In a significant step towards bolstering the security of medical radioisotope transportation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers are at the forefront of developing smart tracking systems. These innovative trackers are designed to monitor shipments of radioactive material, ultimately aimed at ensuring such sensitive cargoes reach their intended destinations safely, thereby enhancing the security of cancer treatments and other medical procedures involving radioisotopes.
Experts at the Department of Energy’s ORNL have disclosed a project titled Smart Packaging for Critical Energy Shipments (SPaCES), which fuses 3D printing and electronics to keep tabs on radioactive material packages throughout their journey. As reported by ORNL, co-researchers Sam Hollifield and Mingyan Li expressed that the collaboration includes "working with ORNL colleagues who understand both nuclear packaging and advanced manufacturing to find the strongest method to ship nuclear and radioactive material." This alliance leverages ORNL's world-class capabilities to construct shipment containers that are rigorously monitored from insertion to their final use in medical treatments.
The integration of smart technology with package tracking shows progress towards an unbroken chain of custody. The induced 3D printed packages are meticulously constructed to minimize tampering risks and are rigidly supervised from the moment they are sealed until they are opened at medical facilities. Kunal Mondal, a nuclear engineer focused on fuel cycle endeavours at ORNL, joined forces with the SPaCES project in 2023. His task involves discovering the perfect blend of packaging materials compatible with advanced electronics, all while adhering to strict national regulations concerning the transference of hazardous substances.
Alongside Mondal, senior researcher Ryan Karkkainen brings a robust mechanical engineering background, acquired through his past experience analyzing structural materials for the United States Army and a well-known American car manufacturer. According to ORNL, Karkkainen now applies his expertise to predict and test potential scenarios where nuclear material packaging could be compromised, such as being dropped or coming under duress.
Oscar Martinez, leading a team of engineers at ORNL, understands the importance of adapting smart technology, such as sensors, to enhance the security protocols around radioactive shipments. "There are three million shipments each year of hazardous and radioactive material," Martinez highlighted, noting the necessity for protective measures against security threats. This approach secures not only the material but also the associated data, which is crucial in preventing unauthorized tracking or tampering, as per the project's cybersecurity measures.
The expanded security measures extend to using robotics to handle radioactive materials during shipment, lessening human exposure to radiation, and exploring data analytics for optimal packaging materials. Mingyan Li conveyed excitement about the project's implications, "I'm very excited to see our work strengthen nuclear transportation security," she told ORNL, indicating the potential for these advancements to support broader national security objectives.
For those interested in the intertwined future of advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity for transportation of sensitive materials, further information is available by reaching out to ORNL at [email protected] or by calling 865-574-1051. The institution is managed by UT-Battelle on behalf of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is dedicated to confronting some of the most pressing scientific challenges.
