Developed at Idaho National Laboratory, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, Codeac was named one of the top 15 new innovations of 2019 by Analytical Scientist Magazine and placed eighth overall in international competition for this award.

While swipe tests (or wipe tests) have long been used to assess surface contamination, this has traditionally only been after a sample is prepared and then placed in a sample reader which is often at some distance from the suspected contaminated surface. Further, swipe tests have historically also required highly trained individuals to operate. By contrast, the new Codeac Colorimetric Nuclear Detection wipe is a simple test that changes colour depending on the contaminant present. This allows field personnel with no special training or supplementary equipment to rapidly and accurately detect uranium, plutonium, americium, cobalt and other transition elements of interest.

The simplicity of use and rapid detection technology make Codeac wipes an ideal addition to first responder hazard kits. Basic hazard kits currently in use by the majority of first responders to detect unknown substances focus on chemical and biological hazards. Adding Codeac Nuclear Detection swipes would provide effective peace of mind for radionuclide detection at minimal cost and all without the use of an instrument.

Because Codeac technology relies on chemical rather than radiological properties, these wipes have to potential to enhance environmental safety by being able to detect some non-radioactive heavy metals and relatively un-radioactive depleted uranium. Currently, detecting depleted uranium is quite a cumbersome process involving a large unwieldy field instrument to detect low energy radiation. By contrast, a simple swipe test offers a conveniently portable and low-cost approach.

The simplicity and portability of these new Codeac Nuclear Detection wipes makes them ideal not only for first responders but also to support initial elemental detection by soldiers and decontamination personnel without the weight and encumbrance of a dedicated radiation detector. Radiation detectors, both electronic and conventional wipe tests, would still be required for proper investigation, attribution, and mitigation, but the gains to efficiency and response time offered by a simple test that could be administered by anyone on-site cannot be overstated. There is also potential to add these swipe tests to border control measures or security investigations where it is suspected that radioactive isotopes of interest may have been handled.

Contributing to Nuclear Safety and Security

With our expertise and commitment to securing and deploying the best cutting-edge technologies to help our clients enhance safety, SciWise Solutions is proud to add the novel Codeac Single Use Nuclear Detection Wipes and Codeac Single Use Ampoules to our offerings. In addition to leading technologies, SciWise also offers a wide range of services to enhance safety through detection, measurement, data analysis, waste management and risk assessments that enhance the ability of industry and communities to make informed decisions related to radiological and nuclear risks.

Video Demo Links:

Nuclear Detection Wipe – YouTube
Dry-wipe with Codeac Single-use Ampule – YouTube
Water test – YouTube
Soil Test – YouTube

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Area Monitoring: A Crucial Aspect of Radiation Safety

Area monitoring, or environmental radiation monitoring, involves continuously surveilling a specific location or area to assess radiation levels. This process is crucial in various industries, including nuclear power, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and research facilities, where potential radiation hazards must be monitored to check the safety of personnel and the environment.

The Role of Radiation Detector Devices in Canada

Canada is strongly committed to safety and environmental protection, making it essential to utilize state-of-the-art radiation detector devices for accurate and reliable area monitoring. These devices serve several vital functions:

1. Radiation Detection: Radiation measurement devices equipped with advanced sensors can detect various types of radiation, including alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiation. They provide real-time data on radiation levels, allowing for immediate response to potential hazards.
2. Continuous Monitoring: Modern radiation detectors offer constant monitoring capabilities, ensuring that radiation levels are consistently assessed. This real-time data enables timely decision-making and intervention in case of unexpected radiation events.
3. Data Logging: Radiation measurement devices in Canada often feature data logging capabilities, allowing for collecting and storing historical radiation data. This information is invaluable for regulatory compliance and trend analysis.
4. Alarm Systems: Many radiation detectors are equipped with alarm systems that alert personnel to elevated radiation levels. These alarms trigger immediate responses, such as evacuation or activating safety protocols.

