Radiation protection container having a safety device, and method for monitoring a radiation protection container

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiation protection container having a housing (14) and having a loading apparatus (16) for arrangement of a radioactive radiation source (18), with the radiation protection container (10) comprising a safety device (12) and the safety device (12) comprising the following: - a monitoring module (22) for monitoring at least one state of the radiation protection container (10), - a communications device (32). The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a radiation protection container (10).

Description

[0001] Radiation protection container with safety device and method for monitoring a radiation protection container

[0002] The invention relates to a radiation protection container according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a radiation protection container according to claim 15.

[0003] Radiation protection containers for radioactive sources are used in various industrial environments, for example, as radiometric level gauges and for the safe storage and transport of radioactive sources from one location to another. While radiation sources are useful for a variety of applications, the radioactive material they contain is hazardous.

[0004] A radiation protection container according to the present application is typically used to safely store a radioactive radiation source both during periods in which it is used for a specific application and in intermediate periods, including for transport. Safe means, in particular, that the escape of radioactive radiation is reduced to a prescribed level in every spatial direction when the radiation source is not in use, and that when the radiation source is in use, it occurs in a strictly defined emission geometry and is reduced to a prescribed level in all other directions not corresponding to this emission geometry. Accordingly, such radiation protection containers regularly have a receptacle for the usually encapsulated radioactive radiation source and an exit window for the radioactive radiation.

[0005] One operating principle is that the radiation source is moved behind lead in one state, thus shielding the radiation. In the other state, the radiation source is rotated over the exit window. The exit window can also have a shutter that closes the exit window when the radioactive radiation source is not in use, and opens it when the radioactive radiation source is in use. The emission geometry of the radioactive radiation can be defined by the shutter or the geometry of the exit window. Many radiation sources have an adjustable shutter with an ON position, in which radiation can escape through the shutter, and an OFF position, in which the shutter in the source container prevents the radiation from passing through the shutter.

[0006] An example of the application of this radiation protection container is radiometric measuring devices, comprising at least one radioactive radiation source arranged in a radiation protection container, which emits radiation into, for example, a container to detect a fill level, limit level, density, and / or mass flow of a medium in the container. For this purpose, a detector located on the opposite side of the container is used, which directly or indirectly detects the radiation from the radioactive radiation source that has passed through the container or the interaction products of the radiation from the radioactive radiation source with the material present in the container. Such a measuring arrangement is known, for example, from DE 10 2014 101 373 A1.

[0007] The use of radiation protection containers and the radioactive sources contained therein is subject to strict regulations. Due to the risk of escaping gamma radiation, facilities containing radiation protection containers should only be operated by authorized and trained personnel. Overall, every effort should be made to ensure that the radiation protection containers are operated properly and safely.

[0008] It is known to provide information about the geographical location of certain packages during shipping, and it is known to provide security features such as a tamper warning on certain packages. Radiation containment containers, on the other hand, lack these features, which has already led to facilities inadvertently losing track of the radiation containment containers.

[0009] The underlying object of the present invention is to provide a radiation protection container and a method for monitoring a radiation protection container, by means of which the safest possible use of a radiation protection container is supported. This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. Further practical embodiments and advantages are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0010] A radiation protection container according to the invention comprises a housing and a loading device for arranging a radioactive radiation source. The loading device can also be referred to as a source holder. The housing of the radiation protection container is designed to attenuate the radiation intensity of the radioactive radiation below a prescribed limit. For this purpose, the housing is made of a highly shielding material, such as lead or tungsten, which absorbs a portion of the radioactive radiation or gamma radiation.

[0011] In particular, the loading device is movably arranged within the radiation protection container and can be moved between an open position, allowing radioactive radiation to escape from the radiation protection container, and a closed position, preventing gamma radiation from escaping from the radiation protection container. To allow the radioactive radiation to exit the otherwise shielding housing of the radiation protection container in a targeted manner for use, an exit window is provided in the housing. This exit window allows the gamma radiation to pass through with as little attenuation as possible and is designed such that the radioactive radiation exits the housing in a defined spatial radiation profile.

