Remote sensing of chemical agents within nuclear facilities using Raman spectroscopy. (20th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foster, Michael; Wharton, Michael; Brooks, William; Goundry, Matthew; Warren, Charles; Storey, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Journal of Raman spectroscopy. Volume 51:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 2543
• Page End: 2551
• Publication Date: 2020-11-20
• Subjects: instrumentation -- nuclear facilities -- spatial heterodyne spectrometer -- stand‐off Raman; Raman spectroscopy -- Periodicals; 535.846
• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0377-0486

Abstract

Abstract: The identification and characterisation of radioactive material and other hazardous substances are essential requirements for the nuclear industry. Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify substances; however, given the challenging nature of the environment, instruments typically cannot be located within 1 m of the target substance. A new stand‐off Raman instrument using a spatial heterodyne spectrometer mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is presented, and its ability to identify a range of chemicals of interest to the industry is demonstrated within a representative environment. The instrument demonstrated an ability to routinely make Raman observations at 1 m from the target with all sensitive electronic elements situated remotely outside the target environment. Abstract : Raman spectra have been acquired of a uranyl nitrate, tri‐butyl phosphate and kerosene, from within a representative nuclear facility. Demonstrating for the first time the ability to characterize chemical agents within this challenging environment in a same manner using Raman spectroscopy.