Detection and localisation of radioactive environmental anomalies using aerial radiometric surveying
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The project is to develop methodologies and protocols for the use of Mobile radiation
mapping technologies to identify anomalies. It is specifically aimed at developing
methodologies for the identification of valuable ore bodies using both aerial and ground
based techniques.
Accordingly the project will involve a significant element of fieldwork based mainly in the
southwest UK but also seeking to conduct research in one of more other countries. This will
potentially include Somaliland, Romania, Japan (Fukushima) and Portugal.
The project will make use of multi-rotor UAV radiation mapping systems developed by
Bristol and the commercialised by Imitec Ltd (a UoB spin-out) along with car and backpack
based variants they have also developed. As part of the project the PhD student will learn to
fly UAVs and gain CAA qualification.
A key aspect of the project is to develop a next generation radiation mapping technology
whereby radiation data is combined with accurate terrain data gained by LiDAR to provide a
more accurate representation of the true radiation field. This technology may then be applied
to nuclear site monitoring as well as the identification of near surface ore bodies that carry a
radiometric signature.
We will use fieldwork at home and abroad to develop a suite of high quality datasets
combining LiDAR and Radiation data. Subsequently these data sets will act as test data for
the development of some specialist software for inverse modelling the most likely solution
for the 'true' radiation field at each given site. We will also use the UoB test facility at
Fenswood Farm (just south of Bristol) to establish some smaller scale tests with complicated
geometries and shine paths.
Furthermore we will also apply to the NERC ARF programme to gain access to a fixed wing
aircraft to provide comparative higher altitude data against our low altitude UAV surveys.
Already we have submitted a proposal to conduct a survey across the west Mendip hills,
where significant mineralisation is known to have occurred along with at least one
radiological hot spot.
By comparing radiation data from aircraft, UAVs, cars and backpacks all for the same area,
we will seek to develop new methodologies and protocols for rapid surveying (prospecting)
of a target area.
mapping technologies to identify anomalies. It is specifically aimed at developing
methodologies for the identification of valuable ore bodies using both aerial and ground
based techniques.
Accordingly the project will involve a significant element of fieldwork based mainly in the
southwest UK but also seeking to conduct research in one of more other countries. This will
potentially include Somaliland, Romania, Japan (Fukushima) and Portugal.
The project will make use of multi-rotor UAV radiation mapping systems developed by
Bristol and the commercialised by Imitec Ltd (a UoB spin-out) along with car and backpack
based variants they have also developed. As part of the project the PhD student will learn to
fly UAVs and gain CAA qualification.
A key aspect of the project is to develop a next generation radiation mapping technology
whereby radiation data is combined with accurate terrain data gained by LiDAR to provide a
more accurate representation of the true radiation field. This technology may then be applied
to nuclear site monitoring as well as the identification of near surface ore bodies that carry a
radiometric signature.
We will use fieldwork at home and abroad to develop a suite of high quality datasets
combining LiDAR and Radiation data. Subsequently these data sets will act as test data for
the development of some specialist software for inverse modelling the most likely solution
for the 'true' radiation field at each given site. We will also use the UoB test facility at
Fenswood Farm (just south of Bristol) to establish some smaller scale tests with complicated
geometries and shine paths.
Furthermore we will also apply to the NERC ARF programme to gain access to a fixed wing
aircraft to provide comparative higher altitude data against our low altitude UAV surveys.
Already we have submitted a proposal to conduct a survey across the west Mendip hills,
where significant mineralisation is known to have occurred along with at least one
radiological hot spot.
By comparing radiation data from aircraft, UAVs, cars and backpacks all for the same area,
we will seek to develop new methodologies and protocols for rapid surveying (prospecting)
of a target area.
Publications
Connor D
(2016)
Airborne radiation mapping: overview and application of current and future aerial systems
in International Journal of Remote Sensing
Connor DT
(2019)
Radiological Mapping of Post-Disaster Nuclear Environments Using Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Systems: A Study From Chornobyl.
in Frontiers in robotics and AI
Connor DT
(2018)
Radiological comparison of a FDNPP waste storage site during and after construction.
in Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Connor DT
(2018)
Application of airborne photogrammetry for the visualisation and assessment of contamination migration arising from a Fukushima waste storage facility.
in Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Martin PG
(2018)
Validation of a novel radiation mapping platform for the reduction of operator-induced shielding effects.
in Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection
Martin PG
(2018)
Development and validation of a high-resolution mapping platform to aid in the public awareness of radiological hazards.
in Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection
Wood K
(2020)
UAS radiation hot-spot detection and refinement
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509619/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
1792927 | Studentship | EP/N509619/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/06/2020 | Dean Connor |
Description | Pint of Science Presentation - Rise of the Nuclear Drones |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A summary of the interesting results from radiometric surveying of the Fukushima Region of Japan was presented to members of the public in an informal setting. The pint of science series organises informal talks for researchers to give to the general public within bars/pubs around several local areas of the UK. This particular presentation was presented at the Kings Arms in Easton, Bristol. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/event/quantum-vibenuclear-credence |