk
Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning
How to Find Us
Dalton Cumbrian Facility
University of Manchester
Westlakes Science & Technology Park
Moor Row
Cumbria
CA24 3HA
T: 01946 508888
Directions and map of the Technology Park (PDR download)