ORNL researchers study better ways to track radioisotopes and other radioactive materials
The project, called Smart Packaging for Critical Energy Shipments (SPaCES) uses 3D printing in package construction where tampering is less likely.
Every day, cancer patients visit medical facilities for treatments to lessen or alleviate the destructive illness. Treatments often include radioisotopes and other radioactive materials that target and destroy cancer cells effectively. On its way to medical centers, however, this material could be intercepted and used for other purposes, which is why experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are researching more secure methods to ensure the shipment arrives at the intended destination.
One challenge in shipping radioactive material is simply tracking the package. Imagine sending a box through the mail. Each parcel receives a tracking number to show the transfer from the originator to the mail service to, hopefully, the intended recipient. Once the package is delivered, tracking stops, and the recipient uses the box contents.
ORNL Cyber Researchers Sam Hollifield and Mingyan Li co-lead a project looking to integrate electronics into tracking radioactive material.
“We’re working with ORNL colleagues who understand both nuclear packaging and advanced manufacturing to find the strongest method to ship nuclear and radioactive material,” Li said. “We’re looking at ways to enable smart technology to stay with the package throughout the life of the shipment. This ensures tracking and monitoring stays with the package even as it changes hands from the maker to the delivery service to the final recipient.”
The project, called Smart Packaging for Critical Energy Shipments (SPaCES) uses 3D printing in package construction where tampering is less likely. The package is monitored as soon as the material is placed inside and tracked through to the time when it’s removed for the treatment.
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