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Contamination Control in Health Sector

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 11:09:32 +0000

Numerous pharmaceutical industries, health and research facilities use radioactive sources on a daily basis for treatment or as radioactive tracer.

Therefore, the staff are inevitably exposed to a risk of contamination which needs to be controlled.

The workers involved are various: radiopharmacists, radiographer and everyone in contact with exposed individual and surfaces.

Various types of contamination may occur: internal contamination (inhalation, ingestion, injuries) or external contamination through direct contact with radioactive sources.

Contamination Control

In order, to reduce the general risk of contamination and to improve the safety of staff and patients, Bertin has developed a radioactive contamination control system which detects alpha, beta and gamma radiation: the SaphyRAD.

This new contamination meter is equipped with a visual alarm, a proximity sensor along with a full range of probes which allows it to adapt to all surfaces (31 cm2 or 100/170 cm2) and to detect all types of radioactivity (total count αβγ or separated count α and βγ) by direct control or smear sample.

A radioelement library is integrated into the SaphyRAD, up to 30 cuztomizable nuclides : for example, the user selects the element to be measured (125I, 99mTc etc.), carries out a radioactive package control and can compare his measurement to regulatory threshold value.

A floor stand is also available and allows a quick and effective hand-foot check.

Robust and ergonomic, the SaphyRAD is adapted to the use by non-specialist.

Conclusion

SaphyRAD is a multi-probes, handheld contamination meter designed to control the alpha, beta, gamma radioactive contamination in both medical field and sectors related to the use of radioactivity.

Intuitive and ergonomic, it can be handled. by non-specialist operators for a simple and efficient control.

Contamination Control in Health Sector

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Measurement of Iodine-131 Contamination in a Nuclear Medicine Department

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 11:06:56 +0000

Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty using radioactive isotopes for research, diagnosis & treatment of sick tissues & organs. Due to the exposure of patients & health personnel to unsealed radioisotopes, resorting to nuclear medicine is not without risk. And yet, every year, thousands of patients suffering from tumors, cancers, & bone pains resulting from cancer, are treated with iodine-131, whose dose is variable depending on the type of intervention to perform & the body part to examine. As it is a fission product, the risk of accidental release & contamination of the surrounding environment, is extremely feared. To stick to the ALARA principle (As Low as Reasonably Achievable), the Health Physics Department of the CaenNormandie University Hospital Center (CHU) thus decided to provide oneself with Bertin Technologies’ alpha & beta contamination meter SaphyRAD C.

Testimony

In this case study, an iodine 131 capsule was taken by a patient to treat his cancer of thyroid.

As a therapeutic agent, the radioactive iodine is indeed detected by the thyroid cells, in which it masses & radiates, thus
destroying them.

Following iodine 131 intake, the patient regurgitated the drug, thus causing instant fluid contamination on the floor’ surface. In order to decontaminate the soiled area, the alpha & beta contamination meter SaphyRAD C was used to search for the slightest trace of contamination on the floor.

Thanks to the device’s ease of use & ergonomic design, the operator was able to control a large surface by taking a direct measure & hence to decontaminate the area with the appropriate cleaning agents.

Material

To control the radioactive contamination of a soiled surface, a SaphyRAD C device equipped with a A/B100 probe was used by the Radiation Protection Department of the CaenNormandie University Hospital Center.

Being medium-sized, the A/B100 probe has 2 measurement channels – 1 for α, 1 for β – allowing for an effective alpha/beta discrimination. To take a direct measure, the 131I radionuclide was selected beforehand: this sensitivity being stored in the device’s memory, a reliable measurement was therefore conducted from the probe’s first passages.

Characteristics of the A/B100 probe

Surface of detection: 100 cm²

Sensitivity

α: 0.14 c/s/Bq (241Am)
β: 0.23 c/s/Bq (36Cl)

Measurement range

α: from 0.01 to 100 Bq/cm²
β: from 0.1 to 1,000 Bq/cm²

There are two visual indicators on the probe: one to trigger the alarm, the other to signal the correct distance for a fast & efficient control.

