Argos-5 Whole Body Alpha, Alpha/Beta or Alpha/Beta/Gamma Contamination Monitor

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Features

• The ultimate in contoured body coverage (two-step) with special attention to pockets and pant cuffs
• Detectors have three independent counting sections for improved sensitivity and consistent high efficiency throughout
• Lowest count times for any given alarm level/background
• Simultaneous monitoring of both sides of the hands with moveable detector for enhanced alpha capability
• Top of shoe with either alpha/ beta or gamma detection
• Top of head with either alpha/ beta (fixed or moveable) or gamma detection
• Ergonomic and very easy-to-use with audible and visible messages on large LCD screen
• Extremely rugged with modular architecture to facilitate maintenance
• Minimal gaps between detectors
• Total front and side access. No need ever for rear access
• Built in computer with Windows® XP Embedded operating system
• Available with sealed or flow detectors (flow available now, sealed in late 2005)
• The same “industry-best” software CANBERRA Argos/Sirius/GEM users are already familiar with, so no need for retraining

Description

CANBERRA is proud to introduce the very latest in the Argos line of Whole Body Surface Contamination Monitors, the Argos-5AB. 

This monitor is the very latest in a long line of superb monitors. CANBERRA has taken all the best features of previous models and together with new technology and input from health physicists and radiation protection workers world-wide has produced a monitor that significantly out performs any previous monitor. 

All CANBERRA Surface Contamination Monitors provide fast sensitive release monitoring with minimum maintenance costs. 

Modern appearance and reliable PC-based operation guarantees employee acceptance and confidence resulting in improved health physics programs, better tracking of contamination and faster, more thorough personnel throughput at boundary points. 

Excellent detector protection, modularity of components, and extensive diagnostics result in direct reductions in consumable and manpower maintenance costs. 

All Argos monitors use a sophisticated “fast following” background trending and release-limit algorithm to provide the best possible performance in stable or varying radiation fields. 

Body Coverage

The Argos-5 design is completely new. It has been configured to contour the human body as closely as possible while paying particular attention to those parts of the body most likely to be contaminated. Gaps between detectors have also been minimized. The effect of all this redesign is to put the detectors closer to the body than any other monitor on the market. This is clearly shown by the horizontal scan on page two. 

Options include

• Frisker
• Local area network capability
• Doors or barriers (entrance, exit or both)
• Extra side mounted 15 inch LCD screen
• Top of shoe detector (gamma)
• Automatic movable
  head detector (gamma or alpha/beta)

Gamma Detection Option (Zeus)

• The Zeus option adds full gamma detection capability
• Two large plastic scintillators monitor body contamination
• Smaller scintillators monitor the top of the shoes and head
• Scintillators are shielded with 10 mm of lead
• A 25 mm lead curtain minimizes self-shielding problems

This scan was done in accordance with Specification IEC 61098 which specifies a 36Cl source moved around a phantom positioned 5 cm from the front detector. This scan shows just how superb the body coverage is and its superiority is obvious when compared to the scans published in the literature of competitive monitors.

OverviewThe Argos flow proportional detectors are also a brand new design. They are each divided into three independent counting sections and thus have significantly improved signal to noise ratios. Furthermore, the detection capability both across and along the detectors is extremely uniform. There is virtually zero edge effect degradation, this is shown by the diagram on page three.

The consequence of this improvement in both geometry and detector design is that count times will be around 25% less than any other comparable monitor. 

The Argos-5 computer is absolutely state-of-the-art. It runs Windows XP and uses USB flash for transferring data. Data may be retrieved either this way or via a LAN. 

The Argos radon rejection software is best in the industry. 

The Argos-5AB is designed to inherently minimize gas usage. Therefore, no “gas management system” is required. 

Calibration of every detector and alarm testing can each be done in less than 30 minutes. 

All “people” sensors are non-mechanical solid state types to reliably indicate proper positioning. Visual and voice prompts are provided. 

Argos-5 Horizontal Scan Efficiency for ³⁶Cl,
Phantom 5 cm from Center Detector

A “CONTAMINATED” result is shown on a large color LCD display with voice reinforcement and also visually with an LED beside each contaminated detector.

A relay closure is available for remote signaling of alarm conditions (“Contaminated” and “Out of Service”). 

Electronics

An electronics module box is connected to the back of each detector and performs amplification discrimination, counting, high voltage and pulse generation. 

A built-in computer manages the system operation. A keyboard interface is used for parameter setting, testing, calibration and maintenance. 

Setting Parameters

Sensitivity of detection by zone, á and â alarm levels in dpm, dpm/cm², Bq, Bq/cm², nCi, or nCi/cm², false alarm and non-detection probabilities, etc. 

Monitoring Assistance

Indicator lights at the entry show the monitor is ready to use. While the occupant is being monitored, messages and a count down are given both on the LCD screen and audibly (multiple languages are available). 

Verification of proper occupant positioning is ensured with the help of infrared and proximity sensors.

All the alpha/beta detectors are the same size and completely interchangeable. 

Visible and audible alarms are given if contamination is detected. The display shows the type (á, â or ã), the quantity (cps, cpm, dpm, Bq or µCi) and the location (alarming detector flashing on a figure and LED on alarming detector itself). 

Date-stamp log of system monitoring: number of times used, contaminated staff, used parameters, checking of calibration and faults, etc. 

Radon Rejection

Argos monitors include unique software to determine if the contamination may be caused by radon, in which case the monitor will take appropriate action as previously determined by the radiation protection authority on site. 

Maintenance

A separate LED on each detector shows which detector is alarming and/or being addressed on the LCD screen. 

There is a capability to have a spare detector under gas flow for instantaneous availability.

For easy diagnostic purpose information is readily available on the precise monitor status, parameter changes, including high voltage and discrimination threshold of each detection cell, statistical calculations. To provide further assistance, live-time ratemeters show counts seen by each detector section. 

Physical

SIZE – 915 x 2250 x 1030 mm (36 x 88.5 x 39.5 in.) (W x H x D).

WEIGHT – 280 kg (616 lb). 

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