[0012] In addition to the exit window, a screen can be provided to close the exit window and / or to define the spatial radiation profile of the radioactive radiation. The material of the screen shields the radioactive radiation in a similar way to the housing and can be used to open and close the exit window so that, when closed, the radioactive radiation cannot pass through the exit window or is correspondingly attenuated. When open, the radioactive radiation can pass through the exit window unhindered or as unattenuated as possible. The shape of the screen can also be used to adapt the spatial radiation profile of the radioactive radiation. According to the invention, the radiation protection container has a safety device, wherein the safety device comprises a monitoring module for monitoring at least one state of the radiation protection container.As explained below, the condition of the radiation protection container is in particular the position of the radiation protection container and / or the position of the loading device and thus indirectly the position of the radiation source.

[0013] The safety device can in particular comprise electronics and the safety electronics are in particular designed to remotely monitor the condition of the radiation protection container and / or its components.

[0014] The security device also includes a communications unit. The communications unit transmits the values ​​recorded by the monitoring module to a higher-level unit. The information is transmitted, in particular, to a higher-level unit, such as a cloud or a control center.

[0015] Transmission can be wired, e.g., via the HART protocol, the 4-20 mA standard, PA / FF, or APL. Alternatively, the communication device serves for wireless transmission of information. Wireless transmission can be achieved, in particular, using narrowband radio technology (LoRa, Sigfox, NB-IOT), via a GSM mobile radio connection, and / or via Bluetooth. The communication device or the corresponding electronics can comprise a GPS communication circuit, a cellular communication circuit, a Wi-Fi communication circuit, a Bluetooth communication circuit, or an optical communication circuit, or combinations thereof, to transmit the status of the radiation protection container to a remote system.

[0016] In particular, the communication device can also send the information to a detector for radioactive radiation. The detector corresponding to the radiation protection container is usually located near the container, so that the information can be transmitted via a signal with a short range, thus saving energy. The detector then has a communication device that forwards the signal to a more distant higher-level unit - wirelessly or wired.

[0017] Using the monitoring device, safety-relevant parameters of the radiation protection container can be recorded – as explained below – and then transmitted directly via the communication device. This makes it possible to monitor the radiation protection container during use and to track certain properties during operation, especially with the radiation source.

[0018] The radiation containment device described here improves on previous radiation containment devices by providing the ability to track and monitor the actual location of the radiation containment device, determine whether the radioactive source is currently within the radiation containment device, and / or enable remote monitoring, control, and warning of the status of the source and loading device. As explained below, this also enables monitoring and control of various components attached to the radiation containment device, such as whether a panel on the radiation containment device is in the ON or OFF position, whether radiation is leaking from the radiation containment device, and whether any component—including the panel—requires servicing. Furthermore, the device can be locked to prevent the panel from being moved or the radiation source from being removed from the radiation containment device.

[0019] In particular, the safety device or communication device and dedicated electronics can remotely send signals to other devices not directly located on the radiation protection container. Alternatively or additionally, signals can be received remotely from devices not directly located on the radiation protection container.

[0020] The safety device comprises, in particular, a communication device for wireless communication and, furthermore, an energy storage device. The energy storage device supplies, in particular, the at least one monitoring module and / or the communication device with energy. The energy storage device is either a battery or an accumulator. A solar module or an energy harvesting module, for example, can be connected to the accumulator, which generates energy when the radiation protection container is in use and makes it available for operation. Overall, the safety device is then a self-sufficient safety device that operates without an external, wired power supply and without a wired communication device.This means that a radiation container with such a safety device can be used very flexibly and the safety device can be used to improve safety in all locations that are far from an external energy supply, such as during transport or disposal.

[0021] In a practical embodiment of the radiation protection container according to the invention, the monitoring module has a means for detecting the position of the radiation protection container. The means for detecting the position can be designed, in particular, as a satellite-based position-determining device. Such a configuration of the position-determining device generally allows an absolute geographical position to be determined worldwide. Examples of possible position-determining devices include GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO. Additionally or alternatively, the position-determining device can be designed to evaluate position data provided by a wireless network. Such data can, for example, be the availability and localization of wireless signals in an individual, location-dependent combination.

