Radiation meters for recycling and scrap markets
December 2014
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The RadEye PRD is the next generation of advanced radiation meters. Thermo Scientific’s newest personnel radiation detector (PRD) was developed in response to a growing need for smaller, more compact detectors which have even more sensitivity to unwelcome radioactive sources. The RadEye PRD is a high performance measuring device for use in conjunction with a vehicle monitoring system, for persons who are responsible for detecting and localising radiation sources, such as scale operators, scrap inspectors or quality control personnel.
Radioactive sources can find their way into scrap and recycling yards through both naturally occurring radioactive sources such as scale on pipes in the oil and gas industry and through orphaned industrial sources. Turning away a load could jeopardise a supplier relationship that has been built through extensive effort. Facilities in this situation have an interest not only in protecting their personnel, but also in protecting their own facility as well as their business relationships. The subsequent passing on and melting of an orphaned source can result in millions of rands in lost revenue and cleanup expenses.
The RadEye PRD is a low cost, convenient tool for helping to detect and locate orphaned sources or problematic naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) related sources. For example, if a small or well-shielded radiation source is deeply embedded in the scrap load it may pass through a vehicle monitoring system undetected. However, when the surrounding scrap is removed during the unloading process, the small RadEye unit, worn by key personnel, offers an efficient second line of defence. The RadEye PRD is able to see a potential threat that has entered the facility, and because it is conveniently worn or mounted, personnel will not need to take time or effort away from other duties to get a cumbersome and heavy instrument to scan a load. With the RadEye worn on a belt holster, personnel are always in a position to locate an unwanted radioactive source.
The RadEye weighs a few hundred grams, and is about the size of a pager. The unit is so lightweight and unobtrusive that it can be worn by anyone in the yard. The characteristic features of this versatile pocket meter are the use of sophisticated low power technology components and fully automatic self-checks which result in minimum maintenance. It is the only instrument of this size which is able to compensate for the variations of the natural background that are present in most locations. Thus full sensitivity is combined with the virtual absence of any false alarms.
The RadEye PRD incorporates Thermo’s Natural Background Rejection (NBR) technology. NBR results in enhanced sensitivity with fewer false alarms. It also gives an indication of whether the source is high energy, low energy, or likely to be NORM. Optional dedicated Windows-based GateCheck software and an accompanying reader device are available for downloading scan readings for printing on a radiation certificate, which can then be sent together with the scanned load to the destination.
The RadEye PRD offers scrap yards and recycling facilities a cost effective solution to the threat of radioactive contamination. With its low cost of ownership, durability and portability, it is the next generation of portable instrument solutions with specific application in the steel recycling industry.
For more information contact Mauritz van Niekerk, OEN Enterprises, +27 (0)11 675 4447, [email protected], www.oenenterprises.co.za
Further reading:
Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...
The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...
Vibration test system supports international space industry
TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...
Sensor technology for brewing
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...
Loesche gets dirty
Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...
Water systems with energy savings and sustainability
Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
Read more...
Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...
Technology for water sustainability
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...
Reducing water consumption in the cement industry
Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on earth. LOESCHE’s vision is to enable its customers to produce high-quality cement, without any water consumption.
Read more...
Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
Read more...
printer friendly version