"Until recently, NaI detectors have lacked
the ability to accurately identify mixed isotopes. Now, our proprietary
process identifies multiple nuclides with quantified results in real
time. One affordable gamma spectroscopy system can alarm & identify
with ease."
| Applications: | |
|---|---|
| Homeland Security | Hold_Up Measures |
| Confirmation of First Responders | Dose Rate Meter |
| Radionuclide Identification | Employee Education |
| Quality Control | Portal Monitoring |
| Radiation Safety | Nuclear Medicine |
| Survey Meter | Passenger and Freight Monitoring |
| Safeguards | Treaty Compliance |
| Trending / Histrogramming | Environmental Waste Monitoring |
| Monitoring of Nuclear Transportation | Site Redemption |
| Pedestrian Traffic | Decontamination |
| Border Patrol | Health Physics |
SAM System Description
The SAM system from Berkeley Nucleonics (Model 905, 925, 935)
was designed to be an easy to use, fast and accurate tool for gamma
and neutron detection. The system uses a single Nal detector and an
optional 3He detector with proprietary MCA technology to provide true
spectroscopic performance. Through a simple menu driven interface,
the user can set up the system to monitor for gross counts above background,
specific isotopes, or any peaks in the spectrum. The SAM contains
a simple display presentation that gives users of all technical skill
levels the ability to survey areas, perform QC of material shipped
or received, identify and quantify radio-isotopes, monitor material/pedestrians/vehicles,
perform dose calculations and handle general purpose gamma spectroscopy.
SAM sensitivity exceptionally better than any other NaI system due
to a proprietary acquisition technique (QCC) and low level detection
algorithms.
Alarm thresholds can be set globally or on an isotope by isotope
basis (library has the capability of storing over 90 isotopes). Both
audible and visual alarms are available. The system incorporates both
RS-232 (point to point) and RS-485 (up to 250 units in a multi-drop,
daisy chained configuration) communication interfaces. Units can be
connected to a PC system for centralized monitoring and logging. The
AC powered system can be used as a tabletop unit or wall mounted with
vertical tilt adjustment. The battery powered systems offer the latest
in power management technology to assure users many uninterrupted
hours of field use. Internal and larger external detector options
make this system useful for all applications.
The system may be operated very simply by people
who have no understanding of nuclear spectroscopy. The same unit also
has full MCA capability and sophistication for extracting detailed
isotopic information and analysis demanded by a health physicist.
The SAM systems use a display unmatched in the industry. It is a FSTN
graphic display with CCFL back lighting. This recent display technology
offers easy viewing in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
The SAM systems will search for any one or more of a list
of isotopes selected from the master library, any unknown peaks that
might occur (sum peaks, escape peaks, unselected peaks, etc.), total
or integral gross counts above background (over the entire 0-4 MeV
energy range) or any combination of the above. Time slicing allows
the user to set detection intervals, and look at activity in high
background environments. Transitory radiation events are captured
and stored instead of becoming lost in counting statistics.
Basic Mode
In the basic mode, horizontal bars are displayed corresponding
to specified isotopes. When a predetermined, user-set peak to-background
ratio is exceeded, a verification spectrum begins to be stored, referred
to as a trigger event. Alarm thresholds or triggers are set in standard
deviations above background (sigmas). As long as the trigger is present
the spectrum continues to collect. Isotopes are ordered with the highest
activity listed first (on top) and lesser active Isotopes following.
The list is updated and re-ordered every second. When the trigger
inceases (indicating a return to normal background) the accumulation
of the verification spectrum will stop and perform an analysis. Real
alarm events are captured and stored for reference and review (approximately
400 alarm events may be held in memory). A complete report of the
data is stored and the screen will display a histogram with the identified
isotopes highlighted. The status line is updated to show the last
trigger event and total number of trigger events stored during the
collection interval.
Review Mode Detail Key
In the review mode, up and down arrows can be used to view
any stored alarm events. As the arrows are pressed the screen shows
the peak time slice of the standard main screen display associated
with the alarm. By pressing the detail key the current alarm display
is replaced by a display of the verification spectrum associated with
the event. The spectrum will have the region that generated the alarm
highlighted.
Surveillance Mode
The surveillance mode alarms in the presence of radionuclides,
identifies the alarm and catagorizes the materials accordingly. (Medical
Isotopes, Nuclear Materials or Industrial Isotopes) The surveillance
mode also contains a dose rate display that gives the user measured
dose rate along with the isotope break down or individual contributions
to the total dose rate. For example, the SAM may alarm with the following
display - 300 mR/hr field (composite or total) with a Co-57 contribution
of 125 mR/hr, Cs-137 117 mR/hr, an unknown peak or radionuclide contributing
58 mR/hr. The total or composite dose rate is the sum of the component
parts. Independent dose rate trigger and display thresholds can be
set for each isotope in the library.
