The challenge

Context of the challenge

UK regulations around transporting hazardous or explosive materials are rigorous, requiring a high degree of thorough, scenario-based testing. In a controlled test environment, sensors and data loggers are placed within a container, to validate its integrity and functionality, even in extreme conditions.

The gap

A data logger with sensors that measure temperature, pressure and acceleration must be able to operate in a test scenario where it is exposed to significant physical shock and high temperatures for extended periods of time.

The container being tested, which holds the data logger, acts as a Faraday cage and cannot be altered as it would affect its physical performance.

Existing solutions are to use a commercial data logger (SLICE), surrounded by insulation to reduce the temperature. Active cooling cannot be used.

Due to the extreme external temperatures, there has been no insulation material found that is sufficient to maintain the safe operating temperature for electronics over a period of 14 hours. The highest internal temperature peaks at 90 °C, considerably higher than the operating temperature of the data logger, which is 60 °C.

We are interested in hearing about any ways which could be used to ensure these loggers can remain functioning, over a period of time, at extreme temperatures.

There may be parallel commercial markets in sensors used in extreme environments (e.g. oil and gas industry) and fire safety equipment such as building materials to prevent the spread of fire.

Example use case

A military-grade articulated lorry is being used to transport hazardous material. The material is held within a container 5 metres by 2 metres by 2 metres. The transport container has been specified to ensure the material remains undamaged regardless of what happens to the articulated lorry.

When a major collision happens, there is severe shock to the articulated lorry and transport container. Briefly following this, a fuel tanker crashes into the back of the articulated lorry resulting in a fuel fire that lasts for the next several hours.

The container has been tested and validated to resist this physical shock and exposure to very high temperatures for many hours so, despite the serious collision, there is assurance that the container will continue to function and protect the hazardous material inside.

Project scope

The focus of this 12-week project is to demonstrate a concept that could collect temperature, pressure and acceleration data.

HMGCC Co-Creation will consider different ways to approach this problem, whether it is a high temperature data logger, advanced insulation material or another technology solution.

HMGCC Co-Creation is also open to solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from 5 – 9. It is recommended that applicants should label their existing TRL as well as the level expected by the end of the 12 weeks.

Essential requirements:

• Two triaxial shock accelerometers.
• Two triaxial angular rate sensors.
• Six temperature channels (PRTS) or thermocouples.
• Eighteen strain gauge/pressure channels.
• The data capture package inclusive of battery and any thermal protection must be accommodated within a limited overall size of 200 mm x 200 mm x 150 mm.
• If a thermal insulated package is developed, then a minimum of 150 mm x 150 mm x 80 mm internal volume is required to mount the current data logger system.
• The test item is exposed to a temperature of 90 °C for 14 hours, but the maximum operating temperature of the current system is 60 ⁰C.
• A data logger to record temperature, pressure, and acceleration for at least 36 hours, with the minimum number of channels (see project scope above).
• Alternatively, a demonstrable method of keeping standard loggers within their safe operating temperature would be acceptable.

Restrictions during operation:

• The container cannot be altered or opened once testing has started.
• The container acts as Faraday cage, blocking any wireless signals.
• There must be a breach opening or connection to the container to allow cables to protrude and allow data transfer.
• Active cooling cannot be used, nor can potentially dangerous materials such as liquid nitrogen or asbestos.
• The data logger must be able to be powered by a battery.

Not required:

• Only a horizon scan.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances.

Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.