Mobile Radiological Laboratory

To assess the radiological impact in the unlikely event of a nuclear accident / large scale disaster or accidents involving transport of radioactive materials, a Mobile Radiological Laboratory (MRL) has been designed and commissioned by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for rapid off-site (public domain) deployment. It is capable of speedy collection of data to evolve and implement suitable remedial strategy.

Mobile Radiological Laboratory

(On the right) Inside View of Mobile Radiological Laboratory

The laboratory is equipped with the necessary radiation measuring devices to carry out the required environmental and radiological monitoring. It is furnished with facilities to generate base line data for important areas such as proposed sites for nuclear facilities, and can be used for routine environmental and radiological monitoring. This mobile laboratory is also expected to play a vital role in enhancing the public awareness about the facts of radiation.

MRL has been designed for a continuous outdoor operation of two weeks. It is partitioned into four compartments, which among other facilities, accommodate Counting Laboratory Cabin fitted with necessary equipment for radiation measurements and identification of important radionuclides, and Whole Body Monitor Cabin for in vivo monitoring of persons.

Air-conditioning units are provided for maintaining the required temperature in the MRL for operating the equipment. Two diesel generators are installed to provide the required power-supply during field operation. A five-member team, including a driver, is needed for optimal field operation.

Functions of the Mobile Laboratory

Radiological Functions
l In-situ measurements for the identification of radioactive contaminants and assessment of ground deposition of radioactivity and evaluation of dose rate due to ground deposition.
l Collection of air samples to evaluate gross alpha and beta activity and radionuclide identification using gamma spectrometry.
l Assessment of contamination levels in foodstuffs like milk, vegetables, drinking water etc. to arrive at a basis for their use or rejection.
l Measurement of external radiation dose received by the members of the public.
l Assessment of the suspected internal contamination of any person and / or representative groups of population.
l Measurement of meteorological parameters such as, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, solar radiation and relative humidity for assessing radioactive fallout levels beyond the monitoring place.

Routine Monitoring
l Assessment of levels of radioactivity in soil, water, biota and foodstuffs for the development of base line data as well as continued monitoring.
l Measurements of terrestrial gamma background dose rates.
l Measurement of gross alpha and gross beta activity in air and gamma spectrometry measurements at proposed sites.
l Periodic 3D mapping of monitored environmental parameters over a defined area to enable the evaluation of environmental impact due to the operation of nuclear facilities.

Other Activities
l Co-ordination with the aerial survey team by providing them the monitored data of the region.
l Providing monitoring support to the new/developing sites where laboratory facilities may not be available.
l Demonstrations related to radiation safety and emergency
preparedness.