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SUMMARY
Emerging Technologies Applicable
to Hazardous Materials Transportation
Safety and Security
Introduction
Project Objectives
The objectives of this project were to (1) develop a list of near-term (less than 5 years) and
longer-term (515 years) technologies that are candidates for use in enhancing the safety and
security of hazardous materials (Hazmat) transportation, as applied by shippers, carriers,
emergency responders, or government regulatory and enforcement agencies; (2) identify
emerging technologies that hold the greatest promise (in terms of effectiveness) of being
introduced during these near- and longer-term spans; and (3) identify potential impedi-
ments to and opportunities for their development, deployment, and maintenance (e.g., tech-
nical, economic, legal, and institutional). The time frames for near term and longer term were
considered to be the periods of 2009 to 2013 and 2014 to 2023, respectively.
Problem Statement and Discussion
A significant challenge in the planning and conduct of this project was to identify a research
methodology that recognized and captured the needs of the various transportation modes,
and then in the wide universe of technologies, to find the emerging ones that appear to best
meet those needs. An additional challenge was the reality that, by definition, these technolo-
gies would not already be in the marketplace. Rather, they would be found in the research
departments of companies, government laboratories, universities, and consortia. Some
would not be far along in development; moreover, for the emerging technologies farthest
out on the development horizon, there would not be nearly as much concrete information to
go on. Once the most promising emerging technologies were identified, finding their devel-
opers, obtaining enough pertinent information, and making judgments about the perceived
characteristics of the path to the marketplace for each of the technology areas were themselves
challenges that had to be met.
Background Research and Information Gathering
To appreciate the significance and departure point for emerging technologies, it was appro-
priate to be aware of existing systems as well as current and planned research. A number
of prior and current initiatives relating to transportation safety and security in general and
Hazmat transportation in particular were examined. These included development efforts,
tests, studies, reports, capabilities, and tools. Within the past decade, the transportation
industry, including Hazmat transport, has undergone a remarkable technological revolution.
Carriers and shippers have adopted a number of new technologies to optimize productivity
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and minimize the costs of operation. Many new technologies applicable to transportation
have been developed in recent years, and others are in planning or development stages. Con-
sider, for example, that advances in motor vehicle technologies are edging closer to the time
when the technologies will be able to drive the vehicle.
Assumptions and Observations
Discussions among research team members (hereafter, the "team") and with outside
Hazmat authorities produced many observations pertinent to the project, which resulted
in assumptions that helped frame project understanding for the eventual research approach.
These were shared with the project panel to ensure that the boundaries of the unfolding
research were properly defined. On the basis of these assumptions and observations, any
candidate emerging technology to be considered under this task was assumed to fall into
one of three categories:
· Evolutionary (i.e., an incremental performance improvement to an existing product)
· Revolutionary (i.e., something not seen before, such as certain biometrics-based identity
management applications)
· Application of a technology used in, or being developed for, another industry but not cur-
rently adapted to transportation (e.g., impulse radar, which has been used for oilfield
exploration and could be used for vehicular target tracking in conjunction with predic-
tive software algorithms).
Project Approach
The project obtained information relevant to all five Hazmat transportation modes iden-
tified in the solicitation--highway, rail, marine, air, and pipeline. (NOTE: the terms high-
way mode and truck mode are used somewhat interchangeably in this document, as are the
terms marine and maritime.) After basic data on emerging technologies were gathered and
compiled, the team developed a systematic analysis approach to produce a short list of most
promising emerging technologies from the universe of technology candidates. The process
started with a definition of functional requirements that are considered necessary to provide
safe and secure transport on a given transportation mode. For each mode, an assessment was
made as to the extent to which current practices meet the stated requirements, taking both
existing technology capability and its market penetration into consideration (Functional
Requirement Gap Rating). Separately, based on the volume of Hazmat transport on each
mode (proxy for event likelihood) and the potential consequences associated with a signif-
icant safety or security incident (proxy for serious consequence), a determination was made
as to which modes warranted greater development attention as a result of their associated
risk (Mode Importance Rating).
The results of the Functional Requirement Gap Ratings and Mode Importance Ratings
were then combined to determine the corresponding technology development priorities
(Technology Development Priority Rating). Within each technology development priority,
more specific technology needs were then defined (Technology Need Areas) and each pre-
viously identified technology was associated with each need area to which it aligns. Those
technologies that fell into the priority need areas were then considered on the "short list" of
technology candidates, and the technologies that were tied to the greatest number of prior-
ity need areas were consequently designated as "most promising." Figure S-1 illustrates the
selection process.
