Objective
The main objective is to prevent radioactive material either unauthorised or accidentally being accepted by a steelworks. This will be done by developing and testing detector systems of high sensitivity suitable for use either at the point of entry of the scrap or within the steelplant. Work needs to be done on the types of detector, the long term reliability of detectors, their robustness, the optimisation of deployment of multi-detector systems, the choice of alarm thresholds and methods of checking for false alarms. The procedure to be followed in the event of a positive detection must also be defined.
Practical studies using the British Steel detector system, and comparing it with other conventional systems has shown they all have a similar sensitivity of detection. None of these systems can guarantee to detect all radioactive sources under typical operating conditions. The deficiencies of existing systems have been revealed by four cases in the USA in which radioactive sources have passed through detector systems and have been melted in steelworks. In an attempt to improve the likelihood of detection a new detection system has been developed, which is based on measuring both gamma ray energy and gamma ray intensity. Measurement of gamma ray energy allows the system to be more sensitive without creating additional false alarms. Practical tests have shown the new system is approximately four times more sensitive than existing conventional systems.
The recommended system for maximum probability of detecting radioactive sources in scrap is based on four detectors of the new design.
Work completed to date has shown that inspection of scrap incoming by road is likely to require the use of several detectors deployed around the vehicle. The development of a complete system, and the geometry of its deployment would be a subject of study. The benefits of shielding the inspection area from background radiation may also be studied. Scrap delivered by rail presents a different problem and this will be investigated.
There has been no work so far on the use of detectors within the steelplant. Surveys have shown that the movements of scrap within the plant would be favourable for the sensitivity of detection. Areas closed to basket charging and scrap skips will be considered for the location of monitors. The physical situation is hostile, however, and robust detectors would have to be built. In each case the systems would be tested using radioactive sources concealed in scrap. Work using conventional sealed sources would be undertaken at British Steel Swinden Laboratories UK and, in a separate but collaborative piece of research, tests using pieces of radioactive steel would be undertaken at BFI in Dusseldorf, Germany. It is anticipated that close consultation will be maintained between both organisations.
The conditions of scrap handling differ between steelworks so there is a need to develop systems which are flexible and can be adapted as necessary. It is planned to compare the performance of the same type of detector at different steelworks, and also to compare different detectors at particular steelworks.
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Programme(s)
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Coordinator
S60 3AR ROTHERHAM
United Kingdom
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