Tamper Detector for Radiological Source Using Pneumatic Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiological sources, such as cobalt-60 and cesium-137, deployed in irradiation facilities are vulnerable to tampering or theft, posing risks of damage or use in creating 'dirty bombs', as existing security measures are inadequate to prevent unauthorized access or removal.
Innovation Solution
A tamper detector system comprising a network of sealed stainless steel tubing spanning an access porthole, with a gas pressure system and pressure drop sensor to detect unauthorized access or removal attempts, ensuring the radiological source can be raised for use while preventing passage of associated shipping casks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security system is implemented to prevent tampering or theft of radiological sources, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic pressure detection system where a gas pressure is maintained in sealed tubing spanning the access porthole. When the radiological source is removed or tampering occurs, the pressure changes are detected by a pressure sensor, triggering an alarm. This pneumatic mechanism provides reliable security detection without requiring complex electronic systems, cameras, or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects security breaches through pressure changes in the sealed tubing and triggers alarms without requiring external monitoring systems, complex control circuits, or manual inspection. The self-contained pressure detection mechanism provides reliable security monitoring with minimal complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an access control mechanism is provided to allow radiological source retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed tubing system provides continuous feedback about the state of the access porthole area through pressure changes. When the radiological source is properly retrieved, the pressure remains stable. If tampering occurs or the source is removed without authorization, the pressure changes and triggers an alarm, providing immediate feedback on security status.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pressure detection system monitors the access porthole area continuously. The sealed tubing maintains a constant gas pressure that is disrupted by any unauthorized removal or tampering, providing reliable detection that prevents vulnerable operations while maintaining ease of authorized access.
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
Effectively safeguards radiological sources by preventing tampering or theft by detecting pressure changes indicative of unauthorized access or removal attempts, thereby enhancing security against malevolent actions.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing
Implementation Method 2
a pressure drop sensor for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper detector is provided for safeguarding a radiological source that is moved into and out of a storage location through an access porthole for storage and use. The radiological source is presumed to have an associated shipping container approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for transporting the radiological source. The tamper detector typically includes a network of sealed tubing that spans at least a portion of the access porthole. There is an opening in the network of sealed tubing that is large enough for passage therethrough of the radiological source and small enough to prevent passage therethrough of the associated shipping cask. Generally a gas source connector is provided for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing, and a pressure drop sensor is provided for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value.