How you can use the Elios 3 RAD

 

What Is the Elios 3 RAD?

The Elios 3 RAD combines our modular Elios 3 drone with a radiation detection sensor payload, enabling specialized drone inspection workflows. Launched in 2022, the Elios 3 is designed specifically for confined space inspections—whether it's inside a pipe or exploring unknown areas in a cave. Its robust design includes a protective cage and advanced flight algorithms that enable confident navigation in challenging environments. These features make the Elios 3 an essential tool for operations beyond line-of-sight or in spaces too risky for human personnel.

The Elios 3 RAD revolutionizes safety and efficiency in radiation detection tasks.

In 2023, the Elios 3's modular payload lineup expanded to include the RAD sensor—RAD standing for radiation detection. This sensor, crafted by Mirion Technologies, is a global leader in tools for detecting and measuring radioactive materials. Together, the Elios 3 and the RAD sensor form a powerful combination capable of identifying radioactive materials ranging from those found in nuclear power plants to those involved in nuclear decommissioning projects.

With the Elios 3 RAD, you can now detect and measure radioactive material with precision. Whether it’s material at a nuclear power plant or old contaminated assets from decommissioning projects, this system makes inspections safer and more efficient.

The advantages of using drones for nuclear inspections are numerous:

1. Improved Safety
   1. A drone can explore hazardous environments ahead of people, assessing radiation levels and determining whether further precautions are necessary. This preliminary survey helps plan operations effectively.
   2. Real-time alerts and data collection empower teams to respond swiftly to changes in radiation levels, ensuring timely interventions.
2. Enhanced Data Collection
   1. The Elios 3 RAD provides detailed insights into contaminated areas, offering information unavailable through traditional remote sensors.
   2. Gathering visual, volumetric, and radiological data enables the creation of both 3D models and radiological surveys, providing invaluable inputs for inspections.
3. Superior Access
   1. Engineers gain unprecedented visibility into assets, regardless of their location—whether contained within rooms or positioned high above ground. This leads to thorough data collection for previously inaccessible areas.
   2. Remote control allows the Elios 3 to navigate confined spaces like pipes (minimum entry size 50x50 cm, inspection size 60x60 cm), making it an ideal solution for detailed inspections.

The sensor utilized in the Elios 3 RAD is the RDS32-WR, manufactured by Mirion Technologies. Known worldwide for their expertise in radiological surveys and radiation detection, they bring unparalleled reliability to the Elios 3's mission-critical inspections.

How Can You Utilize the Elios 3 RAD for Radioactive Material Operations?

The Elios 3 RAD finds applications in nuclear power plants and nuclear decommissioning efforts alike. Here are three key scenarios demonstrating its versatility:

Managing Radioactive Waste Storage

Handling nuclear waste is a daunting task due to its long-term radioactivity. In some cases, sealed-off waste requires no human entry, but other situations involve carefully lined barrels kept under constant surveillance. Drones like the Elios 3 RAD offer a safe alternative by flying inside warehouses to monitor radiation levels regularly. Following the "ALARA" principle—keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable—a database of inspection readings can be maintained to track changes over time. Any anomalies detected can prompt immediate action, minimizing human exposure risk.

This image shows a turbine deck scanned with the Elios 3 RAD, highlighting its ability to traverse complex structures effortlessly.

 

Regular drone inspections ensure that any shifts in radiation levels are promptly addressed. Such proactive measures allow maintenance teams to stay ahead of potential issues, reducing downtime and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Pre-Scans of Nuclear Power Plants

Even a basic drone inspection of a nuclear power plant can save up to $500,000. Safety remains paramount since these facilities often house radioactive materials. With the Elios 3 RAD, preliminary scans can be conducted prior to human entry to assess radiation levels and perform visual checks simultaneously.

For instance, if there's suspicion of a leak in a radioactive waste pipeline at a nuclear power plant, the Elios 3 RAD could swiftly evaluate the situation. It might generate a radiation heat map to pinpoint the source of the leak and quantify the intensity of exposure. Provided the drone itself remains functional after exposure, it can remain in the area while only requiring battery swaps and data retrieval—ensuring minimal human interaction. This closed-loop operation maintains stringent safety protocols while delivering actionable intelligence.

Such scenarios could occur across various sites, including nuclear power plants and decommissioning projects. The Elios 3 RAD represents a paradigm shift in enhancing safety while boosting situational awareness through richer data acquisition from hard-to-reach zones.

Underground Radioactive Material Storage

Another example involves underground repositories designated for direct disposal of nuclear waste. Projects of this kind exist globally, aiming to minimize public exposure by burying radioactive materials deep beneath the surface. While some sites are permanently sealed, others undergo frequent monitoring—for instance, this Department of Energy facility in the U.S., where maintenance activities such as wall repairs may be required.

This scan of a turbine deck illustrates clear variations in radiation levels throughout the area.

An Elios 3 RAD could penetrate these confined spaces to conduct visual assessments alongside radiation surveys. This would enable managers to strategize maintenance plans based on pre-generated 3D models, saving valuable on-site time. Additionally, the RAD survey guarantees that stored waste remains stable and undisturbed, preventing accidental leaks.

Radioactive waste encompasses everything from heavy water and spent uranium fuel rods to radioactive cement and obsolete medical equipment. Efficiently managing such materials becomes simpler with the Elios 3 RAD.

The Future of Drone Inspections in Nuclear Environments

Introducing drones into radiation management marks a significant advancement in improving safety for a rapidly evolving industry. The Elios 3 drone paired with the RAD payload holds immense potential for both nuclear power plants and waste management, where waste remains radioactive for millennia.

As several European nations, including Switzerland and Germany, phase out their nuclear energy plants, managing residual waste and securing appropriate tools for these sites will grow increasingly important. Meanwhile, ongoing inspections of existing nuclear power plants will remain vital.

Embracing cutting-edge technology addresses contemporary challenges effectively. The Elios 3 RAD not only accesses previously unreachable areas but also enhances data collection while prioritizing safety. This innovation marks an exciting leap forward in the energy generation and waste management sectors.

Learn more about the Elios 3 RAD today.

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