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Elios 3 Selected for Internal 3D Mapping in Nuclear Waste Removal Project at DOE Site
This article delves into how the Elios 3 drone, manufactured by Flyability, has become instrumental in a project spearheaded by the Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC). This coalition is working under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on the Calcine Retrieval Project (CRP), aiming to safely extract several hundred cubic meters of highly radioactive waste from underground storage bins located in Idaho.
The key aspects of this endeavor include:
- The IEC, operating under the DOE's contract, was tasked with removing calcine, a granular radioactive substance, from a vault constructed in the 1950s.
- Before initiating the removal, the IEC needed to create a 3D map of the vault’s interior to gain insights into the working conditions.
- After assessing five potential solutions for 3D mapping, the IEC found that both the Elios 2 and Elios 3 drones offered the best capabilities for the job.
Facing the challenge of mapping a heavily irradiated and confined space, the CRP team recognized the need for precise measurements. The waste, calcine, was kept in bins housed inside a concrete vault built decades ago. These structures were not originally designed for future waste retrieval, adding complexity to the mission.
The CRP devised a methodical plan to remove the calcine:
1. Workers drilled multiple holes through the vault’s thick concrete roof.
2. They then inserted long pipes known as "access risers" into these holes.
3. These pipes were welded to the top of each bin.
4. Next, holes were cut into the bin tops.
5. Finally, equipment was installed via the pipes to pneumatically extract the calcine.
However, before executing these steps, the team needed to understand the layout of the vault’s interior, especially any obstructions above the bins. This understanding was vital to accurately drilling the core holes and placing the retrieval equipment.
To achieve a comprehensive 3D model of the vault, the CRP considered both LiDAR and photogrammetry systems. Initially, they attempted to lower a handheld LiDAR sensor into the vault, but this only yielded a partial map due to the confined space and numerous blind spots. To overcome these limitations, the CRP evaluated five potential delivery mechanisms for their LiDAR and photogrammetry systems.
These included modifying an existing articulating arm, designing a new one, deploying a helium-filled blimp, drilling additional access holes, and using a commercial inspection drone. After a thorough qualitative analysis considering factors such as cost, technical risk, program complexity, vendor input, project schedule, and budget constraints, the Elios 2 emerged as the most promising choice. Its collision-resistant design, extensive nuclear industry experience, ability to collect high-quality data, safety features, and cost-effectiveness made it ideal for the task.
Following the selection of the Elios 2, the CRP conducted a test flight at a mock-up site replicating the vault and bins. The results confirmed the drone's suitability for mapping the vault. Subsequently, when the Elios 3 was launched, the CRP decided to adopt it for its superior LiDAR capabilities, which promised a more robust 3D model of the vault. This decision reflects the ongoing advancements in technology and the commitment to ensuring the safest and most efficient methods for handling radioactive waste.