Features

• Support for up to six CAM heads
• Eight DAC-hr detection sensitivity to meet 10 CFR 835 Implementation Guide
• Uniform sample deposition for more accurate calculations
• Radon rejection screen and stripping algorithm lowers false alarms and increases sensitivity
• RadNet compliant with optional encryption and authentication
• Fully functional HTTP server allows for easier installation of monitoring sites throughout a network
• Accessible locally through a terminal emulator
• Two PCMCIA slots for optional mass storage or wireless networking
• All analysis and setup functionality housed in an onboard embedded 300 MHz processor featuring:
  • Chronic alarm based on concentration or DAC-hr
  • Sophisticated peak fit and exponential fit background compensation algorithms
  • Local and remote audio/ visual alarm annunciators
  • Access codes for various levels of security
  • Automatic warning for calibrations due
  • Compensation for temperature and altitude

  Description

  The NetCAM has been designed to accommodate modern facilities utilizing networking capabilities to monitor airborne alpha particle activity. By combining the CANBERRA Alpha Sentry Continuous Air Monitor (CAM) sampling head with a specially designed external device providing network support, CANBERRA’s NetCAM resolves many of the issues faced by Alpha CAM users today. These include false alarms due to radon sensitivity, personnel safety, operating cost per sampling location, and remote monitoring capability.

  The NetCAM’s sampling head contains a patented diffusion screen that removes up to 95% of the newly-formed radon daughter particles from the air. In addition, the spectroscopic algorithm is extremely effective at subtracting out the radon daughter interference from the transuranic region of interest. This physical and mathematical radon reduction increases the sensitivity of the Alpha Sentry, which in turn translates into a lower false alarm rate. The NetCAM takes advantage of state-of-the-art technology by allowing multiple CAM sampling heads (up to six) to be easily monitored from remote networking stations. This not only improves the safety of personnel by enabling a user to monitor a potential leak situation from outside the affected area, but it also lowers the cost per sampling location by sharing the operator resource.

  Each sampling head has a two-fold function in the NetCAM system. The first is to collect airborne particles onto an internal filter and detect any alpha radiation present; the second is to determine the occurrence of an acute release. Air is drawn into the sampling head through the radon rejection screen and through the internal filter by way of a vacuum connection. A Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS®) detector is positioned above the filter to detect alpha radiation. Signal processing electronics and a 256- channel multichannel analyzer (MCA) are used to collect and store the alpha spectra. Alpha spectra generated by the MCA in the sampling head are then collected by an embedded PC in the NetCAM via a direct connection to the CAM. The NetCAM reads the spectrum from each sampling head at regular intervals, applies a precise spectroscopic algorithm, and determines if a chronic release has occurred. A sophisticated background compensation algorithm removes background radon interference to reduce possible false alarms and increase sensitivity. In the event either an acute or chronic release is detected, the NetCAM signals an alarm.

  In addition to data analysis, the NetCAM provides the operator with a webbased interface, as well as a local VT100™ emulated console for accessing and configuring parameters. This allows easy access to all configuration parameters, as well as providing a convenient monitoring method throughout an entire local area network via a web browser.

  An extensive security system ensures privacy and prevents accidental misconfigurations by inexperienced technicians. A series of security levels are assigned to the menus, each corresponding to a certain range of security codes. These codes are then distributed to personnel based upon duties performed and therefore limiting access only to those necessary menus.

  WIRELESS NETWORKING AND RADNET COMPLIANCE

  Wireless networks allow easy installation of a local area network monitoring system without the need for cumbersome and expensive cabling designs. The NetCAM system has pre-installed device drivers and console menus for supporting 802.11 compliant wireless networks. Fixed IP networking is required for RadNet compatibility and to enhance security against unauthorized access. Each unit also houses a 100Base-T Ethernet port for easy integration into a wired networking system.

  The NetCAM system is also RadNet compliant including protocols, encryption, authentication, and wireless networking. This provides remote monitoring capabilities available only with the NetCAM system. RadNet is an open network protocol for transferring packets on a local area network from radiation monitoring equipment to network hosts. While it is now used primarily for health physics instruments, RadNet’s flexibility and strength make it ideal for remote monitoring of nuclear materials. RadNet uses standard internet protocols that can be seen at www.radnet.org.