Password Protected
The SAM systems have a utilities menu that allows for password
protection of most features. A non technical inspector may be provided
a SAM system for a single purpose, and the manager may choose to password
protect modes of operation, modification of isotopes and regions of
interest, set alarm thresholds, calibration, clock, calendar, etc.
The start-up settings can be configured by the manager, and thereby
forcing the users to operate the SAM in a single, uniform way.
Library
All SAM systems contain a 93 nuclide library of isotopes with
expansion capability to 128 isotopes. All SAMs include a built in
library editor to add/delete/modify isotopes. The Quantum MCA (Windows
based) software packages allow you to create/modify libraries on a
PC and down load them into a SAM.
Nuclear Materials
The SAM spectroscopy system is designed to quickly identify
and quantify (in real time) radionuclides as well as detect and quantify
neutron activity (counts per minute). Many organizations involved
with anti-terrorist activities, international safeguards point-of-entry,
border-crossings, and emergency response have found the speed and
accuracy of the SAM systems to be qualified for detection and location
of sensitive nuclear materials.
The Model 935 with an internal NaI detector and
an internal 3He neutron detector lends itself well to law enforcement
and emergency response groups. This hand-held system configuration
gives the user unmatched capability in a surveillance system. Additionally,
it has no external cables and immediately starts collecting and analyzing
spectra with application of power.
Sample MCA Reports
Contact the factory for a variety of sample MCA reports which
illustrate the SAM performance. SAM MCA reports can be printed directly
from your SAM controller to a printer without the need for a computer.
This feature is particularly useful for printing reports outside the
laboratory, where alarms may have security implications. MCA reports
highlight some of our SAM system acquisition characteristics, including
the best resolution obtainable with NaI detectors and the tremendous
peak to background/signal to noise achievable in count times as short
as one second.
Ruggedized Detectors with Handles or Wall
Mounts
The tube base is a photomultiplier tube base that provides
high voltage for the Sodium Iodide detector and receives the detector
signal. It is ruggedized within the detector enclosure and can withstand
dropping.
Additionally, users are offered a cushioned handle
to facilitate positioning, handling or moving the ruggedized system.
An alternative for fixed installations is an 'all attitude' mounting
bracket for precise positioning of the detector system. This mounting
bracket provides users a convenient method of fixing the detector
position, location and orientation. BNC's NaI(Tl) detector systems
offer resolution equal to or better than 7% on Cs-137. They use right
circular cylinder scintillators of 1.5x2.0, 2.0x2.0, or 3.0x3.0 inches.
Detector Shielding and Temperature Stabilization
BNC offers a shielding option to several detectors. This shielding
option consists of 1mm Pb (lead) and 1mm Cd (cadmium). This tubular
shield is embedded in the rugged detector enclosure. This shield is
particularly well suited for background reduction. Also, BNC offers
temperature stablization, a detector option that thermally stablizes
the NaI detector to maintain calibration during of temperature changes
from 0^C-50^C. A circular heating element is embedded in the rugged
detector enclosure. All temperature stablized detectors include shielding.
Contact the factory regarding your application.
Neutron Detector
BNC offers a 4 inch, moderated 3He Neutron detector as an
internal option to the Model 935 hand-held controller. Neutron presence
is indicated with a flashing yellow light and a digital read-out giving
neutrons/minute in real time.. The internal neutron detector is a
20 atmosphere tube surrounded with a UHMW polyethylene moderator for
optimum efficiency. The neutron detector option offers a thermal neutron
sensitivity of 12.7 cps/nv and an effective volume of 10.42 cubic
centimeters. He-3 detectors are optimized for the detection of slow
neutrons and are very effective in the detection of fission cross
sections of sensitive nuclear material U-233, U-235, Pu-239 etc. Contact
the factory regarding your application.
Internal NaI Detector
BNC offers an internal NaI gamma detector in the Model 935
controller. This option is particularly useful for one-handed operation
and offers users a complete, battery powered system with no visible
cables or connectors. This option offers maximum convenience and easy
of use in a handheld, portable system.
GAMMA Dose Rate Firmware
BNC offers standard on Model 935 and as an option on Model
905, Gamma Dose Rate Firmware package. This firmware option offers
real time dose rate, accumulated dose over a period of time, isotopic
breakdown of accumulated dose.
Full Range of Accessories
BNC offers many accessories (printer package, arctic temperature
(0^to-50^C) controller, etc.) to accompany your SAM system. Contact
the factory for your specific needs.