Customer

Health Physics Department Mr. Yannick Tancray

Conclusion

Designed by Bertin Technologies, the alpha & beta contamination meter SaphyRAD C was able to efficiently fulfil the needs of direct measurement expressed by the Radiation Protection Department of the Caen-Normandie University Hospital Center, France. Thanks to the large surface A/B100 probe, the risk of accidental release & contamination of the surrounding environment was avoided, with the utmost respect for the ALARA principle. The reactivity, reliability & ergonomic design of the device allow the operators to react quickly to instant radioactive contamination.

Measurement of Iodine-131 Contamination in a Nuclear Medecine Department

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Controlling the Transport of Radioactive Materials

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 11:02:56 +0000

Throughout the world, millions of radioactive sources are used for multiple applications. In addition to the nuclear industry, other sectors are concerned: Health, engineering controls, non-nuclear industries (medical imaging, industrial irradiation, devices containing radioactive sources, etc.). Each year in France, approximately 980.000 packages of radioactive sources are transiting the national territory at 96% by road, all sectors included.

A part of these packages is related to the nuclear fuel cycle and its waste (fissile material packages, parcels containing uranium hexafluoride, etc.) and presents a high radiological activity. As it involves a significant amount of transports (114.000 packages each year for 19.000 transports), it is thus a major safety issue. Indeed, the public and the environment could be exposed to radioactive contamination in case of an incident related to a leak caused by bad packaging.

Consequently, the ruggedness of those parcels must be guaranteed by a series of thorough assessments made on the international level. In France, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) ensures the conformity of the packages and delivers approval certificates, hence allowing transportation on the national territory. In a regular situation, both visual and administrative controls must be performed during the transit of radioactive materials. Those inspections are made on key locations (ports, airports, terrestrial borders), before export and after delivery, in order to check if the transporter has the right documents when entering and leaving the site. This requires to maintain a control on the presence of orphan sources in vehicles, loads and containers, as well as on pedestrians.

Bertin’s Expertise

Bertin has more than 30 years of experience in the detection and measurement of radioactive sources, thanks to its range of radiation portal monitors for vehicle (car, truck, train) and pedestrian control. Those systems aim at guaranteeing the adequation between the contents of the packages and the information provided by the documents. Indeed, the main objective is to avoid the loss of control of radioactive sources found in dangerous or potentially dangerous loads.

When a radiation portal monitor detect radioactive contamination inside a vehicle load, a safety perimeter can be implemented around the vehicle using a survey meter. In such a case, it is necessary to control both contamination and dose rate in direct contact with the package, with the vehicle, and 2 meters away from the vehicle.

In addition, Bertin also offers high performance solutions for the detection and the measurement of radioactive contamination, to ensure the radiation protection of workers and the environment in case of an accident. By providing fast and reliable measurements, the portable survey meters allow to better quantify the dangerousness of a threat, to get a clearer vision of the ongoing situation and to act accordingly.

Comprehensive Offer For Control And Measurement

SaphyGATE G & GN: Automatic radiation portal monitors for access control in critical areas such as nuclear power plants, recycling sites, waste management centers, including medical waste treatment. Those robust, easy-to-use and highly sensitive systems are specifically designed for the detection of very low artificial and natural radioactive sources.

Developed in accordance to the IEC 62022 international norm, the SaphyGATE G has a number of attractive features: accurate detection, adaptative alarm thresholds and very low false alarm rates thanks to a smart algorithm compensating the background attenuation. As for the SaphyGATE GN, the latest version of the monitor, it can detect and discriminate Gamma Neutron radiations and Special Nuclear Materials (SNM).

