MERCURE
How to enhance measurement of radioactivity
Project description
This project aims to improve the performance of gamma ray sensors emitted by both natural and industrial radioactive compounds.
The IPHC laboratory has capitalized on its rich experience in radioactivity to develop a compact space measurement system capable of distinguishing radionuclides and measuring their activity in soils, surpassing the performance of portable meters.
Such systems have various applications such as environmental radioactivity monitoring (including nuclear power plant), dismantling, sites rehabilitation, but later in industrial irradiation or medical applications.
Why does Conectus invest in this project?
Conectus' financial investment will be used to develop a device to demonstrate the performance of this new gamma ray measurement system, by coupling it to a drone.
Comparative measurement campaigns will be carried out to demonstrate the many advantages of drone-borne gamma spectrometry: reduce duration versus foot campaigns, while eliminating exposure to radioactivity. Sites will include a power plant, a decommissioned industrial site and land needing archeology audit.
The UAV, closer to the ground, replaces the helicopter advantageously for missions of monitoring nuclear sites, mining exploration, preventive archeology and geology surveying, or even monitoring potassium inputs to agriculture.
At the origin of the project:
Nicolas Arbor, of the RAMSES team at the Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute (IPHC) (UMR7178 CNRS-Unistra)
Emilien Wilhelm, of the IPHC
Focus
Conectus is investing in this project: €244,000
Duration: 18 months