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NDI Manual 2013 - v10
NDI Manual 2013 - v10
NDI
Intelligent scintillation detectors
GAMMA TECHNICAL CORPORATION
NDI
Intelligent scintillation detectors
2013 V1.0
Table of contents
- alpha,
- beta,
- gamma,
- neutron radiation, and
- with sandwich crystals, the simultaneous measuring of alpha-beta, gamma-neutron etc.
radiation based on the principle that the NDI type Intelligent scintillation detectors are capable
of selecting different impulses generated within the individual layers of the sandwich crystals
according to its various signal width values.
The NDI type Intelligent scintillation detectors do not require any external hardware devices for the
various measuring tasks, the high-voltage supply unit, the analog circuits, the spectrum-analyzer,
etc. are all integrated in the detector. The detector is capable of transmitting recorded spectra to the
data collecting and processing computer via its serial communication system.
Its microcomputer can be programmed to execute specific tasks as well, such as to identify the
activity concentration of selected nuclides or to function in radiation portal monitor mode. In this
case, its communication system of the RS 485 makes it possible to collect various nuclide-specific
measurements for a specific nuclear facility.
The integrated spectrum stabilizer of the NDI type detectors makes it possible to carry out
measurement tasks under extreme climatic conditions, such as in terrain or in the hot steam of a
reactor etc.
During production, the NDI detectors can be pre-programmed for the following modes with the
technological software:
- Test mode
- Spectrum measurements with PC
- Radiation portal monitor mode.
- Critical level alarm mode
In "Test mode" adjustments and control can be carried out with a test program during the
manufacturing phase. The test program is extremely suitable for educational purposes, since high
voltage can be adjusted from a PC and the discrimination level and windows can also be
determined. The program allows amplitude and pulse width analysis.
"Measurement with PC" can be carried out with the MultiAct software package. The multi-purpose
nuclear spectrometric software is capable of:
- calibration tasks,
- recording gamma spectra, isotope identification, determination of concentration,
- simultaneous alpha-beta counting with low background, etc.
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c., Radiation portal monitor mode
In "Radiation portal monitor” mode the detector is applying a special measuring algorithm,
patented by the GAMMA Technical Corporation, that is executing the automatic background
compensation. The program used for processing and displaying data is the IntelliGate.
In "Critical level alarm" mode, the detector initiates an alarm in case a threshold value is exceeded
in the pre-programmed channel or channels.
2. STRUCTURE
Notes:
- The thickness and diameter of the NaI(TI) gamma crystals listed in the basic selection are the
same. The table does not contain crystals of different thickness, such as thin soft gamma and x-
ray crystals.
- The thickness of plastic crystals listed under basic selection that are suitable for low-background
beta-counting is 0.5 mm. Plastic crystals are also available with a thickness of 5 mm for
spectrometric purposes
- In the range of GAMMA products, the following are also available.
Besides traditional components, the spectrum analyzer and all functions of the PC analyzer card
have been integrated into the detector. In addition, further circuit components support
programmability, communication, system stability etc.
The structure of the NDI can be seen in the following block diagram:
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NDI type INTELLIGENT SCINTILLATION DETECTORS
.
1. Crystal 2. Pre- 3. Discriminator 4. 5. μC 6.
PMT amplifier, peak-detector, A/D ROM, RAM Serial interface
HV-divider comparator EEPROM
LED HV osztó Thermometer
RS-485
+5V
10. Spectrum 9. Adjustable 8. -7V 7.
stablizer D/A Power supply
HV supply
8 –34 V
NDI specialities:
Upon interaction, radioactive radiation transmits energy to any substance. The energy
absorbed by the substance generates photons in the scintillator. The amount of photons thus
generated is proportional to the energy of the radiation absorbed. If arranged appropriately, a
great deal of the photons generated in the scintillator reaches the photo-electron multiplier
cathode.
As a result of the photons striking the photo cathode, electrons are emitted. The dynode
system multiplies these electrons (by 1 million) through secondary emission. An easily
measurable current impulse is generated on the anode of the photomultiplier. This impulse
produces voltage impulse in the parallel RC circuit which is comprised of the multiplier’s load
resistor and capacitors.
The amplitude of the impulse will be proportional to the energy dissipated in the scintillator
as well as its frequency to the intensity of the radiation.
- Pre-amplifier
The signal emitted from the photomultiplier anode is led into the impedance converter. The
impedance converter is set up as an inverting amplifier.