SaphyRAD: Multiprobe handheld survey meter dedicated to the control radioactive contaminations for nuclear and NORM industries, research, medical and civil security sectors. Its wide range of smart probes combined with its specific algorithm allow for a very fast and reliable detection of Alpha/Beta contamination. This versatile device has an ergonomic interface, a large autonomy and a robust design to be easily used by non-specialists in critical environments.

SaphyRAD MS: Equipped with its high sensitivity Gamma probe, the military version of SaphyRAD allows for a quick search of radioactive sources.

MiniTRACE CSDF: As a unique multipurpose instrument, the MiniTRACE CSDF can measure radioactive contamination, radiation and dose rate (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-rays). The MiniTRACE CSDF is a small, versatile and robust device, with a fast response time (1 second). It is perfectly adapted to the protection against uncontrolled release of radioactive materials.

MiniTRACE S10S: Survey meter dedicated to the measurement of Gamma dose rate. This device can measure the dose rate in direct contact with the package/loading and help setting up a security perimeter around a vehicle if the portal’s alarm is triggered.

Conclusion

During the transport of radioactive materials, it is essential to check the conformity to European norms in terms of package preparation and regulatory documents. While transiting, strict controls must be observed: in a regular situation, visual and administrative controls are performed. In case of doubt, the procedure must be completed by the use of tools dedicated to the detection and the measurement of radioactive contamination. It is also crucial to control the absence of hazardous materials that could be found in any load. Thanks to its expertise in this field, Bertin works actively for homeland security by meeting the highest degree of safety requirement regarding the transport of radioactive materials.

Controlling the Transport of Radioactive Materials

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Radioactive Contamination Control at the Exits of Nuclear Plant Sites or Controlledareas

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 10:56:49 +0000

Radiation protection of workers is at the heart of the concerns of nuclear power plants.

To help nuclear industry organizations to comply with the « As Low As Reasonably Achievable » (ALARA) principle, Bertin has developed the SaphyRAD in order to limit the radiation exposure of people working in the nuclear sector.

This contamination meter has thus been designed to perform the control of radioactive con tamination at the exits of sites and controlled areas.

Checkout At The Exits Of Sites/Controlled Areas

The SaphyRAD is a multiprobe, handheld contamina tion meter for the detection of alpha/beta and gamma radioactive contaminations..

Robust and functional, it is equipped with a monitor and a wide range of p robes which allow it to adapt to all surfaces (31 cm2 or 100/170 cm2 probes) and to detect all types of radioactivity (total count αβγ or discrimination α from βγ).

Positioned a t the exits of sites and controlled areas, the floor-stand, along with its removable probe help the worker to carry out a complete body control. The probe is au tomatically recognized by the floor-stand thanks to a magnet located on the display unit.

The « direct screening » mode allows for a simple and efficient control, even by non-specialized users.

The background noise measurement can either be manual or automatic. Furthermore, reading the monitor is quick and clear thanks to an easy-to-check bar graph and two contamination levels.

All the carried out measuremen ts’ results are then stored on a removable SD card and can be read later.

Two indicative lights are integrated in to the probe to notify the users of the righ t distance to realize the radiation control, and to warn them if contamination is detected.

Ergonomic and user-friendly, the SaphyRAD is perfectly adapted for daily use by all users, even nonspecialists.

Conclusion

Mainly used at the exits of nuclear plant sites and controlled areas, the multiprobe contamination meter SaphyRAD developed by Bertin Technologies is a comprehensive and effective detection system of radiological contamination. Adapted to both body and surface controls, it ensures the radiological cleanliness of workers and workplaces, while keeping with ALARA approach.

Radioactive Contamination Control at the Exits of Nuclear Plant Sites or Controlled areas

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Characterizing Waste in Radioactive Drums

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:54:24 +0000

The accumulation and subsequent removal of biohazardous waste has become an increasing problem for nuclear power plants. As this problem persists, SciWise Solutions with their technology partner ELSE Nuclear continue to develop more cost effective and efficient ways in addressing the issue of characterizing radioactive waste in drums dispatched from decommissioned nuclear power plants.