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Research Technologies
Screen Technologies
Extract Screened Technologies
for Each of Five Modes
Define Functional
Requirements for Each Mode
Evaluate Ability of Mode to Satisfy Technical Capability Need and Functional Requirement
Functional Requirement Market Adoptability Need Gap Rating
Modal Activity Level and
Determine Modal Risk Mode Importance Rating
Serious Consequence Potential
Establish Functional Requirement
Functional Requirement Gap Rating
Technology Development Priority
and Mode Importance Rating
for Each Mode
Determine Technologies by Need
and Priority
Break Out Technologies by
Importance
Select Preliminary Most Promising Finalize Most Promising
Emerging Technologies Peer Review
Emerging Technologies List
Figure S-1. Process for selecting most promising technologies.
Findings
Table S-1 provides a characterization of the nine most promising emerging technology
areas that resulted from that process. They are segregated into three functional groups:
· Monitoring and Surveillance
· Alternative Power Generation
· Infrastructure
It is interesting to note that the Alternative Power Generation group, with its three tech-
nology areas, as well as certain technology areas within the Monitoring and Surveillance
group, contains most promising emerging technologies that were not developed primarily
for transportation applications, yet they are clearly relevant to enhancing Hazmat trans-
portation safety and security.
To gain a better understanding of the development status and expectations in these tech-
nology areas, technology developers in these respective areas were identified and contacted.
Recognizing that many technology developers are sensitive to providing public information,
the goal of this effort was to at least gain a representative outlook from each of the nine tech-
nology areas. Consequently, 23 interviews were conducted with technology developers (see
Table S-2).
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Table S-1. Characterization of most promising emerging technology areas.
Technology Description Concept Importance to Hazmat Transportation
Monitoring and Surveillance Group
Networked radio frequency identification This refers to the concept of multiple sensors If these sensors are deployed on commercial
(RFID)/Global Positioning System or Global tied into a central monitoring site where vehicles carrying Hazmat, any alerts or
Locating System (GPS/GLS) system control functions also may exist. problems with the cargo condition could be
monitoring/networked ubiquitous sensors Ubiquitous sensors refers to the concept of a detected by fixed sensors at locations such as
and cargo monitoring "system of systems," possibly a nationwide truck stops, or even by other vehicles. That
sensor network. detection capability could not only enable
quicker response to an anomalous condition
such as a chemical leak, but could also
provide a real-time early-warning system for a
wide array of chemical, biological, and nuclear
threats across the United States.
Pressure gauges and chemical detection Improved sensors that can accurately detect The capability of event-based alerts is limited
sensors pressure changes and chemical releases with by sensitivity of sensors as well as their false
very low false alarm rates. alarm rates. High false alarm rates are
detrimental to the acceptance of any
technology being implemented. As the
NOTE: this is a category of two related number of Hazmat shipments being tracked
technology needs with functionally similar continues to increase, the capability of
purposes, within each of which is found embedded sensors to detect anomalous
emerging technologies. conditions at lower thresholds and higher
reliability is needed so that an alert can be
automatically generated. This needed
capability also applies to pipelines as well as
vehicles.
Fiber-optic/photonic sensors and optical Photonics refers to the generation, emission, The amount of information capable of being
scanners for monitoring of cargo, or for fixed transmission, modulation, signal processing, transmitted via photonic means is great. Use
point monitoring of infrastructure health and switching, amplification, detection and sensing of fiber-optics to replace copper wire in aircraft
environment problems. of light, that in this case carries information. for control mechanisms is being considered.
Fiber-optics is a form of photonics. Fiber-optics is being used on some warships in
their combat systems and for lighting and
illumination devices. Photonics has the
potential to provide significant performance
improvements such as increase in bandwidth,
weight savings, and improved compartment
integrity. Application of photonics to other
types of vehicles, as well as pipelines and
other fixed structures such as tunnels and
bridges, may help monitoring and detection of
anomalous conditions at reduced cost.
Improved locking with fiber-optic seals, low Seals and locks, possibly with advanced The ability to protect sealed Hazmat cargo is
power RFID, and remote monitoring of seal encryption and other features that make them improved by defeating sophisticated intrusion
array. very difficult to defeat, which can be remotely attempts and reporting their occurrence.
monitored for intrusion and system functioning.
