Radiation hazard research at the Base-S industrial site using modeling

Purpose. To conduct comprehensive experimental studies at the industrial site of the former uranium production facility of the Prydniprovsky Chemical Plant and determine the value of the equivalent gamma dose rate to predict the dynamics of changes in radiation contamination at the “Base-S” industrial site. Methodology. The theoretical, statistical, analytical and graphical modelling methods were used in the study with the use of 2D/3D models at nuclear fuel complex facilities, which include radiation-hazardous areas, burial sites, tailing pits and industrial sites with radioactive substances, materials or waste. Findings. On the basis of the conducted research, the indicators of radiation contamination for the period 2009–2019 were determined. We developed and implemented 2D and 3D models for presenting the results obtained, with geolocation reference to each measurement point. Annual maps of radiation contamination were constructed, which allows forecasting the situation in the future. The maximum, minimum and average values for each section of the outfit path along which the facility personnel walk were determined, the dynamics of fluctuations in the equivalent dose rate was determined, additional studies were conducted on the required number of measurements to obtain the optimal time spent on the perimeter, and maps of radiation contamination of the industrial site were constructed. Originality. For the first time, based on the data obtained, statistical and analytical processing of the results was carried out, taking into account the specifics of the developed two-dimensional or three-dimensional model, determining the data in clear space by approximating the linear function. The developed models implement the principle of adaptation of the obtained field measurement results and allow for a more accurate determination of the boundaries of radiation contamination zones at the industrial site through their visualization using 2D/3D models. Radiation risk parameters for the ‘Base-S’ industrial site were identified, and their temporal patterns and variations were analyzed, enabling a comprehensive approach to the implementation of radiation safety measures. For the first time, the developed 2D/3D models were applied, which correspond to the exact location of certain exposure zones. For greater visual perception of the model, it is proposed to represent different zones with four colours (from green to red), which allows determining the location and time of being in a certain location, on a given segment or in a certain zone of the “Base-S” industrial site. Practical value. On the basis of the obtained experimental research, methodological recommendations for the implementation of new developments have been developed, improvement of the existing approaches of walking and remote sensing and implementation of modelling possible situations at radiation-contaminated sites. The built 2D/3D models allow us to assess the real situation at the industrial site over time and reduce the risk of additional exposure of personnel of the radiation-hazardous facility, the former uranium production facility of PChP located in the Dnipro region.