Radioactive Waste is any waste (liquid, gaseous or solid) that contains a nuclear substance that exceeds a limit set by the governing body. An important factor to note is that this waste must be declared as having reached its life cycle and been deemed to have no foreseeable use.

Nuclear waste can be extremely harmful to the environment. It is paramount that there are technologies that accurately and efficiently identify potential biohazardous waste materials located within decommissioned nuclear power plants. A decommissioned nuclear power plant is a power plant that has ceased its operations entirely. This means that the power plant must be cleaned up and demolished so that the site can be developed for different uses.

EASY SCAN SPECTROMETRIC MOBILE STATION FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF RADIOACTIVE DRUMS

SciWise Solutions is committed to the development and implementation of radiation monitoring instruments such as the EASYSCAN. This radioactive measurement device is integral to characterizing and removing biohazardous waste from decommissioned nuclear power plant drums. EASYSCAN is a precision-based NaI system that employs the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to characterize radioactive materials contained in waste drums. This solution complements pre-existing HPGe (High Purity Geranium) radiation monitoring devices with newer, more accurate NaI-based systems such as EASY SCAN. This is a new and innovative technology that can help nuclear power plants comprehensively and accurately characterize radioactive materials contained in their waste drums.

Traditionally, nuclear power plants have turned to other methods to solve the problem of identifying and removing radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear power plants. Radiation detection instruments such as EASY SCAN are more efficient than traditional HPGe (High Purity Geranium) radioactive measurement devices. In comparison, NaI-based radiation monitoring equipment is much faster at completing this task than HPGe devices; finishing the waste identification task in 15 minutes. Radiation detector devices such as EASY SCAN do not need to be reassembled – they can be transported directly to the new site saving companies time and money. NaI-based radioactive measurement devices are more cost-effective than traditional HPGe radioactive measurement devices.

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Effective and Sensible Radioactive Waste Management

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 09:18:14 +0000

According to Chemical and Engineering News, “More than a quarter million metric tons of highly radioactive waste sits in storage near nuclear power plants and weapons production facilities worldwide, with over 90,000 metric tons in the US alone.

Emitting radiation that can pose serious risks to human health and the environment, the waste, much of it decades old, awaits permanent disposal in geological repositories, but none are operational.”

* Source: Cen.acs.org/environment/pollution/nuclear-waste-pilesscientists-seek-best/98/i12

Anywhere electricity is generated, it naturally produces waste. Today, radioactive materials are used extensively in medicine, agriculture, research, manufacturing, non-destructive testing, and minerals exploration.

Irrespective of what fuel is used, the waste produced while electricity is generated needs to be managed carefully. It must safeguard human health and also reduce the environmental impact. When it comes to radioactive waste, it involves isolating or diluting it so that the concentration of radionuclides re-entering the biosphere does not do any harm.

This is the reason, almost all of radioactive waste is contained and managed carefully. This includes permanent and deep burial. Experts agree, not only should the waste be regulated but it does not cause any pollution. The good news is that compared to other toxic industrial nuclear waste is not hazardous or hard to manage.

There are a number of opinions and different perspectives regarding radioactive waste. Over the years, many views and concerns have been expressed about the nuclear industry and in particular, radioactive waste. And questions are still raised about managing waste optimally.

THREE FORMS OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

It is important to know that radioactive waste includes material that is:

intrinsically radioactive
has been contaminated by radioactivity
is considered to have no further use

This is where government policy dictates which materials are categorized as waste and which are not. Please note that radioactive waste is not unique to the nuclear fuel cycle. Compared to other hazardous waste, radioactive waste, and in particular its radioactivity depletes over time.

There are two forms of highly radioactive waste. The first one includes leftover fuels that are used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. The second one pertains to the waste created by facilities that are involved in nuclear weapons production. It could also include facilities that recycle used power plant fuel.