Choosing the Right Radiation Measurement Device in Canada

Selecting the appropriate radiation detector device in Canada is crucial to ensuring the safety and compliance of your facility. Factors to consider when choosing a radiation measurement device include:

• Type of Radiation:Ensure the device can detect the specific types of radiation relevant to your industry, whether gamma radiation, X-rays, or others.
• Accuracy and Sensitivity:Look for devices that provide accurate measurements, especially in low-radiation environments.
• Data Recording and Analysis:Evaluate the device’s data storage and analysis capabilities and its compatibility with data management systems.
• Durability and Portability:Consider the device’s build quality, portability, and ease of installation for efficient area monitoring.

In conclusion, area monitoring is a critical aspect of radiation safety in Canada, and radiation detector devices play a pivotal role in safeguarding personnel and the environment. Investing in reliable and state-of-the-art radiation measurement devices is essential for industries where radiation hazards are a concern. Doing so contributes to a safer and more secure future for all Canadians.

At SciWise, we are committed to providing cutting-edge radiation measurement solutions to meet your area monitoring needs in Canada. Our radiation detector devices are designed to deliver accurate and timely data, ensuring the highest safety and compliance standards. Contact us today to learn more about our radiation monitoring solutions and how we can help protect your facility and personnel.

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ADAMOS Gamma Waste Drum Monitor: Precision in Waste Management

The ADAMOS Gamma Waste Drum Monitor is a technological marvel designed to revolutionize the way radioactive waste drums are monitored. Through the utilization of advanced gamma spectroscopy techniques, this system enables real-time analysis of gamma radiation emissions from waste drums. This non-intrusive method preserves the integrity of the waste, ensuring accurate results without disturbing the contents. The ADAMOS system empowers nuclear facilities to adhere to strict regulatory standards while maintaining efficient waste management processes.

Archimedes Gamma Waste Assay System: Unparalleled Precision

SciWise’s commitment to precision and accuracy shines through the Archimedes Gamma Waste Assay System. This revolutionary technology employs high-resolution gamma spectroscopy to provide detailed measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides present in waste materials. With its unparalleled precision, Archimedes aids nuclear facilities in accurately characterizing waste streams, optimizing waste disposal strategies, and minimizing environmental impact.

Automatic Gamma Radiation Pipe Scanner: Efficiency Meets Safety

The Automatic Gamma Radiation Pipe Scanner exemplifies SciWise’s dedication to enhancing safety and efficiency in the nuclear sector. This cutting-edge solution automates the inspection of pipes and pipelines for gamma radiation sources, identifying potential contamination points or leaks. By minimizing manual intervention and streamlining the inspection process, this system significantly enhances overall safety and operational effectiveness.

Leading the Charge in Nuclear Safety

SciWise Solutions Inc. doesn’t just provide products; it delivers comprehensive solutions that uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety. With its range of waste scanning systems, SciWise empowers the nuclear industry to operate with confidence and compliance. The company’s dedication to research, innovation, and precision is evident in every product it offers, ensuring that nuclear facilities can minimize risks and maximize safety.

Partnering with SciWise: Shaping a Safer Future

For organizations operating within the nuclear sector, partnering with SciWise Solutions Inc. means embracing a future of enhanced safety and efficiency. The ADAMOS Gamma Waste Drum Monitor, Archimedes Gamma Waste Assay System, and Automatic Gamma Radiation Pipe Scanner represent the pinnacle of waste scanning technology. SciWise’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art radiation detection and shielding solutions reaffirms its role as a leader in nuclear safety, supporting the industry in its pursuit of secure and sustainable operations.

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Why SMRs?

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capability of below 300 megawatts of electricity, about a third that of a traditional nuclear power reactor, and a footprint only a fraction of the size. They are manufactured as prefabricated self-contained units that are then shipped and installed onsite. This offers savings in construction time, allows them to be installed on sites that could not accommodate a larger conventional nuclear power plant, including remote areas, and to be combined together to scale up energy production incrementally as demand increases. SMRs are also designed to be operated safely with minimal human intervention. Power plants based on SMRs may require less frequent and less costly refueling and offer increased safety due to passive safety systems to shut down in case of emergency.

