Radiological Scouting, Monitoring and Inspection using Drones

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202103.0706.v1
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30T06:30:03Z
• Authors: Luís Pinto; Alberto Vale; Yoeri Brouwer; Jorge Borbinha; José Corisco; Rodrigo Ventura; Ana Margarida Silva; André Mourato; Gonçalo Marques; Yuri Romanets; Susana Sargento; Bruno Gonçalves
• Keywords: Drone

Human populations and natural ecosystems are bound to be exposed ionizing radiation1from the deposition of artificial radionuclides resulting from nuclear accidents, devices2or radiological dispersive devices ("dirty bombs"). On other hand, NORM industries such as3phosphate production or uranium mining, contribute on site storage residuals with enhanced4concentrations radionuclides. Therefore, in context European agreements5concerning energy, namely EURATOM (European Atomic Energy Community) Treaty,6monitoring is an essential feature environmental surveillance. In this work, we7obtain 3D maps outdoor scenarios, complete measured radiation levels8and its radionuclide signature. we face challenges as unknown and9rough terrain, limited number sampled locations need for different sensors therefore10different tasks. We propose a solution scouting, monitoring inspecting area of11interest, using fleet drones controlling ground station. First, scout LiDAR12onboard drone accurately 3D-map area. Then, monitor that Geiger-Muller13sensor at low-vertical distance produce (heat)map overlaid14on map scenario. Next, identify hotspots radiation, inspect them detail15using by landing them, reveal signature CZT sensor. present16the algorithms used implement tasks both station drones. The three17mission phases were validated actual experiments three scenarios. We18conclude can not only perform mission efficiently, but general they faster and19as reliable personnel