Portable Compton Camera for Enhanced Radioactive Waste Management

The accurate characterization and management of radioactive waste are critical for the safe operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. This proceeding summarizes the development, validation, and performance evaluation of a novel Compton-imaging system enhanced with computer-vision techniques. Designed to be portable and cost-effective, this system aims to improve the detection and visualization of lowand medium-level radioactive waste. The system utilizes a state-of-the-art Compton camera integrated with advanced image reconstruction algorithms and real-time computer vision for enhanced performance. Experimental validation at the radioactive-waste disposal plant of El Cabril (Spain) demonstrated the capability of the system to accurately detect and characterize sealed drums of radioactive waste, achieving a technical readiness level of TRL 7. The results highlight the system’s potential for creating detailed 3D tomographic reconstructions and its feasibility as a promising innovation for the nuclear industry, particularly for improving nuclear waste management and decommissioning processes.