SMRs in Canada

Federal and provincial governments are working together to make Canada a leader in rolling out SMR technology as an important component of ambitious goals for a clean energy future. Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, which collectively represent 85% of Canada’s total electricity generation from fossil fuels, are actively advancing the deployment of SMR technology to decarbonize energy production. To date, plans include a fleet of four BWRX-300 SMR units at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site, expected to power 1.2 million homes by the mid-2030s, two advanced ARC-100 SMR reactors being developed to deploy at New Brunswick Power’s Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station by the early 2030s, and the development of a new class of micro-SMRs to replace diesel in remote communities.

Comprehensive Support for Nuclear Power Plants Embracing SMR Technology

As Canada seeks to be a global leader in SMR technology and deployment, SciWise is there to help nuclear power plant operators with our state-of-the-art expertise and radiation detection technology to address safety, compliance and operational challenges with monitoring and performance optimization.

Our expertise and cutting-edge technologies enable us to offer a wide range of services, including radiation measurements, data analysis, and risk assessments. Our sophisticated instruments, such as gamma Geiger Muller (GM), scintillation detectors, and Sodium Iodide (NaI), enable accurate and precise measurements of radiation levels. We work closely with industries, regulatory bodies, and research institutions to help provide innovative technologies never seen before in Canada to help address their application requirements. With our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced team, we deliver accurate and reliable results, enabling informed decision-making and proactive management of radiation-related risks, including waste management.

SciWise offers technology solutions for real-time surveillance and monitoring of reactor and surrounding environment, modular and customizable to diverse plant configurations. We put operational safety first with dosimeters, environmental monitors and portal monitors to support power plant operators’ strong commitments to worker safety and protecting the environment by preventing the spread of radioactive materials. Additionally, remote monitoring technologies and data analysis techniques have enhanced our ability to detect radiation on a larger scale in air, water, soil and other natural resources and provide real-time information. These technological advancements allow for continuous monitoring, early detection of anomalies, and prompt response to ensure the protection of the environment and the public, of particular importance with SMRs where operation is less reliant on human intervention, and more focused on automated systems.

Contributing to a Safe Supply of Clean Energy

State-of-the-art radiation detection and monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safe rollout and operation of leading-edge power generation technologies for a sustainable future. Through continuous monitoring and advanced technologies, we can identify potential risks, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health. SciWise is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for effective radiation monitoring, helping industries and communities make informed decisions and mitigate risks. As Canada and the world embrace SMRs to help meet important climate change goals, let us work together towards a more sustainable and safer future of clean energy generation.

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Understanding the Importance of Environmental Radiation Monitoring

Environmental radiation monitoring involves the measurement and assessment of radiation levels in air, water, soil, and other natural resources. This monitoring is essential to identify any potential sources of radiation and their impact on the environment and human health. By continuously monitoring radiation levels, we can detect changes, identify potential hazards, and take appropriate actions to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of communities and ecosystems.

The Role of Advanced Technologies in Radiation Monitoring

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of environmental radiation monitoring. Sophisticated instruments, such as gamma Geiger Muller (GM), scintillation detectors, and Sodium Iodide (NaI), enable accurate and precise measurements of radiation levels.
SciWise offers radiation detectors designed for emergency response and enabling a fast deployment in the critical area with minimum human intervention.
Additionally, remote Monitoring technologies and data analysis techniques have enhanced our ability to detect radiation on a larger scale and provide real-time information. These technological advancements allow for proactive monitoring, early detection of anomalies, and prompt response to ensure the protection of the environment.

Comprehensive Solutions by SciWise

At SciWise, we specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for environmental radiation monitoring. Our expertise and cutting-edge technologies enable us to offer a wide range of services, including radiation measurements, data analysis, and risk assessments. We work closely with industries, regulatory bodies, and research institutions to help provide innovative technologies never seen before in Canada to help address their application requirements. With our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced team, we deliver accurate and reliable results, enabling informed decision-making and proactive management of radiation-related risks.

Contributing to a Safer and More Sustainable World

Environmental radiation monitoring plays a vital role in promoting safety and sustainability. By monitoring radiation levels, we can identify and mitigate potential hazards, protect ecosystems, and ensure the health and well-being of future generations. Through our commitment to environmental stewardship, SciWise strives to contribute to a safer and more sustainable world. We collaborate with organizations and communities, providing education, training, and support to promote responsible radiation monitoring practices.

