Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation San Rafael, CA June 11, 2008 Comparing Detector Types When Identifying Radioactive Material When comparing the various detector types that are available in today's market users compare efficiency, resolution, weight, cost, and operating temperature. Berkeley Nucleonics (BNC) offers three different detector types Sodium Iodide (NaI), Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr), and High Purity Germanium (HPGe). The model SAM 935 has enjoyed a large deployment history with many different organizations that range from Volunteer Fire Departments, Public Health Departments, Government Pollution Monitoring Agencies, Department of Energy, and many more. When engineering a new solution for the above users BNC has taken the following features into account when engineering the SAM 940: 1) Efficiency: The ability to detect and identify all ANSI isotopes, the SAM 940 uses a 2x2 NaI, 3x3 NaI and 1.5 x 1.5 LaBr. The SAM 940 can provide 85%, 100% and 85% respectively. 2) Resolution: 7% NaI detectors can effectively locate and distinguish between all common isotopes classified as Medical, Industrial, Natural Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), and Special Nuclear Material. For increased analysis capability users can select 2.8% LaBr detectors to help resolve shoulders, backscatter peaks, and low abundance daughter peaks. 3) Weight: By utilizing larger detectors with standard systems BNC increases the efficiency without using liquid or electrical cooling systems that require constant 110 AC power. These liquid or electrically cooled systems typically weigh 45-60 lbs which make them difficult to deploy when utilizing Level A Hazmat suits. BNC does not require a cooling system since auto calibration and auto stabilization account for the detector drift. The cooled systems also demand two handed operation due to the increased weight and fragility. Berkeley Nucleonics SAM Training Seminar provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in radiation detection and isotope identification using the SAM 940 Surveillance and Measurement System. Instruction will place emphasis on real-time identification of all radionuclides including Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) and detection of shielded radiological material utilizing the SAM 940's neutron detection capability. Contact BNC Headquarters Elaine Brello Elaine.brello@berkeleynucleonics.com 800-234-7858 x 265
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