New Technology in Radiological Monitoring

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New Technology

The technology that I have selected to discuss is handheld radiological monitoring. There are several new equipment models being marketed. One of the most recognizable and well-respected names in radiological monitoring is Canberra. One of Canberra’s latest offerings for handheld devices is the Radiagem™ 4000. The device provides the capability of monitoring dose rates and contamination levels. There are a variety of probes available for use with the meter itself. The unit is waterproof and lightweight.

The Radiagem™ 4000 takes radiological measurements through an internal, energy compensated, Geiger Mueller detector. Through the use a various external probes, contamination levels can be quantified and readings can be recorded. The probes can be added or removed while the instrument is turned on. The external probes can be calibrated independent of the meter.

What does it do?

The Canberra hand held survey meter can be used to measure levels of transferable contamination, establish working dose rates and perform isotopic analysis. When performing surveys of radiological areas, it is important to gather data quickly and accurately. Modern survey meters allow for quick measurements of transferable contamination levels. Dose rates in work areas can be established for the protection of workers and to identify changes in conditions.

The radiation level that a worker has been exposed to is called their dose. Radiation dose is measured in rem. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2010) defines rem as “the dosage of an ionizing radiation that will cause the same biological effect as one roentgen of X-ray or gamma-ray exposure”. What this means is that early radiation researchers found a way to equate the level of radi...

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...onitoring business, I hope that this does not occur too quickly.

Works Cited

Canberra. (2010). Radiagem™ 4000 Personal Portable Dose Rate and Survey Meter. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from http://www.canberra.com/Products/13452.asp

NRC. (2010). Resolution of Generic Safety Issues: Issue 12: BWR Jet Pump Integrity (Rev. 1) (NUREG-0933, Main Report with Supplements 1–32). Retrieved April 18, 2010 from http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr0933/sec3/012r1.html

NucSafe Radiation Detection. (2010). Identifinder. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from http://www.nucsafe.com/cms/Identifier/37.html

rem. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Retrieved May 3, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rem

SRS. (2010). In Savannah River Site, History Highlights.

Retrieved May 3, 2010, from http://www.srs.gov/general/about/history1.htm

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