Mobile Hot Cell
In Summer 2024, I accepted an internship at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Yes, in Idaho. But I wasn’t working on potatoes.
I was tasked with assisting laboratory staff in the development of a Mobile Hot Cell.
A Hot Cell is used to manipulate radioactive material in a safe manner that limits the operator's exposure to radiation.
The Mobile Hot Cell that INL is developing is designed to autonomously repackage nuclear materials for final dispensation WITHOUT human involvement. Furthermore, the device is intended to be transportable, which is a novel concept for Hot Cells, which are usually made of very thick and immovable material to provide adequate shielding from radiation.
INL Mobile Hot Cell
INL Hot Cell. Source: American Nuclear Society
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As a summer Intern, I was tasked with working with full time laboratory engineers to develop the mobile hot cell.
I was the primary engineer in charge of:
Developing remote operations of mobile hot cell equipment and motors.
Incorporating all possible hot cell functions into a comprehensive GUI for operators.
Validating operability of device in mock exercises like nuclear material repackaging.
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Raspberry PI Networking, Python MQTT, Python GUI, Motor and Electronic Controls, Local Camera Network Streaming
Design Overview
Most of my work with this project is subject to Federal Export Control Laws.
Four different RaspberryPIs were connected via networking using Python MQTT.
Each individual RaspberryPI was programmed to command different functionalities of the hot cell.
(4-Axis Robot Manipulator, CNC Table, Lighting, Main Control).Graphic User Interface (GUI) was developed for operators to command the device remotely.
Control Pad to Main Raspberry PI
Internal setup of Mobile Hot Cell. Encased in 9” Steel
Outcome
As a result of my work on this project, the Mobile Hot Cell was able to be tested in several mock exercises completed by the Department of Energy and the Nuclear National Security Administration. I was able to further develop my skills with Python, and object-oriented programming. I also developed a decent comprehension of local network setup and how to design a RaspberryPI network.
