Alpha Beta Environmental Continuous Air Monitor (ECAM)

Features

• Continuous Air Monitor for Alpha and Beta particulates
• Alpha and Beta spectroscopy
• Optimized for Environmental Air Sampling including windy, outdoor conditions
• Built-in cyclone removes large particles (>20 ìm aerodynamic diameter) to focus sampling on the inhalable fraction of the sample
• Uniform sample deposition for more accurate alpha and beta detection
• Chronic alarm based on concentration or DAC-hr
• Acute release alarm in as little as six seconds
• Exponential fit and peak fit background compensation algorithms
• Radon compensation lowers false alarms and increases sensitivity
• Compensation for temperature and altitude
• Optional GPS and anemometer
• Local and remote audio and visual alarm annunciation
• RadNet compliant with optional encryption and authentication
• Fully functional HTTP server allows for remote monitoring, configuration and calibration
• Optional data output format for compatibility with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL HOTSPOT) plume modeling code

Description

The ECAM is designed to provide radiological assessments of potential environmental hazards to personnel and members of the public in the event of the release of alpha emitting radionuclides. ECAM technology allows real-time field monitoring of concentration, DAC-hr and other parameters for determining potential exposure and improving protection of workers, the public, and the environment.

The unit is encapsulated in a durable, weatherproof assembly engineered to survive in various environmental conditions. It houses a vacuum blower capable of pulling up to 120 L/min (>4 CFM) through a filter sample for large air volume data analysis by the ECAM module. Air is drawn into the inlets at the top of the system and passes through a specially designed miniature cyclone chamber so that debris and large dust particles are forced out of the air stream as it circulates down into the central portion of the instrument where the CAM head is located.

A 1700 mm² PIPS^® detector positioned over the sample filter detects Alpha and Beta emissions from the sample. Built-in preamplifier and MCA electronics collect Alpha and Beta spectral data for analysis. Accurate flow data are collected using a patented mass flow meter*.

The addition of a new 2048-channel Digital Signal Processing (DSP) MCA has expanded the functionality of the ECAM to include both Alpha and Beta spectroscopy.

MCA data and sample volume data, as well as instrument status data, are made available for analysis. Data processing for alarm functionality and a graphical user interface are supported by an embedded Pentium®-class computer in the ECAM module. A sophisticated background compensation algorithm removes background radon interference to reduce possible false alarms and increase sensitivity.

In addition to performing data analysis, the ECAM module functions as a uniquely designed web server. This allows easy access to all configuration parameters and provides a convenient method for monitoring throughout an entire local area network via a web browser. A multilevel security system has been implemented to ensure privacy and prevent accidental misconfigurations by unqualified technicians.

*US Patent 5,337,603

FIPS 140-2 COMPLIANT WIRELESS NETWORKING

U.S. Federal entities choosing to incorporate their surveillance, monitoring and detection systems into a wireless network must first address the issue of FIPS compliance. To meet this demand, the ECAM module can be bundled with a FIPS 140-2 compliant cryptographic module to provide encryption and enhanced authentication.

RADNET COMPLIANT

With origins at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), RadNet is a non-proprietary protocol that utilizes standard Internet protocols. (See www.radnet.org.) Its ability to incorporate a wide range of devices has been successfully demonstrated. RadNet’s adoption as the de facto industry standard for radiation networks also simplifies the development and implementation of ancillary services (e.g., email generation and pager systems). Because the RadNet specification already provides for authentication and encryption, its native mode accommodates the data security requirements of the Homeland Security Community.