Prototype profile: Design and validation of a safe mechatronic system for the handling of radioactive sources
The LHC tunnel is a highly radioactive environment during the operation of the machine.
Four thousand Beam Loss Monitors (BLMs) are placed along the magnets to ensure no radiation escape. It is essential to verify the proper operation of each of these BLMs before operation to ensure safety.
For this purpose, a known radioactive source, cylindrical in shape, and measuring 9mm in height and 5mm in diameter, must be brought close to each BLM to verify the correct measurement of radioactivity. This process is time-consuming and dangerous for humans as it would involve a large exposure to a radioactive source.
Thus, CERN commissioned the Mechatronics, Robotics and Operations (BE-CEM-MRO) section to robotise the procedure.
Prototype by Francesca Paola Nicoletti
