TM-850

RAVEN compatible

Description

TSA’s train monitor TM-850 consists of two self-contained weather resistant pillars placed on either side of the railroad track to be monitored.

Each pillar contains two organic plastic scintillator detectors, eight neutron detector tubes, an occupancy detector, and an SCA-775 amplifier/controller. The master pillar also has a battery, power supply/battery charger and an SC-770 system controller.

These systems require two conduits, one to provide ac power to the battery charger, and one for the pillar to pillar connections. A third conduit may be required to route signals to TSA’s AM-270 alarm monitor.

The pillars are usually bolted to a concrete footing, with the interconnecting conduits installed under the railroad tracks. The pillar spacing varies from 23 feet (7m) to 32 feet (10m) depending on local requirements for sensitivity and railroad traffic.

OPERATION: When the system is powered up, it takes twenty seconds to acquire an initial background. The background is continually updated until the system is occupied. When the either detector senses occupancy, the system starts comparing the current count to 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 TSA’s AM-270 or site security system. System status is continuously updated on TSA’s system controller SC-770, located in the master pillar.

Applications

TSA’s train monitor is designed to automatically scan railroad traffic without the need for frequent calibration.

It is intended for applications where the relatively low energy emissions from ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu are the main concern.

Specifications