SAUNA Cube - A paradigm shift in the field of atmospheric radioactivity monitoring

Purpose and goal

The goal with SAUNA Cube was to introduce a new network based approach for monitoring of radioactive fission releases. The goal with the project was to develop a prototype that together with additional systems in an array will give a higher measurement capacity than today’s products. For one single system a lower performance is accepted, however it is of great importance to keep the unit price as well as the price for an array down. Simulations has shown that an array of systems will give better characterization and detection probability and up to 10 times better localization of the source.

Expected results and effects

The expected result is a cheaper, smaller and more autonomous system, with better transport- and service-ability than what is available today. The project has resulted in an industrial prototype with an achieved performance in line with SAUNA II in today’s installed base. The production cost is according to expectations, even though not low enough. When the system produced in higher quantities we expect the cost to go down even further. With the SAUNA Cube we will be able to offer our customers a more complete product portfolio.

Planned approach and implementation

To reach the required performance at a production cost low enough has been crucial in this project to reach our goal of being able to offer our customers an attractive array concept. Due to this, focus from early stages in the design phase has been to create a system based on stable and cheap components, that is easy to assembly, install, and service. The software design is based on the same principles. Now, when we have succeeded in achieving a higher performance than expected, several new business opportunities and customer offers are possible.