Intelligent video tracking and surveillance Software capable of capturing the image of a A Hazmat vehicle carrying especially toxic
system with capability for automated handoff specific vehicle and passing this image from material could be tracked by a series of video
to a sequence of cameras. one linked camera to another so that its cameras that automatically hand off the truck's
passage is tracked, if the area of interest has image from camera to camera as it passes
sufficient cameras. This technology uses the through a High-Threat Urban Area.
current generation of cameras.
Law enforcement could link video cameras
around major cities, map video panoramas to
publicly available aerial maps, and use
software to provide a higher level of "location
awareness" for surveillance.
Alternative Power Generation Group
Wireless power Wireless energy transfer or wireless power This is an enabling technology in that it helps
transmission refers to the process that takes to provide electrical power for sensors and
place in a system where electrical energy is other technologies that would be more
transmitted from a power source to an expensive due to battery maintenance and
electrical load, without interconnecting wires. replacement costs.
Wireless transmission is useful in cases where
instantaneous or continuous energy transfer is
needed but interconnecting wires are
inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible.
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Table S-1. (Continued).
Technology Description Concept Importance to Hazmat Transportation
Nanopiezoelectronics The combined term "nanopiezoelectronics" This is an enabling technology in that it helps
refers to generation of electrical energy to provide electrical power for sensors and
(electricity) at the nanometer scale (e.g., to other technologies that would otherwise be
Nanotechnology refers to technology involving power nano-devices) via mechanical stress to more expensive due to battery maintenance
manipulation of objects whose dimensions are the nanopiezoelectronic device. For example, and replacement costs.
approximately 1 to 100 nanometers. The bending of a zinc oxide nanowire transforms
piezoelectric effect refers to applying a that mechanical energy into electrical energy;
mechanical stress (e.g., deformative) to a flag with nanowire could generate power
applicable piezoelectric material (e.g., certain while fluttering.
ceramics, quartz, etc.) that causes production
of an electrical charge.
Plastic thin-film organic solar cells These solar cells are not rigid panels and can This is an enabling technology in that it helps
be molded into a variety of shapes to occupy to provide electrical power for sensors and
space that would not be possible for current, other technologies that would be more
conventional solar cells. They operate with expensive due to battery maintenance and
flexible polymer batteries that never need to be replacement costs.
recharged.
Infrastructure Group
Container integrity Improvements to containers such as rail and The chemical shipping industry considers
truck tank cars, casks, and pipelines. strengthened containers a top priority. There
This is a category represented by a number of are a number of approaches being
different structural improvements such as investigated to make large containers better
able to withstand impacts without increasing
Specialty and treated steels
weight. Much of this work is associated with
Engineered metal structures (e.g., egg the Next-Generation Rail Tank Car Project.
crate, honeycomb, lattice block,
corrugated)
Structural foams and adhesives
Composites/fiber-reinforced plastics
Insulation and thermal protection
Armor and self-sealing technologies
Impact resistant coatings
Valves and fittings
Railcar couplers (cushioning)
Table S-2. Type of technology developers interviewed.
Technology Area Respondents Interviews
Company
National Laboratory
Networked RFID/ubiquitous
National Laboratory 5
sensors and cargo monitoring
Company
National Laboratory
Pressure gauges and chemical Company
5
detection sensors Company (4 related but separate technologies)
Fiber-optic/photonic sensors and
Company 1
optical scanners
National Laboratory
Advanced locks and seals 2
Company
Intelligent video tracking and Company
2
surveillance Company
Company
Wireless power 2
Company
Nanopiezoelectronics University 1
Company
Plastic thin-film organic solar cells Company 3
Company
U.S. DOT Research Organization
Container integrity 2
Company
Total 23
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Table S-3. Technology maturity comparison.
Short 25 610 Category
Term Years Years Totals
Networked RFID/ubiquitous sensors and cargo monitoring 3 2 5
Pressure gauges and chemical detection sensors 2 3 5
Fiber-optic/photonic sensors and optical scanners 1 1
Advanced locks and seals 1 1 2
Intelligent video tracking and surveillance 1 1 2
Wireless power 2 2
Nanopiezoelectronics 1 1
Plastic thin-film organic solar cells 1 2 3
Container integrity 1 1 2
Totals 11 7 5 23
Based on this survey sample, Table S-3 shows the relative maturity of each technology area
in terms of developmental timeframe. (NOTE: While the solicitation defines "longer-term"
technologies as maturing in the 615 year horizon, no developing technologies were identified
that appear to be maturing in the latter half: the 1115 year horizon. This perhaps indicates the
motivation that developmental organizations have to bring technologies to maturity in a timely
manner. It could also indicate that in today's world of rapid technology change, planning too
far in the future may simply carry too much risk of being overtaken by agile competitors. Con-
sequently, the long-range horizon in subsequent tables is truncated at 10 years instead of 15.)