[0022] Alternatively, the position detection device can be a contact switch that detects that the radiation protection container is no longer in its intended position when it is removed, for example, from a container. As soon as the contact switch detects that the radiation protection container has been removed, corresponding information is generated.

[0023] The position information can then be sent, in particular via the communication device, to a higher-level unit. In particular, the location of the radiation protection container is continuously transmitted. As explained below in connection with the method, a message is generated to a responsible person, especially when it is determined that the radiation protection container is located outside a previously defined area (keyword: geofencing). The GPS module is supplied with power, in particular, via the energy storage device.

[0024] In particular, the safety device can interact with a remote unit / superordinate unit in such a way that a geofencing area is established around the radiation protection container and that leaving the geofencing area is detected.

[0025] By recording the position of the radiation protection container, safety can be increased by quickly detecting when the container leaves its designated location, for example, if it is stolen. Continuous position detection also generally facilitates the tracking of the radiation protection container. The path of the radiation protection container can be tracked throughout the entire delivery process, from filling to delivery, and also during return transport to disposal.

[0026] Furthermore, the monitoring module can have a means for detecting the position of the loading device. In particular, it can be determined whether the loading device is in an open position, in which radiation exits the loading device, or in a closed position, in which no radiation exits. In particular, it can also be detected whether the loading device is inserted into the radiation protection container or whether the loading device is removed.

[0027] The position of the loading device can be detected, in particular, by means of a contact switch, whereby contact is established when the loading device is inserted into the radiation protection container. A contact switch can also be used to detect the position (open / closed) of the loading device relative to the housing. The loading device serves, in particular, to switch the radiation source on and off; accordingly, the loading device can also be referred to as an actuating element.

[0028] The position of the loading device allows for a determination as to whether the radiation protection container can be loaded with a radiation source at all. If so, whether the loading device is in the open or closed position, and accordingly, whether radioactive radiation is currently escaping from the radiation protection container. This is relevant, for example, in cases where access to a facility must be provided and it must be ensured that no radioactive radiation can escape.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the monitoring module comprises in particular a motion detection device to detect a movement of the loading device.

[0030] In particular, the loading device comprises a shutter that controls the emission of radioactive radiation from the radioactive radiation source, and the monitoring module comprises a sensor for monitoring the status of the shutter. The sensor is particularly designed to detect whether the shutter is in an ON or OFF position.

[0031] In another practical embodiment, the safety device comprises an actuator for changing the position of the shutter. The actuator is, in particular, remotely controllable.

[0032] In particular, the safety device comprises an electrically actuatable locking device by means of which the rotation of the diaphragm from an OFF position to an ON position can be prevented, wherein the safety device electrically actuates the locking device according to preset conditions.

[0033] The safety device comprises, in particular, an illuminated indicator. The illuminated indicator is particularly designed and controllable to indicate the status of the shutter.

[0034] In particular, the safety device comprises an illuminated display which visually supports the localization of the position of the loading device.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the safety device can comprise a sensor for detecting radioactive radiation. The sensor can, in particular, directly determine whether a radioactive radiation source is located in the radiation protection container. The sensor can, in particular, be arranged such that it measures the presence of radiation in every position of the loading device and / or such that it is arranged in the region of the exit window in order to detect whether the loading device is in an open position or not.

[0036] Safety can also be increased if the monitoring module includes a temperature sensor. The housing materials used to shield against radioactive radiation often have relatively low melting points compared to iron or steel. For example, lead, a material well suited for shielding, has a melting point of 327.5°C, meaning its dimensional stability decreases significantly even at temperatures of 100°C to 200°C, and the lead completely loses its shape and melts at its melting point. However, if the housing material loses its shape and / or melts, for example in the event of a fire or in environments with elevated ambient temperatures, the radioactive radiation can no longer be shielded safely and in a controlled manner by the housing, and safe operation of the radiation protection container is no longer possible. Early detection of excessively high temperatures is therefore important to ensure safety.

