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Topographical Mapping System (TMS)

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Fact Sheets:
AR #509
AR #1131
AR #1236
AR #2359

Innovative Technology
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Tech ID: 130
Project Overview
The Topographical Mapping System and Laser Range Finder are alternative technologies evaluated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to characterize and map the inside of waste storage tanks. The Topographical Mapping System creates maps of waste topography and tank structures to determine surface features and deviations and model the tank environment. The systems can also be used to determine residual tank waste volume. This system is faster and more accurate than other methods. These mapping technologies are applicable to all Department of Energy tank sites.

Technology Description
 The Topographical Mapping System is based on structured light technology that uses laser light and a triangulation analysis method to generate a topographical map. The Topographical Mapping System camera sees the two-dimensional projected position of laser beam on the surface to be mapped. Trigonometric calculations are used to determine the position of the point in space. The Topographical Mapping System has been deployed in the Oak Ridge Reservation Gunite and Associated Tanks (GAAT) remediation and the system is being evaluated for application in waste volume assessments at the Hanford Site. The Topographical Mapping System has been radiation-hardened to allow for longer in-tank time and, therefore, higher resolution. Software is also being developed to provide waste volume estimates based on input of tank size information and in-tank measurements.

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