Environmental radiation monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our planet. Through continuous monitoring and advanced technologies, we can identify potential risks, protect ecosystems, and safeguard human health. SciWise is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for effective radiation monitoring, helping industries and communities make informed decisions and mitigate risks. Together, let us embrace the importance of environmental radiation monitoring and work towards a safer and more sustainable future.

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Radiation Measurement

Radiation measurement is the process of determining the level of ionizing radiation in a given area. Ionizing radiation is the type of radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions. This type of radiation can be harmful to human health, especially if exposure is prolonged.

Radiation measurement can be done using various instruments, such as Geiger counters, dosimeters, and survey meters. These instruments measure the amount of radiation in a given area and can alert workers when the levels exceed safe limits.

Radiation Shielding

Radiation shielding is the process of reducing the level of ionizing radiation in a given area. Shielding can be achieved by using materials that absorb or reflect radiation. Commonly used materials for radiation shielding include lead, concrete, and steel.

Radiation shielding is essential in industries such as healthcare, where workers may be exposed to radiation during medical procedures. Shielding can protect workers from the harmful effects of radiation and prevent long-term health problems.

SciWise Solutions Inc.

SciWise Solutions Inc. is a leading provider of radiation measurement and shielding solutions. We offer a wide range of products and services, including radiation detectors, dosimeters, and survey meters. Our team of experts can help you choose the right instruments for your specific needs and provide installation and training services to ensure that your workers are protected from ionizing radiation.

We also offer radiation shielding solutions that are customized to your specific requirements. Our shielding solutions use high-quality materials and are designed to reduce the level of ionizing radiation in a given area. We can provide shielding solutions for industries such as healthcare, nuclear power plants, and manufacturing.

Conclusion

Radiation measurement and shielding are essential in industries where workers may be exposed to ionizing radiation. It is crucial to measure radiation levels and shield workers from its harmful effects. SciWise Solutions Inc. can provide the necessary solutions to ensure that your workers are protected from ionizing radiation. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

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In the Nuclear Power Plant operated by Elektriciteits Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) in Borssele, Netherlands, safety is a key concern and a priority since it has been operational in 1973. Primary relevant safety scenarios for external incidents at the Borssele site are related to storm and flooding. Although “the initial results give absolutely no reason to question the safety of the Borssele Plant” said the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation after the stress test organized in 2011, the Borssele Plant operator EPZ decided to go deeper on safety development with an improvement plan.

Material

EPZ decided to enhance its existing gamma monitoring system with seven additional gamma dose rate measurement probes (GammaTRACER XL2), one new radionuclide identification and dose rate measurement probe (SpectroTRACER Air/Soil) and a radio transmission instrument (ShortLINK). All devices are designed by Bertin Instruments, focusing on two main factors: the resistance to extreme coastal climatic conditions, and the capacity to work autonomously from electrical and public communication networks.

Extreme Weather Proof

All monitoring probes at Borssele NPP are installed on 3 m high masts in order to stay above the water level, even in case of extreme storm surges and flooding. The masts are 17 cm in diameter with robust concrete foundations to withstand extreme wind conditions (up to 202 km/h for severe storms with high winds and 450 km/h for tornados). Moreover the GammaTRACER XL2 and SpectroTRACER Air/Soil probes have also been designed to last several decades in robust sealed aluminum housings with nanopaint, despite the corrosive salt-water environment.

Autonomous Operation

The monitoring system has to be designed to work independently from the electrical network, i.e. on batteries. The low power consumption technology for the GammaTRACER XL2 as well as for the ShortLINK radio data receiver ensures an autonomous operation for up to ten years. In case of a mobile network overload or blackout, the dose rate measurement data can be transmitted for several days to a central server up to 5 km with the ShortLINK radio transmission system, using only battery power.

Conclusion

With this new radiation monitoring system provided and installed by Bertin Instruments, the Borssele Nuclear Power Plant aims to fulfill requirements from nuclear regulators by showing that external hazards have been considered. The objective is to be ready in case of a severe incident, especially a flooding or a storm. In addition to the new system, Borssele is still using the first monitoring system based on the former GammaTRACER BASIC probes, which are still working perfectly 22 years after installation.

Improvement of a Radiation Monitoring System for Extreme Weather Conditions

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