Radiation Imaging for Waste Management and Decommissioning

Abstract

The need for equipment capable of remote localization and quantification of radiation sources (point sources, hot spots, radiation hazards, contamination, etc.) has already been reported. For waste management and decommissioning (WM&D) purposes, radiation hazards must be identified before removal. Development of a remotely-operated radiation imaging device, which can be incorporated into robotic systems, will enable operators to locate irradiating sources in “near real-time”. Possible uses of such a system include: (i) directional localization of radioactive sources and contamination; (ii) 3-D evaluation of dose-rates, source activity, and isotope identification; (iii) continuous monitoring of radiation fields; and (iv) detection of nuclear and radiological threats. This paper will review current state-of-the-art radiation imaging technology. Recent work at CNL on developing radiation imaging devices is discussed; especially the development of radiation imaging devices to be incorporated in remotely operated robotic systems. The operational parameters of the developed prototypes are presented.