Radioactive Particle Release Monitoring System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional monitoring systems for radioactive particle release require extensive and time-consuming off-line simulation model building and validation, involving multiple specialists, with limited accuracy due to restricted emissions and the need for Monte Carlo simulations, which complicates real-time monitoring and increases the risk of modeling errors.

Innovation Solution

A real-time monitoring system with an on-line efficiency module that uses a generic off-line simulation model, allowing for real-time calculation of radioactive particle release levels, incorporating geometry and detector specifications to improve accuracy and applicability, reducing the need for extensive Monte Carlo simulations and calibration with radioactive gases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Monte Carlo simulation methods are used for modeling radioactive particle release, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of release level determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of simulation model building
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations and model validations in advance (off-line) to establish a validated simulation model. This pre-computed model is then used for rapid real-time monitoring without requiring repeated complex simulations during actual operation, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity/time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the complex Monte Carlo simulation model that can be used for real-time monitoring. The validated simulation model serves as a reference that enables accurate release level determination without repeating the full Monte Carlo computation process during real-time operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If validation measurements with radioactive gas are performed, then reliability of the monitoring system is improved, but harmful factors increase due to radioactive particle emission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidity of simulation modelVSAvoidradioactive particle emission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Validation measurements are performed in advance during the model development phase to establish confidence in the simulation model. Once validated, the model can be used for predictions without requiring additional radioactive gas emissions during routine real-time monitoring operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simulation model as an intermediary that allows validation to be performed once during model development, after which the validated model can predict release levels without requiring continuous physical validation with radioactive gases during real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If off-line simulation model building is performed with multiple specialists, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of simulation modelVSAvoidtime for model building and validation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The comprehensive model building and validation process involving multiple specialists is performed once in advance (off-line). The resulting validated simulation model is then ready for immediate use in real-time monitoring, avoiding the need to repeat the time-consuming model building process during actual monitoring operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-generated harmful factors

If restricted emissions of radioactive particles are imposed for calibration, then harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited calibration gas variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradioactive particle emissionVSAvoidaccuracy of model
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Comprehensive calibration and validation are performed in advance during model development with adequate radioactive gas emissions. Once the model is validated, it can accurately predict release levels during real-time monitoring without requiring additional calibration emissions, thus maintaining precision while reducing harmful emissions during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables robust, accurate, and reliable real-time monitoring of radioactive particle releases, improving safety by allowing timely adjustments and reducing the risk of modeling errors, while simplifying the implementation process and reducing the need for specialized efforts.

Implementation Method 1

A detector, or a number of detectors, operatively connected to said controller and capable of detecting a level of radioactive particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3385759B1Monitoring system for real-type monitoring release of radioactive particles, building facility provided therewith, and method therefor
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 COMECER NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP3385759B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a monitoring system for real-time monitoring release of radioactive particles, building facilities provided therewith and method therefore. The monitoring system according to the invention comprises: - a controller for on-line determining a release level of radioactive particles from an exhaust; and - a detector that is operatively connected to the controller and wherein the detector is configured for detecting a level of radioactive particles, wherein the controller comprises: - an efficiency module that calculates the release level of radioactive particles from the exhaust using the real-time level of radioactive particles detected by the detector and an on-line efficiency model having inputs configured to receive geometry specifications of the exhaust, wherein the on-line efficiency model is constructed from an off-line simulation model; and - an alarm generator configured to report and/or generate an alarm if the release level of radioactive particles is above a threshold value.