Built In Intellectual Trackers to Improve Safe Transport of Radioactive Loads

Experts of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) of the U.S. Department of Energy are implementing innovative SPaCES Project (Smart Packaging for Critical Energy Shipments). Its purpose is to develop reliable and safe methods for transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. In particular, it means integrating modern electronics and intelligent tracking systems directly into the packaging to prevent unauthorized access or use of such loads.

According to ORNL, one of the key problems in the transport of radioactive substances is the limited standard tracking mechanism. Usually, each parcel receives a unique identifier that allows tracking its route from the sender through logistics services to the recipient. However, after delivery, the monitoring process stops, and further fate of the contents remains beyond control.

In this regard, researchers from ORNL are willing to create a solution that will allow innovative technologies to accompany loads during their entire life cycle from the moment of packaging to end use.

The SPaCES project uses 3D printing technology to produce packaging, which reduces the likelihood of unauthorized human intrusion. The loads are monitored immediately after the load is placed inside the package and the monitoring continues until it is retrieved for further use.