The new, all-in-one, Radiation Isotope Identifier (RIID) from Berkeley Nucleonics offers customers a rugged alternative to detachable detectors with a full suite of new features leveraging modern smartphone technology. The renaissance in handheld electronics (smartphone, PDA, etc.) has led to tremendous advancements in processing power and allows statistical calculations to be processed at a remarkable speed. In parallel, the processors managing the spectral collection and isotope identification can easily handle a myriad of exciting additional user requirements. The long list of much-awaited features ensures new users and experienced health physicists alike will enjoy an unmatched user experience when performing mission-critical tasks. PeakAbout, a free app that manages the data and reporting of the SAM 945, boasts a comprehensive library of 115 isotopes with expansion possibility to 393 isotopes. BNC is a world leader in the manufacturing and development of radionuclide identification devices.
Worker safety with the SAM 945
The SAM 945 is designed to meet ALARA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) standards by use of its smartphone technology. It is always important to be close enough to the source of radiation to achieve good statistical data for measurements. However, you can now have the best of both worlds. With the SAM 945, the operator can be 20 feet away from the SAM and the radioactive source. This goal is easily met when using the SAM because the smartphone device is easily removed from the instrument giving the user complete control at a very safe distance. Since the smart device is connected via Bluetooth to the SAM, measurements and spectrum manipulation can be performed well within the ALARA standard.
Measured source intensity or exposure to radiation can be analytically described as the “Inverse Square Law.” This means that moving away from the source will lower your exposure rate by one over the distance squared. Therefore, if a radioactive source measures a certain high level at one foot then at 10 feet away the exposure rate will be down a factor of one over ten squared (a factor of 100 lower) assuring a safer distance during measurements. For packages, cargo, drum scanning, or other materials control, the detachable smartphone allows users to make measurements at a greater distance, decreasing the exposure to radiation exponentially. Fixed applications, such as a guard tower or weigh station, can utilise the tripod mount system and fix their detector permanently while monitoring from 20-30 feet away.
Auto calibration (-20° to 50° C)
The auto-calibration features of the SAM 945 run continuously with no user interruptions. The system performs a health check at regular intervals or during shifts in temperature and then automatically addresses possible detector drift with recalibration routines. The user benefits from simplicity and accuracy, but can manually run calibrations as well.
Energy stabilisation
Sharp changes in climate, like moving from a vehicle into the outdoors, can cause some instruments to shift. We have added functionality to offset these energy shifts so users can move freely from cold to hot or vice versa.
Free app included
The new PeakAbout app offers quality spectroscopy, data storage, peak examinations, and reporting.
Industry largest volume internal detector
Statistics are vital when performing measurements, and the larger the detector volume, the faster you can achieve those statistics. If you are moving, you can move faster. If you are searching, you will identify from further away. If you are inspecting, shielding will have a smaller impact. The size of your detector is an important decision and each application may have different considerations. We have provided a wide range of detectors for many years, but we have selected the best fit for a RIID in the SAM 945.
Append alarms with notes, images, videos, voice memos
After you have collected data and generated a spectroscopic report, situational data may be desirable. PeakAbout, the smartphone app, allows you to quickly add images and video. For reach-back support, having photos or video may enable faster disposition of false alarms. The user can also add notes manually which become part of the report. This could be as simple as their badge or post number, or more complex details about the alarming object or person.
IP65 drop / water spray enclosure
The SAM 945 was designed from the onset as a field unit, with ruggedised detector manufacturing techniques, PMTs with shock absorption, electronics designed to withstand heat, humidity, and climate. Additional rubberised bumpers and multi-point bracket absorbers protect the unit from falls on any side from 4 feet with only cosmetic damage.
Charge your battery from DC (vehicle, etc.)
For true portability, the SAM 945 allows users to charge the battery from a DC supply, allowing for multiple units to be re-charged at a vehicle station for around the clock monitoring, as well as extended marine-based monitoring activities.
Cambio, Peak Easy or SAM-viewer compatible
The SAM 945 is compatible with all the industry-standard analysis packages, with a PC-based analysis package available that compliments PeakAbout.
Wavelet spectroscopy
The SAM 945 delivers a host of features previously not available in an Isotope Identifier. With a state-of-the-art package, spectroscopists leveraged many years of data and field experience to deliver the SAM III wavelet algorithms, with fast and accurate ID capability addressing shielding, masking and daughter products.
