Radio-Frequency Identification Technology

RFID system for management of nuclear materials packages during storage, transportation, and disposal.

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system has been developed as part of the Packaging Certification Program (PCP) to manage nuclear materials packages. The PCP is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management (EM), Office of Safety Management and Operations (EM-60). Argonne National Laboratory, a PCP supporting laboratory, and Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin Company, are collaborating in the development of the RFID system. The development process involves hardware modification (e.g., form factor, seal sensor, and batteries), software development, and irradiation experiments. Argonne, the Savannah River National Laboratory, and Y-12 (a nuclear production facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee), will soon field test the active RFID system on Model 9975, Model 9977, and ES-3100 drums. These drums are DOE/Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-certified designs for transport and storage of fissile and radioactive materials. Potential benefits of the RFID system include enhanced safety and security, reduced need for manned surveillance, real-time access to status and history data, and overall cost-effectiveness.

A movie detailing the RFID system is available at http://www.media.anl.gov/TechnicalServices/DIS/RFID.wmv.

A description and technical specifications of the RFID system are provided in a fact sheet.

For more information, contact:
Yung Liu
Packaging Certification and Life-cycle Management
Decision and Information Sciences Division
Argonne National Laboratory                                      
9700 South Cass Ave., Bldg. 900                           
Argonne, IL, 60439                                                    
Phone: 630-252-5127                                      
Fax: 630-252-5715                                                     
E-mail: yyliu@anl.gov