If not managed, all the radioactive waste can remain dangerously for thousands of years. This is why experts agree that radioactive waste must be disposed of effectively and permanently. One way that experts propose to store liquid nuclear waste more permanently is to vitrify it.

Once this system is employed, the hazardous material is converted to glass which is more easily managed. What tilts the scale in its favour is that glass prevent toxic elements from leaking into the environment. Secondly it also shields against radioactivity leakage.

The World Nuclear Organization quotes on its website: “Nuclear power is the only large-scale energy-producing technology that takes full responsibility for all its waste and fully costs this into the product. Though the amount of waste generated by nuclear power is very small relative to other thermal electricity generation technologies.

Source: World-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-wastes/radioactive-waste-management.aspx

WAYS TO TREAT NUCLEAR WASTE

As a large-scale energy-producing technology, nuclear power takes full responsibility for all its waste. Though the amount of waste generated by nuclear power is minimal compared to other thermal electricity generation technologies. This is because, nuclear waste is neither hazardous nor hard to manage.

As it is common in all industries, electricity generation naturally produces waste. Once the fuel is used and the electricity generated, the waste produced must next be managed in a way that doesn’t adversely affect human health and also reduces the impact on the environment.

To manage radioactive waste, isolation or dilution is done in such a way that the rate or concentration of any radionuclides returned to the biosphere is harmless. This is why, the radioactive waste that is generated is contained and managed and sometimes permanently buried.

TRUST SCIWISE FOR ITS RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE

When it comes to managing and disposing off radioactive waste, SciWise are acclaimed for our experience and expertise in dealing with it safely and securely. Ideally a nuclear power site that is decommissioning would need waste scanning systems that meet the norms for release by CNSC (Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission).

At SciWise, we offer customizable waste characterization solutions for free release and waste monitoring in general for nuclear power plants. We are partnered with ELSE Nuclear and offer waste scanning systems and solutions.

As our Technology Partner, ELSE Nuclear designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of systems for radiation detection. These are deployed in a wide range of applications like environmental monitoring, radiation protection, security, radioactive waste management, decommissioning of nuclear power plants, nuclear medicine, industry, and physics research.

In today’s competitive market, ELSE Nuclear does its best to offer not only reliable instrumentation, but also tailor-made devices built according to the customer needs and capable of fulfilling their expectations, providing solutions otherwise unattainable.

Thanks to its long and successful history, ELSE Nuclear is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of radiation detectors and environmental monitoring systems. The company’s major goal is to support and advice customers in the definition of the best solution for their requirements, starting from the design phase, down to the manufacturing and installation process.

ELSE Nuclear also provides post sales support specialized training, service and maintenance.

Its products are installed and currently operational in more than 20 countries worldwide. ELSE’s clients include research centres, particle accelerator facilities, universities, environmental agencies, nuclear power plants, industries and hospitals.

SCIWISE-TRUSTED ACROSS CANADA

Across Canada, SciWise Solutions is a trusted solutions provider for managing radioactive waste. We serve clients in a variety of core nuclear industry sectors including Nuclear Power Plants, Military and Defence, Federal Government Labs, Utilities & Research and more.

SciWise is renowned for its innovative measuring and custom solutions that meet client objectives. Plus, our quality management system is certified to: ISO 9001:2015 and CSA N299 4-16. At SciWise, we put your needs first. Check Out our full range of services at SciWise.ca/services.

At SciWise, our professional team of industry experts is ready to assist you in answering all your waste monitoring queries and developing and deploying the products you seek.

Get in touch with us today to learn more!

Call SciWise Solutions at (647) 919-6000 to Schedule Your Consultation Today!

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Multiple Benefits of Radiation Shielding

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 09:09:16 +0000

Advances in technology continue to improve business processes and even treatments in hospitals and healthcare institutions. In fact, radiation usage in diagnosing and treating patients continues to save hundreds of lives and has significantly advanced the field of medicine all over.

