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Title: Apparatus for safeguarding a radiological source

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1160228

A tamper detector is provided for safeguarding a radiological source that is moved into and out of a storage location through an access porthole for storage and use. The radiological source is presumed to have an associated shipping container approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for transporting the radiological source. The tamper detector typically includes a network of sealed tubing that spans at least a portion of the access porthole. There is an opening in the network of sealed tubing that is large enough for passage therethrough of the radiological source and small enough to prevent passage therethrough of the associated shipping cask. Generally a gas source connector is provided for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing, and a pressure drop sensor is provided for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC0500OR22800
Assignee:
Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
8,850,868
Application Number:
13/107,525
OSTI ID:
1160228
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2011 May 13
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (12)

Valve-less pump for liquid manure patent April 1976
Method, apparatus and product for improved pipe-to-manhole sealing patent May 1976
Apparatus for pipe-to-manhole sealing patent March 1977
Detachable container refrigeration system patent September 1977
Sampler patent January 1986
Alarm system patent December 1988
Irradiator and method of using irradiator to irradiate patent March 1990
Conveyor system for irradiated food products patent April 1991
Pressurized security barrier and alarm system patent April 1995
Highway work zone intrusion alarm system patent August 1997
Shipping container for radioactive material patent April 1999
Container system for the transport and storage of highly reactive materials patent March 2007