 |
| Pipe Explorer (TM)
Surveying System |
| A remotely operated survey system
that integrated gamma, beta, and alpha radiation detectors and video
cameras with an inverting membrane deployment system to thoroughly survey
radiological contamination of pipes from the inside. The Pipe Explorer
system provides a viable alternative. The heart of the system is an
air-tight membrane, which is initially spooled inside a canister. The end
of the membrane protrudes out of the canister and attaches to the pipe
being inspected. The other end of the tubular membrane is attached to the
tether and characterization tools. When the canister is pressurized, the
membrane inverts and deploys inside the pipe. The characterization
detector and its cabling is attached to the tethered end of the membrane.
As the membrane is deployed into the pipe, the detector and its cabling is
towed into the pipe inside the protective membrane; measurements are taken
from within the protective membrane. Once the survey measurements are
completed, the process is reversed to retrieve the characterization tools.
The Pipe Explorer can be deployed through constrictions in the pipe,
around 90' bends, vertically up and down, and in slippery conditions.
Because the detector is transported inside the membrane, which is
inexpensive and disposable, it is protected from contamination, which
eliminates cross-contamination and false readings. Characterization
sensors that have been demonstrated with the system thus far include:
gamma detectors, beta detectors, video cameras, and pipe locators. Alpha
measurement capability has been developed and will be demonstrated soon.
The system is capable of deploying in pipes as small as 2-in. diameter and
up to 250-ft long. |
 |
Developers:
| • |
Science & Engineering Associates,
Inc. | |
Applications:
| • |
Support characterization needs of ETEC, NV, ANL,
Fernald, ORNL, Y-12, K-25, Paducah, Portsmouth, SR and
RL | |
Benefits:
| • |
Rapid, accurate radiological data over entire pipe
length (up to 500 feet) |
| • |
Survey of locations inaccessible with existing
technology |
| • |
reduced personnel exposure, time, and costs for
pipe radiological characterization | |
Status:
| • |
Deployed at 6 DOE sites saving DOE over $3 million
|
| • |
Technology being actively marketed and has been
commercially deployed by DOE and private
sites | |
| Milestones:
IT - ITSR Publication;
PR - Peer Review; DP - Deployment; AI -
Available for Implementation; DM - Demonstration; BST
- Bench-Scale Testing; | |
|
|
| 9/19/02 |
Industry and University
Programs |
OST Ref #:
74 | |