At the same time, radiation use comes with a fair number of risks. People who are exposed to radiation specially in the health sector need to be comprehensively trained in radiation safety, the side effects of radiation and also injury prevention to ensure patient safety.

Ever since, scientists and industry experts discovered the adverse effects of radiation on the human body, they have been actively developing alternative shielding materials to ensure adequate protection against radiation.

One of the discoveries in modern times is the emergence of absorber material as an effective way to reduce radiation exposure. For many years, lead was the primary choice to manufacture radiation shielding materials. Lead shielding is widely used in a range of applications from diagnostic imaging to radiation therapy and nuclear and industrial shielding too.

So what made lead the forerunner in radiation shielding products? For one, it not only provides durable shielding but is also cost-effective and easy to process. But all this has come at a cost. Particularly, an overwhelming rise in health, safety, and environmental concerns as the mining, processing, handling, and disposal of lead became a concern.

Shielding-A Proven Process Against Radiation Exposure

This is why shielding is a tested, proven process to mitigate external radiation exposure. It is also the reason why X-Ray Scanner manufacturers had to move product development & procurement efforts to focus on using more lead-free radiation shielding materials.

Today thanks to advances in technology, many eco-friendly, durable materials can be used as a lead replacement for radiation shielding or weighting applications. In fact, Radiation Shielding Materials are used in shielding garments – commonly used to protect medical patients and workers from radiation during diagnostic imaging in hospitals, clinics and dental offices.

These qualities, make lead the chosen element for radiation protection. Now advances in radiation shielding material technology can produce two alternative materials – lead composite and lead-free radiation shielding.

3 Most Common Materials Used in Radiation Shielding

Radiation shielding materials vary greatly, but there are three prominent ones that are used most commonly in many industries. Though, all three types of shielding materials have their own features and benefits, there are several factors to need to consider before making a decision.

Conventional Lead Shielding

As a chemical component that is ideally soft, malleable, and resistant to corrosion, lead is the automatic choice for long-term protection. Lead in its purest and pristine form is essentially brittle. At the same time, when mixed with vinyl and other binders, the same brittle lead transforms into a flexible and durable material.

This is precisely the reason why lead traditionally was used in multiple applications because of its cost, mass and shielding capability. Today, manufacturers are taking precautions to reduce its toxicity and make it environmentally-friendly. This is why lead-free shielding materials are preferred for being cost-effective and ecologically sound.

Lead Composite Shielding

A second popular option is lead composite shielding. It involves mixing lead with lighter materials which helps it ensure a good level of protection. Ideally, the lead-based composite blends attain a proprietary mixture of lead and other heavy metals.

Lead-Free Shielding

An efficient and cost-effective way to create lead shielding include nontoxic, polymer-metal, composite materials. They help eliminate the hazards associated with lead materials. Compared to traditional materials, they are generally available at lower costs.

Lead free composite molding allows scientists and experts to create materials that offer the same amount of protection as lead composite shielding when combined. Further, they can be custom formulated to suit densities, impact strengths, flexibilities, and heat-deflection temperatures.

The usage of radiation based processes is only going to increase each day. This means any professional responsible for producing, handling and disposing lead-based materials and products could always be at risk. Now individuals across industries can work with an enhanced understanding of the potentially fatal effects of lead exposure.

SciWise Trusted For Radiation Shielding

SciWise are the acclaimed experts in lead-free radiation shielding materials. Today, we develop and offer a range of RoHS-compliant, high-gravity composite (HGC) compounds to answer a widespread industry issue of using lead-based materials for radiation shielding applications.

Tungsten shielding materials from T-Flex® are an excellent choice for all of your shielding requirements. Tungsten-impregnated-silicone or Bismuth impregnated silicone are options for lead free shielding.

