Box filling model

Project

Box fill model

Benefits

The model aims to reduce the cost and time taken to sort and segregate waste and increase project sustainability by packing the waste into boxes as efficiently as possible based on the model output.

Current Status

Completed planned phase of enhancements. The model will be tested and then further engagement with stakeholders will take place.

Delivery Partners

ITI Simulations Ltd

Contact Details

Henry Jackson, Jamie-Leigh Edington, Panos Frangos

innovation.team@sellafieldsites.com

Sellafield Advanced Business Analytics (SABA) is the modelling capability group for Sellafield Ltd. SABA provide a diverse range of operational research solutions, including simulation models and web tools to an agreed specification. The box filling model was a Proof of Value project developed as part of SABA’s responsibility to consider innovation within modelling and analytics.

The box filling model is a simulation tool, enabling the user to pack a predefined list of plant “equipment” into a box. Box dimensions, weight and activity thresholds are user defined. The plant equipment can be size reduced as defined by the user into constituent “objects”, each with associated parameters including dimensions, weight, activity, and orientation.

A packing algorithm in the model takes these inputs and places the objects into boxes adhering to the various constraints defined by the user. The model then reports two key performance indicators, the number of boxes required to pack all pieces of equipment and the packing fraction for each box.

The model was developed to initiate discussion with relevant stakeholders to identify a potential use case for modelling the packing of solid waste into boxes. It has since been presented as part of a series of engagement sessions which were attended by 20 stakeholders. Discussions have taken place to determine potential use cases for the model and how it can be applied to provide the most benefit to Sellafield Ltd.

The SABA team are currently enhancing the tool to ensure that it remains applicable to a wide range of areas across the business, whilst also taking into consideration some of the more common feedback themes raised during the stakeholder discussions which include:

• Suggested functionality enhancements to the model, for example, a wider range of equipment archetypes and container types.

• Opportunities for the application of the model such as the ability to analyse cost and time benefits regarding size reduction to determine the most effective approach.

Once these enhancements have been completed, further engagement will be held with the stakeholders who have identified potential use cases for the model in their areas.