PNNL

Abstract

Small radiological sources used in industrial settings recurrently require transit between job sites. Securing these sources, while stationary, can be addressed with standard security approaches and equipment. Transport of these sources increases the risk and complexity of managing and maintaining control of these sources. Implementing methodologies to securely monitor and locate sources improves response and resolution of anomalous events during transit. The Mobile Source Transit Security (MSTS) Systems were developed to improve security and provide situational awareness of these mobile sources throughout their job-cycle. The MSTS development effort was focused on creating a set of systems that could be successfully implemented in industrial radiography and well-logging applications and then transferred to industry for continued use, further advancements, and deployment. The MSTS solution demonstrates the potential for commercial viability of mobile source tracking technologies. The attachment of a tracking and security system is not feasible for mobile radiography sources due to their size, storage, and shipping container constraints. The MSTS team worked to address source presence and location through use and storage. The MSTS systems monitor radiological sources as they move from the base of operations to the job site and back. The systems provide near real-time monitoring of the mobile source location and status and early notification of source loss or theft. The systems transmit operational status and alert anomalous conditions over telematic links worldwide. The MSTS systems can trigger an armed response or initiation of search and recovery operations. The systems automatically alert management and responsible staff if a radioactive source is lost or stolen whether it is onsite, in transport, or in storage.