Remote detection of radioactive hotspot using a Compton camera mounted on a moving multi-copter drone above a contaminated area in Fukushima

In the last decade, the development of more compact and lightweight radiation detection systems led to their application in handheld and small unmanned systems, particularly air-based platforms. Examples of improvements are: the use of silicon photomultiplier-based scintillators, new scintillating crystals, compact dual-mode detectors (gamma/neutron), data fusion, mobile sensor networks, cooperative detection and search. Gamma cameras and dual-particle cameras are increasingly being used for source location. This study reviews and discusses the research advancements in the field of gamma-ray and neutron measurements using mobile radiation detection systems since the Fukushima nuclear accident. Four scenarios are considered: radiological and nuclear accidents and emergencies; illicit traffic of special nuclear materials and radioactive materials; nuclear, accelerator, targets, and irradiation facilities; and naturally occurring radioactive materials monitoring-related activities. The work presented in this paper aims to: compile and review information on the radiation detection systems, contextual sensors and platforms used for each scenario; assess their advantages and limitations, looking prospectively to new research and challenges in the field; and support the decision making of national radioprotection agencies and response teams in respect to adequate detection system for each scenario. For that, an extensive literature review was conducted.

“…Since the contamination can be anywhere in a building, a 4

Section: Mobile Radiation Detection Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Mobile Radiation Detection Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

State-of-the-Art Mobile Radiation Detection Systems for Different Scenarios

Marques

Vale

Vaz

2021

“…The authors in [112] developed a remote radiation imaging system comprising a lightweight Compton camera and a 3D LiDAR mounted on a multi-copter drone to remotely measure the distribution of radioactive substances. The Compton camera mounted on the drone has the ability to visualize a 3D distribution of radioactive substances in difficult-to-return zones.…”

Section: Mobile Radiation Monitoring Using Uav 621 Radiation Monitoring Using Conventional Uavmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ionizing Radiation Monitoring Technology at the Verge of Internet of Things

Ahmad

Rahim²,

Nordin

et al. 2021

As nuclear technology evolves, and continues to be used in various fields since its discovery less than a century ago, radiation safety has become a major concern to humans and the environment. Radiation monitoring plays a significant role in preventive radiological nuclear detection in nuclear facilities, hospitals, or in any activities associated with radioactive materials by acting as a tool to measure the risk of being exposed to radiation while reaping its benefit. Apart from in occupational settings, radiation monitoring is required in emergency responses to radiation incidents as well as outdoor radiation zones. Several radiation sensors have been developed, ranging from as simple as a Geiger-Muller counter to bulkier radiation systems such as the High Purity Germanium detector, with different functionality for use in different settings, but the inability to provide real-time data makes radiation monitoring activities less effective. The deployment of manned vehicles equipped with these radiation sensors reduces the scope of radiation monitoring operations significantly, but the safety of radiation monitoring operators is still compromised. Recently, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been introduced to the world and offered solutions to these limitations. This review elucidates a systematic understanding of the fundamental usage of the Internet of Drones for radiation monitoring purposes. The extension of essential functional blocks in IoT can be expanded across radiation monitoring industries, presenting several emerging research opportunities and challenges. This article offers a comprehensive review of the evolutionary application of IoT technology in nuclear and radiation monitoring. Finally, the security of the nuclear industry is discussed.

“…However, in the events of theft and loss of sources or undesired acts of terrorism using such sources, it is necessary to identify multiple sources over a wide search area rapidly [1]. Several methods for radiation source identification have been developed [2][3][4][5][6][7]. For example, Huo et al reported a method to estimate the location and intensity of radiation sources by using a mobile robot equipped with a Geiger-Müller (GM) counter and laser range sensor [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Path-Planning System for Radioisotope Identification Devices Using 4π Gamma Imaging Based on Random Forest Analysis

Tomita

Hara

Mukai

et al. 2022

We developed a path-planning system for radiation source identification devices using 4π gamma imaging. The estimated source location and activity were calculated by an integrated simulation model by using 4π gamma images at multiple measurement positions. Using these calculated values, a prediction model to estimate the probability of identification at the next measurement position was created by via random forest analysis. The path-planning system based on the prediction model was verified by integrated simulation and experiment for a 137Cs point source. The results showed that 137Cs point sources were identified using the few measurement positions suggested by the path-planning system.