radiation portal monitors
PM-700AG

PM-700AG/PM-700AGN Radiation Portal Monitors

Description
Applications
Specifications

PM-700A  View Larger Image  PM-700AGN

Data Sheet PDF

PM-700AGN

Description

TSA’s PM-700AG and PM-700AGN are stand-alone pedestrian radiation portal monitors with excellent sensitivity and reliability. The PM-700AG’s large detectors and unique detection algorithm improve its performance to the point that it can achieve ASTM Standard C 1169 Category III* sensitivity for SNM (special nuclear materials).

All of the essential components are contained in the pillars: radiation monitors / detectors, controller, occupancy detector. The system operates from an internal battery. The battery is constantly charged from the site’s ac line during normal operation. In the event of a power outage, the battery permits continued operation for at least 12 hours.

Model PM-700AGN adds neutron detection capability to the basic PM-700AG. Both models are equipped with RS-232 and Ethernet communications capability.

The PM-700AG and PM-700AGN systems utilize TSA’s model SC-770 controller, and model SCA-775 amplifier/single channel analyzer.

OPERATION: After the initial site preparation is completed, the systems can be installed and operating in less than an hour. When the system is powered up, it acquires an initial background count. The process normally takes twenty seconds. The background is continually updated until the system is occupied.

When the infra-red detector senses occupancy, the system starts comparing the current count with the most recent background data. Alarm comparisons are made every 200ms. If the count exceeds the alarm level, both audible and visual alarms will be triggered. The system monitors itself and indicates low and high background conditions. A closed circuit tamper output is available for connection to the AM-270 or site security system. System status is continuously updated on the SC-770 display.


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Applications

These radiation portal monitors are designed to automatically scan pedestrian traffic without the need for frequent calibration. They are intended for applications where the relatively low energy emissions from 235U and 239Pu are the main concern. They are currently in use at uranium enrichment plants, weapons manufacturing plants, weapons storage sites, nuclear laboratories, nuclear waste disposal, and storage sites where protection of SNM is essential.

Neutron monitoring adds the capability of detecting shielded neutron emitters.

Both models share TSA’s unique design features of high sensitivity and reliable operation in variable background environments. These systems cover most pedestrian monitoring applications. TSA’s expert engineering staff can adapt them to meet special requirements, if necessary.


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Specifications

SENSITIVITY:

PM-700AG:
Will detect 3g 235U (HEU) or 0.08g 239Pu when tested in accordance with ASTM Standard C 1169 for Category III* monitors.

PM-700AGN:
Will detect 10g 235U (HEU) or 0.30g 239Pu when tested in aaccordance with ASTM Standard C 1169 for Catagory II* monitors; will detect 120g of 99% shielded 239Pu based solely on neutron detection.

DETECTORS:

PM-700AG:
Two, 36"h x 10"w x 1.5"d (91 x 25 x 4cm) organic plastic scintillator detectors per pillar; provides approximately 2,160 in3 (35.4 liters) of detector volume per system.
The scintillator detectors are shielded on four sides with 0.375" (10mm) of lead.

PM-700AGN:
Two, 30"h x 6"w x 1.5"d (76 x 15 x 4cm) organic plastic scintillator detectors and two 2" diameter x 36" (5 x 91cm) 3He neutron detectors per pillar; provides approximately 1,080 in3 (17.7 liters) of detector volume per system.
The scintillator detectors are shielded on four sides with 0.375" (10mm) of lead.

ALARM LEVEL:

SPRT for neutron, N* sigma for gamma, entered from the numeric keypad.

FALSE ALARM RATES:

Typically less than 1 in 1,000 passages, as tested in accordance with ASTM Standard C 1169*.

ALARM INDICATION:

Gamma alarms are indicated by a red strobe light mounted on the master pillar. High and low faults along with other fault conditions are indicated by an amber light. Neutron alarm is indicated by a blue strobe light. Audio alarm is triggered for gamma or neutron alarm conditions.

DISPLAY:

Alphanumeric LCD, 4 lines x 16 characters

COMMUNICATIONS:

Both models are equipped with RS-232 and Ethernet communications capability.

DATA STORAGE:

Flash memory (256KB) is used to store average hourly background data and alarm data. Under normal conditions the memory should be adequate to store data for at least 3 months of operation.

POWER REQUIREMENTS:

90 - 250 Vac, 47 - 63 Hz, less than 100 VA

BATTERY LIFE:

Greater than 12 hours normal operation

DIMENSIONS:

PM-700AG:
84"h x 22"w x 8"d (213 x 56 x 20cm) per pillar

PM-700AGN:
84"h x 26"w x 8"d (213 x 66 x 20cm) per pillar

WEIGHT:

PM-700AG:
~400 lb (181kg) per pillar

PM-700AGN:
~600 lb (272kg) per pillar

ENVIRONMENTAL:

-30 to 122°F (-34 to 50°C); designed for use in a sheltered area.

OPTIONAL COMPONENTS:

AM-270

*ASTM Standard C 1169 information is available from TSA Systems, Ltd. or The American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, (610) 832-9585.

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