Figure S-2 provides a development roadmap for each of the nine most promising emerg-
ing technology areas based on the survey sample. The columns to the right of the technol-
ogy area correspond to the five technology development levels defined by the team:
· Level 1--basic technology principles have been observed
· Level 2--equipment and process concept formulated
· Level 3--prototype demonstrated in laboratory environment
· Level 4--technology product operational in limited real-world environment
· Level 5--technology product fully operational in real-world environment
The length of the bar portrays the relative maturity of the technology area. This involves
some interpolating and averaging because a given technology area is usually represented
by more than one technology, and developing products may reach the marketplace at dif-
ferent times. The black part of the bar is intended to show the team's perceptions of where
the majority of development has progressed to date, while the gray part of the bar shows
advance entries approaching or having reached the marketplace.
Conclusions
The team characterized the development status in each of these areas, as well as the future
outlook for each technology in reaching and being adopted in the marketplace. This led to
the following summary observations:
· Surveillance and Monitoring Group
Potential benefits are new capabilities to detect and report out of normal conditions
and improved measures to deter unauthorized access.
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Technology 1. Basic technology 2. Equipment and 3. Prototype 4. Product operational 5. Product available for
Development Level principles observed process concept demonstrated in in limited real-world commercial use
(to right) formulated laboratory environment environment
Networked RFID,
ubiquitous sensors and
cargo monitoring
Pressure gauges &
chemical detection
sensors
Fiber-optic/photonic
sensors & optical
scanners
Advanced locks & seals
Intelligent video
tracking & surveillance
Wireless power
Nanopiezoelectronics
Plastic thin-film
organic solar cells
Container integrity
Figure S-2. Development roadmap for the nine most promising emerging technologies.
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Challenges that need to be overcome include making the systems more user friendly,
more affordable with low life cycle costs, compliant with power and bandwidth stan-
dards, and capable of reading with high reliability at lower detection thresholds, in a
rugged environment, with very low false positive alarm rates.
If development continues along the anticipated path, this capability should be substan-
tially available in the marketplace in the near term (within 5 years) for the majority of
most promising technologies examined, with a number of chemical detection sensors
maturing in the longer term (610 years).
· Alternative Power Generation Group
Potential benefits are electrical power available to sensors and communications devices
that would not otherwise be put into use without that supply, and the potential to reduce
the size of batteries or even eliminate them.
Challenges that need to be overcome include manufacturing at larger scale, certain
physical application requirements, and integration with other technologies.
If development continues along the anticipated path, this capability should be substan-
tially available in the marketplace in the near term.
· Infrastructure Group
Potential benefits are stronger Hazmat containers (especially large tanks) that are more
resistant to punctures or able to seal some leaks caused by punctures.
Challenges that need to be overcome include providing the extra strength for an afford-
able price within acceptable weight and size limitations.
If development continues along the anticipated path, this capability should be substan-
tially available in the marketplace in the near term (based largely on current program
goals for technologies that are in addition to the most promising technologies examined).
One of the factors that continue to inhibit more widespread technology deployment is that
a demonstrated business case is lacking for some transportation segments to invest more in
technologies primarily for the sake of safety and security. Because technology adoptability is
fundamentally cost-based, market penetration usually does not happen until the products are
mass-produced or otherwise become affordable. For example, recent research indicates that
the emerging use of sensors may provide major benefits to transportation efficiency (1); if this
is the case, then products using sensor technology are likely to be embraced by industry.
As a cautionary note, however, commercially available sensors may operate with limited
potential to enhance Hazmat transport safety and security today. Until the technology exists
that can satisfy functional requirements such as withstanding harsh climates, being resistant
to tampering, and working with very low false alarm rates, additional development will be
needed before the Hazmat transportation market will respond.
Recommendations
It is hoped that the project findings will help the HMCRP and its stakeholders gain a better
understanding of the most promising emerging technologies to improve Hazmat transporta-
tion safety and security. Consequently, this will aid the public and private sectors in making
informed decisions about emerging technologies that they may wish to deploy. Moreover, it
is conceivable that the information from the report could in some ways help accelerate devel-
opment of certain technologies if the common interest among groups is recognized.