[0037] Alternatively or in addition, the monitoring module can incorporate a humidity sensor or, more generally, a sensor for detecting corrosive molecules in the atmosphere. Humidity detection is relevant because it can cause corrosion of individual components of the radiation protection container, particularly the aperture or the loading tube, which then no longer opens and closes properly, or can be moved, potentially leading to the release of radioactive radiation.

[0038] The monitoring module can also include a vibration sensor. Vibrations, which may originate from the system or from an earthquake, or in the form of shock or impact, can cause parts to become loose, making an inspection of the radiation protection container necessary. The monitoring module can also include a means for detecting the opening or closing of a radiation protection container lid.

[0039] In another practical embodiment of the radiation protection container, the safety device is connected to the base body of the radiation protection container. In particular, the safety device is screwed to the base body. Preferably, the safety device is arranged in the area of ​​the base body where the loading tube protrudes from the base body. Many safety-relevant parameters can be recorded at this position, such as the position of the radiation protection container itself, the position of the loading device, the temperature, etc.

[0040] The safety device can be retrofitted to existing radiation protection containers (retrofit module).

[0041] In particular, the loading device projects tubularly into the base body of the radiation protection container. It can also be provided that the safety device is, in particular, at least partially mechanically attached to the end of the loading device projecting into the base body and is only accessible when the loading device has been removed from the base body. This ensures that the safety device or the monitoring module detects removal of the loading device before the safety device can be reached and manipulated or removed. Alternatively, at least part of the safety device could also be arranged in a lid. Even when the lid is opened (sliding to the side or turning it over), the safety device is still connected to the base body and can detect whether the position of the loading device has been changed.

[0042] In particular, the safety device is intended to have means for checking the installation status of the safety device itself. On the one hand, a system check could be triggered via a button or software, and the result could then be transmitted, for example, wirelessly and / or output as a visual and / or acoustic signal on the safety device.

[0043] In particular, any unintentional or unauthorized removal of the safety device is immediately detected and transmitted to a higher-level unit. The electronic components of the safety device are arranged in such a way that they are only accessible after the shearing device has been removed from the container, making it difficult to disable the electronics beforehand.

[0044] In another practical embodiment, the safety device - and in particular the electronics - is arranged in an explosion-proof housing.

[0045] In the embodiment described here, the radiation protection container consists of a housing with built-in electronics and several sensors, as well as an explosion-proof container for the contained electronics. The container contains electronics for monitoring the status of components, receiving data from sensors, controlling actuators, and sending and receiving data from the radiation protection container to a remote device.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a radiation protection container, in particular a radiation protection container as described above. A safety device with a monitoring module detects the status of the radiation protection container, and the values ​​corresponding to the detected status are wirelessly transmitted to a higher-level unit. In particular, the energy for this is provided by an energy storage device, and the safety device operates autonomously.

[0047] As described above, this allows the condition of the radiation protection container to be monitored even in locations where there is no wired power or communications network, or where only an unreliable power supply is available. This is especially true during transport of the radiation protection container.

[0048] In particular, the position of the radiation protection container and / or the position of the loading device is recorded as a status. Temperature, moisture penetration, and / or vibrations can also be recorded and transmitted. In particular, the individual recorded values ​​are recorded continuously. The values ​​can then also be transmitted continuously, or they can only be transmitted when a change in a value is detected.

[0049] For this purpose, the safety device can also have an evaluation unit.

[0050] In a practical embodiment of the method, the values ​​recorded by the safety device are assigned to specific events, and a message is issued depending on the assigned event. In other words, the detected values ​​are classified according to their relevance for safety, and a decision is made on the basis of this as to the form in which a message must be issued. In particular, the value in question is recorded (e.g. position of the radiation protection container or temperature) and whether the value lies within or outside a predetermined value range. A message can, in particular, be that the changed status is only output, for example on a display, or that a notification is sent to a responsible person and / or that an alarm is issued, e.g. in the form of an acoustic and / or visual signal.

[0051] For the position of the radiation protection container, this can specifically mean that if it is detected that the radiation protection container leaves a defined permitted area, this is assigned to the event "Unauthorized position of the radiation protection container" or "Radiation protection container was located outside the monitored area" and then a notification is sent to the radiation protection officer.