The high-stability high voltage is generated by a switching supply unit for a low-current active
voltage divider. The high-voltage value can be adjusted through the voltage-controlled inlet of
the supply unit from a program using a D/A converter.
- Spectrum stabilizer
The integrated reference light source (blue LED) is controlled by a sinus signal. The sinus
signal emitted from the reference is the input signal of the spectrum stabilizer circuit, which
controls the high voltage in order to stabilize the output signal amplitude.
- Discriminator
Cuts off noises under the discrimination level. The level can be adjusted through the voltage-
controlled inlet using a D/A converter.
Generate signals required to determine the amplitude and width of the individual impulses.
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- A/D converter
The program executing controlling and communication tasks are burnt into the
microcomputers’ internal 8 K byte program memory. The external 128 K RAM can be used to
extend the internal RAM and data memory. Additional solutions are provided by the external
plug-in FLASH EEPROM’s: 64 K byte program (programmable for specific tasks) and 512 K
byte data memory.
- D/A converter
Facilitates bilateral serial communication between the detector(s) and the computer via an RS-
485 line.
Generates internal voltage necessary for the operation of the detectors’ circuits.
- Test mode
The manufacturer’s adjustments and verifications of the device take place here.
Adjustable modes:
1. Spectrum measurements with PC
2. Radiation portal monitor mode.
3. Critical level alarm mode
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- Spectrum measurements with PC
AD measure starting
Measuring periods and times with the measuring program. The measuring program would be:
1. 2 byte 512 x 128 line, all from impulse.
2. 4 byte amplitude impulse number.
3. 3 byte x 512 line amplitude spectrum.
4. 8 width line with 3 byte x 512 line amplitude spectrum.
5. 8 amplitude width - collect 8 x 4 byte impulse number.
AD measure stopping
Checking the parameters of the detector
LED voltage, adjusting voltage, measured temperature, status.
Checking the measure heading
Measure program, parcel code, measure periods number, collected and processed impulses
number.
Checking the measured results
Amplitude and width spectrum checking in parcels.
In the PC measure mode the permitted parameters can be checked and adjusted.
The special algorithm is burnt into the microprocessors’ memory. After program start-up, the
detector sends data packages at half-second intervals without interruption. Following a half-
minute warm-up, it measures the background and sends out an alarm if significant increase is
recorded.
After 30 sec. of warming and data collecting, and 2 min. of background measuring the detector
provides continuous measurement. Using the pre-recorded background spectrum, background
deduction is carried out. At the end of each measurement cycle, the detector sends out a data
package. If the threshold value is exceeded in a window, an alarm is sent off.
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4. TECHNICAL DATA
- Scintillator: NaI(Tl)
- Density: 3,67 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 1.774
- Emission of light max. 4130 Å
- Light yield: 230 … 280 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 0.23 µs
- Material of housing: Al-Mg-Si with anodized surface
- Radiation window: Al-Mg-Si
- Optical window: optical glass
- Material of reflection: Non-stick strip
- Resolution: 7 … 11% tested with Cs-137 source.
Note: in general, increasing the size of the crystal and departing from the diameter = thickness
geometry increases the FWHM, i.e. the rate of resolution becomes lower.
- Scintillator: Plastic
- Density: 1,03 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 1.57
- Emission of light max. 4200 Å
- Light yield: 60 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 2,5 ns
- Material of mounting: Al-Mg-Si with oxidized surface
- Radiation window: 1 mg/cm2 metal-fumed Mylar foil
- Scintillator: Zn/S(Ag)
- Density: 4,09 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 2,356
- Emission of light max. 4500 Å
- Light yield: 300 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 2 µs
- Material of mounting: Al-Mg-Si with oxidized surface
- Radiation window: 0.7 mg/cm2 metal-fumed Mylar foil
RS-485, bidirectional.
19,2 K BPS
Cable length: max. 2 km.
Number of detectors on one cable: max. 32.
The NDI type detectors – except cleaning – does not need further maintenance.
Alcohol and decontaminators are equally usable for cleaning.
In case of failure the manufacturer performs the repairs.
GAMMA Technical Corporation provides 12 months of guarantee for the NDI type
detectors from the date of purchase. The guarantee is subject to proper use and storage.
Manufacturing and development of the NDI type detectors are maintained by ISO
9001:2009 and NATO AQAP 2110:2006 quality control systems.
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6. CONTROLS AND REPAIRS
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Certificate of Quality
Batch number:...............................
We declare that our product of the above mentioned type and batch number satisfies
the requirements.
....................................... .......................................
Final Controller Quality Controlling Delegate