Development of Integrated Environmental Radiation
Monitoring Network (IERNet)
Objectives
The objectives of the IERNet project are to establish a nationwide environmental radiation monitoring network to
Scope and Content of the Projects
1. Establishment of an Integrated Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network (IERNet)
- Select an appropriate data communication network for
the IERNet and link the environmental radiation monitors and the central
computer with the communication network.
- Develop communication protocols for controlling the
radiation monitors remotely and collecting the monitored data on a real-time
basis.
- Operate a program for early warning in normal
conditions and alerting in emergency situations identified by a
significant increase in environmental radiation levels.
2. Development of the software program to evaluate the collected data
- Utilize a database management system to store and
manage the collected data from the Regional Monitoring Stations on a real-time
basis.
- Install a user's application program for evaluating
the collected data in a Windows-based, user-friendly graphic form.
- Produce system checking modules for on-line monitored
data based on server-client environment and build a panel board at the
Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to display the real-time data.
- Develop data analysis modules for analyzing the collected
data and the radiological consequences.
3. Development of the data processing logic for the
environmental radiation monitoring equipment
- Improve the capabilities of environmental radiation
monitors at the Regional Monitoring Stations.
- Develop control logic to distinguish manmade radiation
from natural gamma radiation
- Fabricate prototype environmental radiation monitoring
equipment
Result
1. Establishment of the IERNet
- DACOM Net Service was selected for a data packet
communication network in IERNet.
- Linked the environmental radiation monitors at the
10 Regional Monitoring Stations, 2 provisional monitoring posts, 4 monitoring
posts (around nuclear facilities) and one military radiation monitoring
station with a central computer at the Central Monitoring Station in KINS
in Taejon using DACOM Net Service
- Developed and set up the communication protocols for
each environmental radiation monitor type
- Installed a system operating program for collecting
the environmental radiation data and the status of monitors on a real-time
basis
- Operated a module program for early warning
in normal conditions and alerting in an emergency situation which
would be identified by a significant release of radioactive materials
2. Development of the software program to evaluate the collected data
- Installed a database management system to store and
to manage the collected data from Regional Monitoring Stations on a real-time
basis
- Constructed a user's application program based on World
Wide Web network services and developed a visual program for evaluating
the collected data
- Produced system checking modules for on-line monitored
data based on a server-client environment and built a panel board at MOST
to display real-time data
- Developed a data analysis module for analyzing the
collected data and for assessing the radiological consequences
3. Development of the data processing logic for the environmental radiation monitoring equipment
- Replaced the Geiger-Mueller (GM) monitors with High
Pressure Ionization Chamber (HPIC) monitors to improve the capabilities
of the Regional Monitoring Stations
- Developed control logic to distinguish manmade from
natural radiation in the environment and fabricated prototype environmental
radiation monitoring equipment
Applications
1. Provide basic data for evaluating nationwide radioactivity
contamination levels and maintain an early warning system in case of a
domestic or overseas radiation accident
2. Carry out radiological countermeasures to protect
the public and the environment from potential hazards in case of a radiological
emergency
3. Promote public understanding of environmental radiation
or radioactivity and publicize governmental efforts for radiation safety