RadBallTMTechnology Testing and MCNP Modeling of the Tungsten Collimator

Abstract
The UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) has developed a remote, non-electrical, radiation-mapping device known as RadBallTM, which can locate and quantify radioactive hazards within contaminated areas of the nuclear industry. RadBallTM consists of a colander-like outer shell that houses a radiation-sensitive polymer sphere. The outer shell works to collimate radiation sources and those areas of the polymer sphere that are exposed react, becoming increasingly more opaque, in proportion to the absorbed dose. The polymer sphere is imaged in an optical-CT scanner, which produces a high resolution 3D map of optical attenuation coefficients. Subsequent analysis of the optical attenuation matrix provides information on the spatial distribution of sources in a given area forming a 3D characterization of the area of interest. RadBallTM has no power requirements and can be positioned in tight or hard-to reach locations. The RadBallTM technology has been deployed in a number of technology trials in nuclear waste reprocessing plants at Sellafield in the UK and facilities of the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This study focuses on the RadBallTM testing and modeling accomplished at SRNL.