RadBall

RadBall is a nuclear detection device developed by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). It is a flexible, deployable, non-electronic device that can provide a 3D visualisation of radioactive sources. The RadBall is designed to be used in environments where traditional detection methods are not feasible due to high radiation levels or physical constraints.

Design and Functionality

The RadBall is a spherical device, approximately the size of a tennis ball. It is composed of a lead-based internal core and an outer collimation shell. The core is made of a radiation-sensitive material that darkens when exposed to radiation. The collimation shell has a series of holes that allow radiation to enter and interact with the core.

When the RadBall is deployed in a radiation field, the radiation enters the device through the holes in the collimation shell and interacts with the core. The radiation causes the core to darken in a pattern that corresponds to the direction and intensity of the radiation source. This pattern can then be analysed to provide a 3D visualisation of the radiation field.

Applications

The RadBall has a wide range of applications in the nuclear industry. It can be used to locate and quantify radioactive sources in environments where traditional detection methods are not feasible. This includes areas with high radiation levels, such as nuclear reactors, and areas with physical constraints, such as pipes and ducts.

The RadBall can also be used in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. It can help to identify areas of contamination and assist in the planning of decontamination activities.

Advantages and Limitations

The RadBall has several advantages over traditional detection methods. It is flexible and deployable, which allows it to be used in a wide range of environments. It is also non-electronic, which means it is not affected by high radiation levels or electromagnetic interference.

However, the RadBall also has some limitations. It requires a relatively long exposure time to produce a clear image, and the image quality can be affected by the presence of multiple radiation sources. Additionally, the RadBall can only detect gamma radiation, and cannot detect other types of radiation such as alpha or beta radiation.

See Also

• Nuclear detection
• Radiation detection
• Decommissioning of nuclear facilities

RadBall Resources
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