[0052] Further practical embodiments and advantages are described below in conjunction with the figures. They show:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a radiation protection container with a safety device according to a first embodiment in a schematic representation in cross section,

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a safety device from Fig. 1 in a schematic representation,

[0055] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a radiation protection container according to a second embodiment, and

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a safety device according to Fig. 4.

[0057] In Fig. 1, a radiation protection container 10 according to a first embodiment is shown schematically in cross section, wherein a safety device 12 is shown hatched for better differentiation.

[0058] The radiation protection container 10 has a housing 14. The housing 14 is made of steel or stainless steel and filled with lead. A loading device 16 is inserted into the housing 14, wherein the loading device 16 comprises a radioactive radiation source 18. The housing 14 has an exit window 20 for radioactive radiation. The loading device 16 is movably received in the base body 14, and depending on the position of the loading device 16, the radioactive radiation source can be positioned such that radioactive radiation exits the exit window 20 (open position), as shown here in Fig. 1, or such that the radiation source 18 is completely shielded.

[0059] In the present case, the radiation protection container 10 also includes the safety device 12. The safety device 12 is arranged on the housing 14 such that it surrounds the area in which the loading device 16 protrudes from the housing 14 and in which the loading device 16 can be actuated using a lever 19. To protect the safety device 12 and the loading device 16, the radiation protection container 10 additionally includes a lid 21 in this embodiment.

[0060] The safety device 12 is shown schematically in Fig. 2. The safety device 12 comprises a monitoring module 22 for detecting a state of the radiation protection container 10. In the present case, the monitoring module 22 has three means 24, 26, 28 for monitoring the state. It should be noted that the monitoring module 22 can also have more or fewer means. Here, the monitoring module 22 has a means 24 for detecting the position of the radiation protection container 10, a means 26 for detecting the position of the loading device 16, and a temperature sensor 28. Furthermore, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, an inclination sensor, and / or a sensor for detecting the assembly state of the safety device 12 itself can also be provided.

[0061] The safety device 12 also has an energy storage device 30, a communication device 32 and an evaluation unit 34.

[0062] The energy storage device 30 is connected to the monitoring module 22 and supplies the individual devices 24, 26, 28 or sensors with energy. The energy storage device 30 is also connected to a communication device 32 and the evaluation unit 34 and supplies them with energy.

[0063] The evaluation unit 34 is connected to the monitoring module 22 and the communication device 32 for data transmission. The evaluation unit 34 is used to record and process the values ​​​​detected by the monitoring module 22.

[0064] The communication device 32 transmits the values ​​determined by the monitoring module 22 and processed by the evaluation unit 34 wirelessly to a higher-level unit.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for monitoring a radiation protection container 10. In step S1, a state of the radiation protection container 10 is determined, which may be, for example, the position of the radiation protection container 10 or the position of the loading device 16.

[0066] In step S2, the detected state or detected value is wirelessly transmitted to a higher-level unit via the communication device 32. The transmission can occur after a specified time interval and / or upon a value change.

[0067] There, the transmitted value is evaluated in step S3 and assigned or classified to a specific event. In step S4, a query is made as to whether the safety-relevant value lies outside a defined range. If no (n), the value is output in step S5.

[0068] If it is determined in step S4 that a value has been exceeded (y) and the value is outside defined limits, a message is issued in step S6, for example in the form of a notification to a responsible person or an alarm.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a radiation shielding container 100 according to a second embodiment. The radiation shielding container 100 includes a cylindrical support wall 102 and an outer bottom plate 104. The cylindrical support wall 102, the outer bottom plate 104, and an inner bottom plate together form a housing for the radiation shielding container 100. In some embodiments, one or more support plates 106 may be mounted on the cylindrical support wall 102 to provide additional support. In some embodiments, one or more handles 108 may be mounted on the cylindrical support wall 102. The cylindrical support wall 102, the outer bottom plate 104, the one or more support plates 106, and / or the one or more handles 108 may be made of steel or another material with a higher melting point.

