Development of a mobile, automated, optical inspection system for radioactive barrels

Abstract. Due to the delayed construction and commissioning of a German repository for intermediate- low-level radioactive waste, waste inventories from several decades are now located at interim storage sites, safe custody which must also be ensured an indefinite period storage. The usual practice in facilities is recurrent inspections, carried out almost exclusively manually without electronic comparative recordings as well mechanical documentation archiving. Remote or automated inspection does not take place. inspections visually therefore very subjective thus subject errors. Manual performance labor intensive requires use personnel exposed radiation. Neither uniform criteria visual applied, nor performed uniformly between sites. Based on these facts, Institute Technology Management Construction, Department Deconstruction Decommissioning Conventional Nuclear Buildings, together with Photogrammetry Sensing, developing drum system part funding measure FORKA – Research Facilities. EMOS mobile unit that remotely automatically records entire surface drum, including lid bottom, optically; evaluates it analytically; both stores electronically outputs results form report. In this way, recurring stock can completed under same conditions each time. A decisive advantage possibility carrying order reduce radiation dose employees site. optical evaluation, display output will ensure more precise analysis surfaces through software specially developed than possible manual currently facilities. continuous monitoring stored drums facilitated tracing damage development comparison archived measurement novel powerful tool helps increase safety aspects long term. Changes geometry condition (e.g. corrosion formation, etc.) identified early stage help unit, measures taken counteract loss integrity containers.