Easy Material Availability

SciWise helps clients in a variety of ways. Our products are formulated using a wide variety of commercially-available materials. This means you can rely on a consistent and uninterrupted supply source for your radiation shielding products. We are partnered with globally renowned organizations like NPO USA-Eichrom Technologies Inc. which offers cost effective options and allows us to easily pass on our value to you.

You can be assured that SciWise clients easily meet all mandated requirements. This is due to the face that we also offer clients improved design flexibility. This allows you to significantly reduce or completely eliminate expensive secondary machining operations.

Our clients rely on our ability to specialize in developing radiation shielding parts in the specific size or composition you seek. We can also customize any features and functions into a single component. This potentially reduces the number of parts in an assembly.

Our radiation shielding materials are available in a broad spectrum of densities and can be customized to match a specific product application. This means, clients can optimize the amount of shielding required for an application, and considerably lower costs and remove excess weight.

Radiation Shielding Done Right With SciWise

With SciWise, you can transition to lead-free shielding. This helps you create a safer workplace. Plus, you can minimize the unnecessary strain on the environment which is caused by lead. In addition, you can count on SciWise radiation shielding materials to provide unmatched supply availability, minimized tooling, and a higher level of performance.

Whether you want to replace existing heavy lead blankets with tungsten shielding or individual components, get in touch with us today. The experts at SciWise are skilled at creating a custom design for you that provides equal or better radiation shielding and yet outperforms lead-based solutions in a cost-effective manner.

TRUSTED, STATE-OF-THE-ART PROVIDER

Across Canada, SciWise Solutions is a trusted and state-of-the-art provider of radiation detection and shielding solutions. We serve clients in a variety of core nuclear industry sectors including Nuclear Power Plants, Military and Defence, Federal Government Labs, Utilities & Research and more.

Check Out our full range of services at SciWise.ca/services.

At SciWise, our professional team of industry experts is ready to assist you in answering all your radiation shielding queries and developing and deploying the products you seek.

Get in touch with us today to learn more!

Call SciWise Solutions at (647) 919-6000 to Schedule Your Consultation Today!

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Radiation Area Monitoring in a Nuclear Power Plant

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 09:59:18 +0000

SAFE AND SECURE WAYS TO REPLACE OBSOLETE INSTRUMENTATION

Today nuclear plants around the world face potential challenges with their obsolete equipment. In many cases, costly spare parts may not be readily available. Or there is lack of qualified support especially when there is an urgent need to take a unit out of service if it fails with no replacement in sight.

According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Nuclear power plants emit minute quantities of radioactive gases and liquids to the environment under controlled and monitored conditions during normal plant operations. Because these radioactive discharges can have environmental impacts — on humans, animals, plants, and sea life, it is imperative to minimize the impact of plant operations. Strong measures ensure that the permitted discharges result in very small doses to members of the public living around nuclear power plants.

Read the full article here: NRC.gov/about-nrc/radiation/protects-you/radiation-monitoring.html

ROBUST RADIATION PROTECTION – THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Developing a radiation protection program is a proven practice for protecting workers from ionizing radiation. A radiation protection program is usually managed by a health physicist or similar qualified experts. They are also referred to as an RSO – a Radiation Safety Officer.

Many organizations also form an RSC – Radiation Safety Committee, which includes the RSO, a management representative, and workers. Together, they work with radiation-producing equipment, radiation sources, or radioactive materials and those who could be at the risk of exposure on the job.

ALARA – THE FUTURE OF RADIATION MONITORING

Today, the ALARA process is widely accepted as a safe and secure way to monitor radiation discharge. ALARA is an acronym for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” As an industry guiding principle in radiation protection, it is used to eliminate radiation doses that have no direct benefit.

ALARA stipulates that a radiation protection program should include, at a minimum qualified staff like an RSO, health physicist and more. Their mandate is to provide oversight and responsibility for radiation protection policies and procedures.

The underlying priority in the workforce regarding radiation protection programs is to keep the staff’s occupational radiation dose adhering to ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable This program usually involves radiation doses maintained at below the governmental occupational dose limits. This can be reasonably achieved by taking into account the state of technology the current economics and the prevalent social factors.