[0070] The primary purpose of the radiation containment container 100 is to contain a radioactive radiation source. In some situations, the radiation containment container 100 can be used to measure the fill level of a product within a container. For example, the radiation containment container 100 can be attached to a container or bin, such that the outer base plate 104 is mounted or attached to the container or bin. A radioactive source, e.g., a radioactive isotope, can be placed within a radioactive radiation source capsule, and the capsule can be installed or placed within a passageway 110.

[0071] To measure the product level in the container, a rotating mechanism 112 can be rotated from an OFF position to an ON position by rotating the rotating mechanism 112 clockwise. This aligns the capsule containing the radioactive radiation source and an irradiation aperture or diaphragm so that the radiation passes through the irradiation aperture and through the container. Radiation detectors, such as scintillation crystals, are located on the other side of the container. The radiation detectors generate light photons when exposed to radiation. A light sensor, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), can be connected to each radiation detector and detect the light photons emitted by the radiation detector. The light sensor can then generate a signal indicating the amount of radiation reaching the radiation detector.These signals vary depending on the amount of product in the container and can therefore be amplified and processed to determine the amount of product in the container.

[0072] The radiation shielding container 100 contains several sensors for monitoring the condition of the radiation shielding container. Figure 4 shows a light sensor 116, e.g., a photodiode, which can be used to optically control the radiation source and / or query its condition. The radiation shielding container 100 includes several sensors 118 that can measure external environmental conditions, including gamma radiation (radioactive radiation), temperature, and the presence of corrosive molecules in the atmosphere.

[0073] In some embodiments, the radiation shielding container 100 additionally includes an actuator 120 that can be remotely actuated to change the position of a lockable shutter from the OFF position to the ON position or vice versa. Figure 4 shows a sensor 122 that uses one or more magnets and a reed sensor to detect whether the locking mechanism is in the ON or OFF position.

[0074] The radiation protection container 100 is additionally equipped with an LED ring light 124. This light serves as an indicator that the handling of the radiation protection container 100 is safe by signaling that the aperture of the radiation protection container 100 is in the OFF or ON position and / or that no gamma radiation is being detected. It can also be used to distinguish between different radiation protection containers by emitting a signal that causes the LED ring light 124 to generate, for example, an identifying sequence of light flashes and / or colors.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 4, the radiation protection container 100 additionally includes a housing 200 with electronic components. These components enable the device to communicate externally and enable remote monitoring and control of the radiation protection container 100, the radioactive radiation source, and the components and sensors attached to the radiation protection container. In some embodiments, the communication standard may be wireless, such as via satellite, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, or a combination of wireless networks to ensure maximum worldwide coverage. Fig. 5 shows a module 202 that uses a wireless communication network or a combination of networks to communicate with an external device.

[0076] The housing 200 can accommodate a power source 204, such as a battery, and other electronic components. In some embodiments, this housing 200, like the radiation source holder 100, is an explosion-proof housing that meets the requirements for hazardous locations. In some embodiments, the housing 200 can include connections for an external power source, such as a solar panel. In some embodiments, the external power source can be mounted on the housing 200 or directly on the radiation protection container 100, or integrated into it.

[0077] The radiation containment vessel 100 additionally includes electronics for monitoring the various sensors mounted on the radiation containment vessel 100 and / or communication circuits for sending a signal to a remote monitoring device or system to report the status or indicate changes in the condition of a sensor or when the components of the radiation containment vessel 100 require maintenance. Figure 5 shows a thermal sensor module 206, a corrosive atmosphere sensor module 208, an LED controller 210, and a shutter actuation controller 212.

[0078] The electronics may also include a tracking system for tracking the position of the radiation containment container via GPS, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any combination thereof. Fig. 5 shows a GPS module 214 for such a purpose. The radiation containment container 100 and / or a remote monitoring device or system may also include programming that creates a predefined geofenced area. Should the radiation containment container 100 leave the predefined area, a warning signal could be sent via the hardware attached to the radiation containment container 100 or a locking lock could be activated. The container may also include a motion detection device 216 that detects when the device is moved or potentially tampered with, e.g., an accelerometer or gyroscope. In Fig.5 also shows a processor 218 that is connected to all modules and acts as a central processor between the communication systems and other electronics such as the sensors, controllers and modules described herein.

