How the Elios 3 Rad Payload is Detecting Radiation Hotspots

Key Benefits at a Glance

Fast identification and measurement of radiation hotspots using the Elios 3 and new RAD payload.

Safe inspections with no human exposure, enabling scalable operations.

First-time creation of a 3D model of nuclear power plant infrastructure on this site.

Nuclear power plants are subject to strict international and national safety standards. Continuous monitoring of all materials—from nuclear waste to heavy water pipes—is essential for maintaining the site’s safety certification. Drone inspections are revolutionizing how nuclear facilities are assessed, significantly reducing the need for direct human involvement. This not only improves worker safety but also enhances overall compliance with safety protocols. The Elios drone series has already made its mark in the industry, with 80% of U.S. nuclear power plants using Flyability technology. These drones have passed rigorous testing, including being exposed to 10,000 R/h of radiation by the Idaho Environmental Coalition and the Department of Energy to evaluate their performance in extreme conditions. The Elios 3 easily handled 1,000 R/h, proving its durability. All systems—LiDAR, transmission, and lighting—remained unaffected, confirming the drone's suitability for radiation inspections.

The Elios 3 now features a specialized RAD payload developed by Mirion Technologies, a leader in radiation detection. This modular design allows the sensor to be attached for radiation surveys and swapped out as needed across the facility. The RAD payload identifies, measures, and monitors radiological dose fields, providing critical data for decision-making. It captures both current radiation levels and cumulative exposure, offering more detailed information than traditional dosimeters. The Elios 3 RAD workflow delivers real-time data that matches the accuracy of conventional methods, along with flight path details, radiation levels, and a 3D representation of the environment—allowing operators to visualize radiation hotspots in a cloud of data points.

Customer Needs

Elios was recently deployed at a major U.S. nuclear power plant as part of a trial to integrate the RAD payload into existing inspection workflows. The goal was to find an efficient system for locating and measuring radiation hotspots. Plant managers wanted to compare the Elios 3 with the Telepole, a handheld radiation sensor from Mirion that extends up to 11 feet (3.3 meters). Both tools are used to inspect hard-to-reach areas, but the Elios 3 offers a longer range due to its remote operation.

The inspection focused on the turbine deck and main steam lines, which are challenging due to high radiation levels. If successful, this system could become the standard for future inspections across the plant and potentially the entire nuclear fleet under the parent company’s management. An ALARA specialist and a radiation protection technician specializing in robotics and drones collaborated with the program manager and drone coordinator to implement the Elios 3 RAD test.

Solution

The Elios 3 was deployed across multiple locations within the plant, equipped with the RAD sensor. The RAD payload uses the RDS-32 WR sensor from Mirion, which sends real-time data back to the pilot. "The addition of radiation detection to the drone allows us to survey dangerous areas without exposing technicians to radiation or industrial hazards," said the ALARA specialist. "It also helps us estimate exposure more accurately, even in areas we haven’t typically inspected before."

As the pilot received in-flight radiation readings, the team identified spikes indicating hotspots. Two high-dose areas were found in pipe bends, which were flagged for further investigation.

After the flights, the data was processed using Flyability’s Inspector 4.0 software. Graphs and 3D models were generated, showing the radiation hotspots detected during the mission. These visualizations were shared with plant managers and the parent company, allowing them to understand the full scope of the radiation buildup.

Conclusion

This new radiation inspection workflow proved highly effective, reaching areas that the Telepole couldn't access thanks to the Elios 3's extended range. The collision-resistant design gave pilots confidence to navigate the turbine floor safely. Team members were impressed by the quality and detail of the results. The 3D model created was the first of its kind for a radiation survey, marking a significant advancement in visualizing hotspots. “The drone data is thorough and accurate, giving us confidence that it reflects the actual field conditions,” said the radiation protection technician. Using drones for radiation surveillance reduces unnecessary exposure to both radiation and industrial risks. The parent company is already leveraging drones and robots across their facilities, and the integration of the RAD payload has further enhanced these benefits. With the Elios 3 and RAD payload, accurate, uncrewed radiation surveys are now possible. Given that 80% of U.S. nuclear power plants already use Flyability technology, this workflow is set to expand across the country and beyond.

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