Features

• Designed to help stop illicit trafficking (design compliant with ANSI N42.34)
• Compatible with all InSpector 1000s
• Field upgradable; no need to send the unit back to factory
• Can be used in conjunction with any InSpector 1000 gamma probe
• Lightweight package
• Uses time-tested moderated ³He tube
• CE compliant
• Meets safety transportation requirements and regulations (pressure less than 2 atm)
• 10 hours of operating time (InSpector 1000 with gamma and neutron probes)
• New handgrip eases handling of the unit

Introduction

The InSpector 1000 hand-held multichannel analyzer represents a breakthrough in a number of areas. The most significant of these is that it is the first digital hand-held analyzer that relies on sophisticated real-time spectral processing. Previously this was only available in high-end computer-based laboratory systems.

The InSpector 1000 offers the full power of CANBERRA's time-tested spectrum processing algorithms - minimizing false positive identifications while improving sensitivity for low level, shielded and mixed sources, or sources "hidden" by natural or legitimate radioactive materials. The InSpector 1000 provides a flexible application-specific response by accommodating different detector/probe sizes and technologies.

The flexibility of the InSpector 1000 has allowed us to design a dedicated neutron probe; this neutron probe is designed to meet the ANSI N42.34 standard and the IAEA requirement for HHRIID.

Description

ANSI N42.34 neutron detection specifications require that the user be warned within two seconds of being exposed to an un-moderated ²⁵²Cf source emitting about 20 000 n/s at a distance of 25 cm. The false alarm rate in the presence of a strong gamma source must be no more than once per hour. IAEA specifications require that the user be warned within five seconds of being exposed to a gamma shielded 252Cf source emitting about 20 000 n/s at a distance of 20 cm at least 87 out of 100 times. Using MCNP calculations, we designed a moderated ³He probe to meet these requirements. Measurements were made with ³He tubes (2 atm) to verify the suitability of the design as a neutron detection probe with the InSpector 1000. Design criteria included the ability to meet both the ANSI N42.34 and IAEA recommendations for HHRIID that specify the requirements for hand-held radiation identifiers. In addition, the tube and moderator have been incorporated into a probe that is backward compatible with all existing InSpector 1000s.

The InSpector 1000 equipped with its neutron probe and a gamma probe (either IPRON-1, IPRON-2 or IPRON-3) is now able to measure gamma and neutron simultaneously; gamma results and neutron results are both reported continuously and associated alarm thresholds tracked.

A new handgrip has been added to ease handling the instrument equipped with its two probes (IPRON-N and IPRON-1 or IPRON-2). A shoulder strap eases the weight distribution.

All the existing InSpector 1000 units can be upgraded with this neutron probe. This upgrade can be easily done by the end-user, so the instrument doesn't need to be sent back to factory. The InSpector 1000 software has to be upgraded (to version 1.1). Both operations are straightforward.

Once connected, the probe is recognized and the user's interface is changed accordingly (in order to report the neutron count rate and to monitor the neutron count rate alarm). The neutron dose rate is not evaluated or reported. The dwell-time, the count rate range and the neutron count rate alarm level can be set within the setup mode of operation (audible and visible alarms).

The InSpector 1000 provides on-screen notification of the radiation level warning threshold (a yellow marker) and alarm threshold (a red marker).

NID Mode with neutron bargraph.

Locate Mode with neutron bargraph.

Dose Mode with neutron bargraph and alarm.

Dose Mode with neutron alarm.

Ordering Information

The software version of the InSpector 1000 must be at least 1.1 to accommodate the neutron probe.

For upgrading an existing unit:

• IPRON-N - includes the probe, the handle, the cable and the shoulder strap. The installation of the neutron probe is made by the end-user.

For new InSpector 1000 users, two packages are available:

• IN1KN-1N - includes the InSpector 1000 unit, the IPRON-1 probe (NaI 1.5" x 1.5"), the IPRON-N probe (neutron), cable, soft case, power supply and software.
• IN1KN-2N - includes the InSpector 1000 unit, the IPRON-2 probe (NaI 2" x 2"), the IPRON-N probe (neutron), cable, soft case, power supply and software.