[0079] Also shown in Fig. 5 is a locking device 220 which, when activated, locks the shutter so that the shutter cannot rotate. Fig. 4 shows the locking device 220 in the activated state. In some embodiments, the locking device may include a controller or solenoid separate from the locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the locking device and the controller may form a unit. If the locking device is connected to the processor 218, it can be controlled from a remote device. In some embodiments, the locking device may be a programmed function of the control device for actuating the shutter 212, blocking the shutter and thus preventing its rotation.

[0080] List of reference symbols

[0081] 10 radiation protection containers

[0082] 12 Safety device

[0083] 14 housings

[0084] 16 Loading device

[0085] 18 radioactive radiation source

[0086] 19 levers

[0087] 20 exit windows

[0088] 21 lids

[0089] 22 Monitoring module

[0090] 24 Means for checking the position of the radiation protection container

[0091] 26 Means for checking the position of the loading device

[0092] 28 Temperature sensor

[0093] 30 energy storage units

[0094] 32 Communication device

[0095] 34 Evaluation unit

[0096] 100 radiation protection containers

[0097] 102 cylindrical retaining wall

[0098] 104 outer base plate

[0099] 106 support plate

[0100] 108 handle

[0101] 110 passage

[0102] 112 Rotating mechanism

[0103] 116 Light sensor

[0104] 118 Sensor

[0105] 120 Actuator

[0106] 122 Sensor

[0107] 124 LED ring light

[0108] 200 housings

[0109] 202 Module

[0110] 204 Power source

[0111] 206 thermal sensor module 208 sensor module for corrosive atmosphere

[0112] 210 LED control unit

[0113] 212 Control unit for operating the aperture

[0114] 214 GPS module 216 Motion detection device

[0115] 218 processor

[0116] 220 locking device

Claims

Patent claims 1. A radiation protection container with a housing (14) and with a loading device (16) for arranging a radioactive radiation source (18), characterized in that the radiation protection container (10, 100) has a safety device (12), wherein the safety device (12) has the following: - a monitoring module (22) for monitoring at least one state of the radiation protection container (10), - a communication device (32).

2. Radiation protection container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the safety device has a communication device (32) for the wireless transmission of information and an energy storage device (30).

3. Radiation protection container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the monitoring module (22) has a means (24) for detecting the position of the radiation protection container (10).

4. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (22) has a means (26) for detecting the position of the loading device (16).

5. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module comprises a movement detection device (216) to detect a movement of the loading device.

6. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading device has a diaphragm which controls the escape of radioactive radiation from the radioactive radiation source, and wherein the monitoring module comprises a sensor (212) for monitoring the status of the aperture.

7. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device comprises an actuator (120) for changing the position of the aperture.

8. Radiation protection container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the safety device comprises an electrically actuated locking device (220) for preventing the rotation of the shutter from an OFF position to an ON position, the safety device electrically actuating the locking device (220) according to preset conditions.

9. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device has a light indicator (210).

10. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (22) has a sensor for detecting radioactive radiation.

11. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring module (22) has a temperature sensor (28) and / or a humidity sensor and / or a sensor for detecting corrosive molecules (208) and / or a vibration sensor.

12. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device (12) is connected to the housing (14) of the radiation protection container (10) and / or to the loading device.

13. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device (12) has means for checking the assembly state of the safety device (12) itself.

14. Radiation protection container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety device is arranged in an explosion-proof housing (200).

15. Experience for monitoring a radiation protection container (10), characterized in that a state of the radiation protection container (10) is detected by means of a safety device (12) with a monitoring module (22) and the data corresponding to the detected state are transmitted wirelessly to a higher-level unit.

16. Experience according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a position of the radiation protection container (10) and / or a position of the loading device (16) is detected as the state.

17. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the recorded data are assigned to specific events and a message is issued depending on the assigned event.

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