How the Elios 3 Rad Payload is Detecting Radiation Hotspots

Key Benefits at a Glance

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

Safe, remote inspections that can be scaled without putting humans in harm’s way.

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

Nuclear power plants are held to strict safety standards, both internationally and nationally. Ensuring the safe handling of all materials—especially nuclear waste and high-radiation components—is essential for maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance. Drone technology is revolutionizing how these facilities are inspected. By minimizing human exposure to hazardous environments, drones significantly improve safety protocols. The Elios drone series has already proven its worth in the nuclear sector, with 80% of U.S. nuclear power plants using Flyability technology. These drones have been tested under extreme conditions, including exposure to 10,000 R/h of radiation by the Idaho Environmental Coalition and the Department of Energy. The Elios 3 easily handled a minimum radiation tolerance of 1,000 R/h, with all systems—including LiDAR, transmission, and lighting—functioning perfectly. This confirms that the drone is well-suited for use in high-radiation environments. The latest innovation is the Elios 3's specialized RAD payload, developed in collaboration with Mirion Technologies, a leader in radiation detection. This modular system allows the sensor to be attached for radiation surveys and swapped out for other payloads as needed. The RAD payload measures both current and cumulative radiation exposure, providing more detailed data than traditional dosimeters. It also offers real-time information on flight paths, radiation levels, and a 3D representation of the environment, making it an invaluable tool for accurate and efficient radiation monitoring.

Customer Needs

Recently, the Elios 3 was deployed at a major U.S. nuclear power plant as part of a trial to integrate the RAD payload into existing radiation inspection workflows. The goal was to find a reliable 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 greater range and flexibility due to its remote operation. The test focused on areas such as the turbine deck and main steam lines, which are known for high radiation levels. If successful, this new method could become the standard for the plant and potentially for other facilities within the parent company’s network. An ALARA specialist and a radiation protection technician worked closely with the plant’s team to implement the test, ensuring that the new workflow met all safety and operational requirements.

Solution

The Elios 3 was equipped with the RAD payload and deployed across multiple locations within the plant. The RDS-32 WR sensor from Mirion transmitted real-time radiation data back to the pilot, enabling immediate action when hotspots were detected. According to the ALARA specialist, "Adding radiation detection to the drone allows us to conduct surveys without exposing technicians to radiological or industrial hazards. It also helps us better estimate exposure before performing any work, even in areas we previously found difficult to access." A video of the drone survey shows the pilot receiving real-time radiation readings and identifying hotspots in steam pipe bends. Two high-dose areas were marked for further investigation. After the flights, the data was processed using Flyability’s Inspector 4.0 software, generating detailed 3D models and graphs. These visualizations were shared with plant managers and the parent company, offering a clear view of radiation hotspots and their distribution.

Conclusion

This new radiation inspection workflow proved highly effective, reaching areas that the Telepole could not due to its limited range. The Elios 3’s collision-resistant design gave pilots confidence to navigate complex environments like the turbine floor. The team was particularly impressed by the quality and detail of the outputs. Creating a 3D model instead of a 2D map was a first for radiation surveys, marking a significant advancement in visualizing and understanding radiation hotspots. "The drone data is thorough and accurate, giving us a high level of confidence in the field conditions," said the radiation protection technician. Using drones for radiation monitoring reduces unnecessary human exposure to both radiation and industrial hazards. As the parent company continues to adopt drone and robotic solutions across its facilities, the addition of the RAD payload enhances these benefits. With 80% of U.S. nuclear power plants already using Flyability technology, this workflow is set to expand nationwide and beyond.

Mould

KR series of polyolefin (PO) spiral molds

The new-type spiral polyolefine mould is matched to high-efficiency single-screw extruder by our company.Since we are experienced to designing and manufacturing helical distributors,the calculation of the die is based on our special reducing/enlarging technique to equal wall thickness distribution despite of the pipe diameters.Its design is based on the best shaping and good-quality production,is has the incomperable advantages compared to other polyolefine pipe press die.We also provide special moulds,detailed solutions,we are always working hard to meet the requirements of the market and raise our market share.
Mould characterristic
1.Single/double/multiple spiral distributors are provided according to the requests of the customers. Single/double/multiple-layer pipes,double/multiple-color pipes can be produced.
2.Excellent self-cleaning capacity,which is essier for mould cleaning and minimizes the effect caused by the residual material and raw material exchanging,working effciency is raised and cost is lowered.
3.the equal distribution of the melted material in the format of starring circle arrangement makes the stable tolerances.
4.With proper adjustment by the transition device,the combined structure makes the pipe transit properly in a big range,and making it more economical.
5.The layered structure ensures the strength of the pipe.
6.The mould carriage is built with,making easier installation,dismantling,cleaning,exchanging,and combining.
7.The mould is very adaptable to different material,can be used for the following hot-plastic material:PE80,PE100,PP-R,PP-H,ABS,ABS/PC mixture,PEX and PPO.The lately designed flowing passage is based on sufficient consideration of highly glutinous material PE100 and new materrial during pipe extrusion.

Die Head,Extrusion Mould,Pipe Die Head,Pipe Die

KonRun Intelligent Machinery(Ningbo) Co., Ltd. , https://www.konrunmachine.com