TRACKING SHIPMENTS | PACKAGING
“Watchful Guardian” remote monitoring
Argonne National Laboratory researchers are pioneering the development of remote monitoring systems technologies to ensure the safety, security, and safeguards (3S) of radioactive material during storage, transportation, and disposal. Argonne’s Kevin A. Brown and Yung Liu outline the watchful guardian approach
RESEARCHERS AT the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory are committed to ensuring the safety, security, and safeguards (3S) of nuclear and other radioactive material in nuclear fuel cycle facilities and during storage, transportation, and disposal. To support that global mission, they are pioneering the development and use of ARG-US “Watchful Guardian” remote monitoring systems technologies. ARG-US technologies consist of two major platforms – both of which are patented. The first is radio-frequency identification (RFID) surveillance tags with sensors for drum-type packages in storage and transportation with fixed readers, or an “all-in-one” CommBox. The second is Remote Area Modular Monitoring (RAMM) systems for nuclear fuel cycle facilities and the TRAVELER for real-time tracking and monitoring of high-value and risk-significant materials in operating conveyances.
RFID Surveillance Tag The foundation of ARG-US RFID is the surveillance tag.
The universal form factor tags can be used on a variety of drum types in diverse applications. They house a variety of sensors, including temperature, humidity, shock, and radiation (gamma, neutron), as well as a tactile seal sensor for detecting breaches in seal integrity, both natural and tampering. For long-term power and reliable monitoring, the tags have 10-year- life batteries. This proven monitoring technology was licensed to Evigia Systems, Inc., in 2014.
CommBox CommBox enables item-based monitoring and tracking of packages through ARG-US RFID tags with multiple sensors, a reader (interrogator), a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and cellular/satellite communication gear – all in one Pelican case, making installation and use simple. Commercial shippers can place a CommBox inside a transport trailer to monitor packages equipped with RFID tags. Monitoring during transportation is possible because the RFID reader inside a CommBox
Below: Argonne National Laboratory is located in Lemont Illinois Source: Argonne National Laboratory
www.neimagazine.com | Patram Special Edition | June 2023 | 21
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