A new concept for safeguarding and labeling of long-term stored waste and its place in the scope of existing tagging techniques

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel long-term waste labeling method using unique radioisotope combinations for security and tracking, demonstrated through pilot experiments with steel and copper canisters, enhancing existing tagging techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a new radioisotope-based labeling concept for long-term waste security, combining gamma-emitting isotopes with innovative application methods, including multidimensional barcodes and ultrasound detection.

Findings

Pilot experiments with steel and copper canisters validate the labeling approach.

The method allows for low-activity sources, reducing safety concerns.

Advantages over existing techniques include durability and security.

Abstract

The idea of a novel labeling method is suggested for a new way of long-term security identification, inventory tracking, prevention of falsification and theft of waste casks, copper canisters, spent fuel containers, mercury containers, waste packages and other items. The suggested concept is based on the use of a unique combination of radioisotopes with different predictable half life. As an option for applying the radioisotope tag to spent fuel safeguarding it is suggested to use a mixture of {\alpha}-emitting isotopes, such as 241Am etc., with materials that easily undergo {\alpha}-induced reactions with emission of specific {\gamma}-lines. Thus, the existing problem of the disposing of smoke detectors or other devices [1] which contain radioisotopes can be addressed, indirectly solving an existing waste problem. The results of the first pilot experiments with two general designs of storage canisters, namely a steel container which corresponds to the one which is commonly used for long-term storing of mercury in Europe and USA and a copper canister, the one which is in applications for nuclear repositories, are presented. As one of the options for a new labeling method it is proposed to use a multidimensional bar code symbology and tungsten plate with ultrasound techniques. It is shown that the new radioisotope label offers several advantages in the scope of existing tagging techniques (overview is given) and can be implemented even with low activity sources.