By making use of all reasonable and tested methods available, ALARA reduces radiation doses and the release of radioactive materials. Today, in industries worldwide, the ALARA methodology is popularly developed for working with specific radiation sources. It is common for ALARA to be deployed in the medical field for diagnostic radiography including, medical X-rays and fluoroscopy in medicine. ALARA is widely used in industrial radiography too.

ARM-1000 FROM SCIWISE – VERSATILE AREA RADIATION METERS.

Even in an advanced nation like Canada, many of the Nuclear Power Plants currently use the obsolete RMS3. In fact this has been going on for the past two decades. Plus, it may not financially feasible to maintain old or aged instrumentation.

This is why SciWise with its technology partner has designed and delivers the ARM-1000. With no direct replacement and parts breaking down, the ARM-1000 is your answer to replace the RMS3 in fit, form and function.

The ARM-1000 is the industry’s most versatile area radiation meter. It provides an option for external detector monitoring in addition to the inside GM-detector for local area monitoring. Due to its configurable external detector voltage settings, the ARM-1000 is universally compatible with existing 3rd party detectors and can operate GMs, scintillators, and proportional counter detector probes.

DYNAMIC AREA RADIATION MONITORING. AND BEYOND.

In addition to be versatile, the ARM-1000 comes with the option of internal GM-detector for local area monitoring- and also an option for external detector monitoring.

ARM-1000 – Some salient features:

The ARM-1000 has universal compatibility to existing 3rd party detectors due to its variable external detector voltage settings and is able to drive GMs, scintillators, and proportional counter detector probes.
The high-visibility LED display can be configured to show gamma radiation levels, count rate or any other unit of measure.
The ARM-1000 can even be integrated with monitoring devices such as pump vibration monitors or continuous air monitors for data collection and display.
With an internal battery of 6-8 hours, the ARM-1000 can be deployed in the field and can be monitored remotely via one of three wireless telemetry options: Wifi, 2.4Ghz Radio, or 900 Mhz Radio.
The ARM-1000 benefits existing Thermo RMS3 end users too:
They fit easily as they bring the same fit, form and function as the obsolete Thermo RMS3.
The ARM-1000 also accepts dual channels to connect external detectors offered by Thermo DA1, Mirion AMP1000 and Ludlum 133 series.
It works with variable detectors like Geiger Muller (GM), Scintillator, and Proportional Counters.
It also offers remote monitoring capability via WIFI or radio.
And finally, it has the ability to measure neutron and gamma simultaneously.

You can depend on ARM-1000’s detection and monitoring expertise to optimize safety. Our product is also renowned for its operational efficiency. You can be assured that the ARM-1000 will be compliant with your power generation infrastructures.

The ARM-1000 is designed to deliver the latest advancements in technology and functionality and help you sustain safety and productivity long into the future. It delivers the latest advancements in technology and functionality to meet the most demanding applications.

4 SALIENT ADVANTAGES OF ARM-1000

Adaptability for a wide variety of radiation monitoring needs
Superior Quality designed to withstand the toughest of industry conditions
Unparalleled Expertise customizable to your needs
Industry-leading innovation that puts your safety and security first

SCIWISE – TRUSTED FOR RADIOACTIVE AREA MONITORING

The SciWise ARM-1000 is your solution to replace the obsolete Thermo RMS3. Across Canada, we are a trusted solutions provider for radioactive area monitoring. We serve clients in a variety of core nuclear industry sectors including Nuclear Power Plants, Military and Defence, Federal Government Labs, Utilities & Research and more.

At SciWise, our professional team of industry experts is ready to assist you in answering all your radiation shielding queries and developing and deploying the products you seek.

Get in touch with us today to learn more!

Call SciWise Solutions at 647 919 6000 to Schedule Your Consultation Today!

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