Our website is currently being updated to include ExEn, our advanced handling solutions for extreme environments up to 1400°C.
Our vision
At GraphiCore, we strive to contribute to the nuclear field by fostering the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.
Our commitment is to enable a safer and more sustainable future through continuous innovation.
Safety
Innovation
Passion
GraphiCore Project
Problem
Decommissioning graphite-moderated reactors poses unique challenges due to their size and complexity. Each unit contains around 40,000 graphite bricks, totaling 2000 to 3000 tons, crucial for operation. The task is immense; globally, 300,000 tonnes of graphite blocks require safe disposal, with over 100 reactors reaching the end of their operational life. However, existing technologies fail due to graphite’s properties, complicating safe removal. These challenges demand innovative solutions to meet safety standards and overcome geometric constraints within reactors.
- 300,000 tonnes of graphite to be removed across multiple continents
- Over 100 reactors impacted, with issues expected to escalate over the next 30 years
- No current technology meets safety standards for effective block removal
Solution
GraphiCore’s vacuum-based grabbing system offers a safe, efficient solution for decommissioning graphite-moderated nuclear reactors. Key features include enhanced safety, continuous compression, and customizable design, setting new standards in reactor decommissioning.
- Customizable and scalable design
The GraphiCore grabbing unit can be taylored to function with all graphite-moderated reactor, and can be scaled up to adapt to project needs
- Enhanced safety
The GraphiCore grabbing unit achieves safety factor of 3 (testing undergoing to achieve safety factor of 4), and can guarantee the safe removal of graphite blocks from the core
- Designed for graphite first
The grabbing unit’s design is built around graphite’s properties and can overcome all the physical constraints and complexities thanks to the proprietary design
GraphiCore's Advanced Vacuum-actuated grabbing technology
Discover the heart of our groundbreaking end-effector technology: a proprietary vacuum system that lifts weights up to four times heavier than traditional industrial models. Our design prioritizes safety, reliability, and efficiency in decommissioning. This standalone, versatile device is fully customizable to suit any reactor design, ensuring peak performance in demanding environments.
Grabber Test
Prize & Investors
Snetp
GraphiCore won the Jury prize award of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform Innovation award
PoliHub
GraphiCore is currently incubated in Polihub, the startup acelerator and innovation park of Politecnico di Milano
Switch 2 Product
GraphiCore is one of the winners of the switch 2 product 2023 competition from Politecnico di Milano
DigiDecom22
The remote grabbing unit concept won the 2nd place as best poster award
Decon 2022
Won the 3rd place as best poster award
The National Technology Transfer Hub dedicated to Environmental Sustainability
Tech4Planet, is the second National Technology Transfer Hub launched by CDP Venture Capital Sgr to enable projects originating from environmental sustainability research laboratories to become fully-fledged companies.
GraphiCore’s founding team is formed by three nuclear engineers with experience and a top-notch advisory board
Prof. Marco E. Ricotti
Advisor
Prof. Alessandro A. Porta
Advisor
Prof. Fabrizio Campi
Advisor
Emilio Cosso
Mentor
Contact us
If you want to collaborate, partner up, or are simply curious to know more about the tech and team, please contact us by filling in the form below. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.