New Backpack Radiation Detection (BRD) from Berkeley Nucleonics
San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2014 -- Berkeley Nucleonics is releasing the Model RD-120 SAMPack GN at the Health Physics Conference in Baltimore in July. The new Backpack Radiation Detector (BRD) provides a wide range of nuclear detection functionality in a clandestine and convenient operational mode. Wearable nuclear detection tools are quickly becoming the variant of choice for Hazmat, First Responders, and Inspectors who need to perform multiple tasks quickly.
The SAMPack GN is a fully-featured, Isotope Identifier, with an industry leading 24-hour battery life. The lightweight system can be worn by users of all body types for long periods without fatigue. The interface to the backpack uses a smartphone with a unique app called PeakAbout. The app enables the user to view dose rates, spectra, ID, and confidence level in a covert manner (visual alarm, vibrate mode, and optional earphones).
The large volume detector ensures a highly sensitive system ideal for searching out orphaned sources, radiological contamination, or illicit nuclear activity. The added neutron detector provides a correlated measurement to the real-time gamma spectrum, thereby improving the confidence when identifying SNMs and other important radionuclides. In addition, sensitivity has been increased by an algorithm/transform called a Wavelet. The resultant boost in real-time sensitivity is four times greater than the old transform (QCC) which is no longer used. Another advantage of this new transform is that the energy axis of the spectrum is now linear.
Mobile devices are always subject to false triggers due to changes in background. The SAMPack GN solves this problem by automatically updating the subtraction of changing ambient background in real time. This feature also eliminates the need to continuously stop and store a new and different background during surveillance and remediation mapping activities.
When monitoring highly active waste or SNM, the SAMPack GN can be remotely controlled at a safe distance (bluetooth control of over 20 feet) with the smart device. This includes taking multiple acquisitions, manipulating spectra, and saving data. In this way, ALARA safety practices are easily accomplished.
Many cell phone features are intuitive, allowing users to quickly adapt to touch screen use. Features such as taking a picture and adding text describing details of the measurement can be appended to the report and spectrum.
This robust and reliable product has many first-ever features. The display has excellent linearity and resolution with color coded spectra/classification and one-finger operation of the cursor. Many automated features include calibration, stabilization, sigma trigger, and storage of data (over ten thousand spectra including user notes).
Packaging
The SAMPack GN is contained in a ruggedized enclosure which is shock proof and water proof. The enclosure can be carried in a customized backpack or placed in a strategic place for monitoring at a distance (e.g., entrance to a building or stadium). The customized backpack is provided, giving a total weight of less than 8 lbs.
Key Specifications:
• Detectors: 3x3 NaI for radionuclide identification
3He neutron detector
GM-tube for extended dose rates
• Digital signal processing to 400 Kcps (Cs-137)
• ID response: Real-time (1-2 seconds)
• Low power: Rechargeable Li-ion batteries for 24-hour operation
• SAMPack weight: < 3.5 Kgm, is easily carried in several configurations
• Dose rate: 1 nSv/h to 100 mSv/h (100 nrem/h to 10 rem/h)
• Radionuclide gamma energy response: 20 to 3000 keV
• Stealth mode with or without earphones
• Automated detector calibration during power-up
• Report can include: Picture, video, text/voice and GPS
• N42.34 and N42.42 compliant
Keywords: RIID Training, RIID Train-the-Trainer, Isotope Idenfier, RIID App, PeakAbout App, Smartphone Isotope Identifier, Smartphone RIID, Nuclear Detection App, BRD, Backpack Radiation Detector
John Reynolds, Berkeley Nucleonics, http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com, 415-453-9955, [email protected]
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