Mirion Japan Receives 56th Atomic Energy Society of Japan Award

Mirion Japan’s TRUCKSCAN System, a technology for measuring radioactivity concentration in vehicle loads, has been honored with the 56th Atomic Energy Society of Japan Award for Technology Development.

The award ceremony took place on March 27, 2024 at Kinki University, where Atsuo Suzuki, M&E Solution Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Mirion, alongside representatives from Obayashi Corporation, a joint developer of the project.

The TRUCKSCAN system has received recognition in the past. These include being selected for the 2015 “Sustentative technique of decontamination/volume reduction technique” by the Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, and an award from the Society for Remediation of Radioactive Contamination in the Environment in 2021. However, this recognition is particularly significant due to its direct contribution to the reconstruction efforts in Fukushima through its long-term operation in the field.

TRUCKSCAN System Use in Fukushima

Enabling the fast, safe measurement of environmental samples around the Daiichi power plant in Fukushima, the innovative TRUCKSCAN system is designed to measure individual radioactivity levels in large bags of soil and other contents from the impacted area while they are still loaded on the vehicle. The TRUCKSCAN system uses Mirion’s ISOCS™ calibration technique, which allows for accurate qualitative and quantitative gamma assays of almost any sample type and size without the need for radioactive sources.

Using the TRUCKSCAN system, the measurement time is significantly reduced, and exposure to radiation is minimized compared to traditional survey meter methods. In this way, the system has played an important role in the reconstruction process in Fukushima.

Helene Lefebvre, President of Mirion Japan, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to the development of the TRUCKSCAN system, stating, "It’s been approximately ten years since the initial conception of the project. It took a lot of hard work and cooperation from all parties involved, both internally and externally, to reach this point."

History of the TRUCKSCAN System

The TRUCKSCAN system was first conceived in 2011 during a discussion between Obayashi and Mirion. In 2013, the initial version of the TRUCKSCAN system was introduced, utilizing two NaI detectors for manual measurements. Testing and development continued until the Mobile TRUCKSCAN System was launched in 2015. This system was an improved version with eight Nal detectors capable of measuring samples sitting on a truck bed,.

In 2016, the TRUCKSCAN system’s capabilities were showcased at the American Nuclear Society 2016 (ANSI2016). The system received the 8th Award from the Engineering Advancement Association of Japan, solidifying its reputation as an innovative and impactful technology.

Living the Mirion Mission

The conception and development of the TRUCKSCAN system illustrates Mirion’s capacity to partner with customers to create innovative custom systems and solutions in the decontamination and decommissioning industry.

By contributing to the safety and well-being of communities surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, the development of this revolutionary technology supports Mirion’s mission to harness its unparalleled knowledge of ionizing radiation for the greater good of humanity.

Learn more about Mirion’s capabilities for decontamination and decommissioning.