Emergency unmanned airborne spectrometric (HPGe) monitoring system. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rusňák, Jan; Šuráň, Jiří; Šolc, Jaroslav; Kovář, Petr; Bohuslav, Petr; Nohýl, Jiří
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 194(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Radiation preparedness -- Airborne radiation monitoring -- Monte Carlo -- HPGe -- UAV; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: After a nuclear or radiation event, emergency responders and radiation protection authorities need quick and credible information based on reliable accident and post-accident radiological data. However, risks to people in the vicinity of the source pose serious measurement challenges. Many problems could be solved by unmanned airborne monitoring systems, but the current ones are mostly based on non-spectrometric detectors carried by drones with low bearing, short flying range and flight time. Therefore spectrometric monitoring system based on High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector carried by powerful unmanned helicopter has been developed. The presented unmanned aerial spectrometric system is reliable and heavy-duty and enables quick and safe identification of released radionuclides, thus provides a basis for determining the plant damage state and for planning of emergency and contamination zones. The system will support timely, effective actions that protect the public and environment against the effects of ionizing radiation. The paper describes development and performance tests of this novel system. Highlights: Unique airborne HPGe spectrometric system developed. Unmanned helicopter with high payload capacity and HPGe detector used. Emergency responders will be provided with list of released radionuclides. Performance tested using standardized sources and Monte Carlo simulations.