FAQ
What kind of drums can be analyzed by Syscade ?
Syscade accepts 80 to 220 Litre drums or large boxes.
What are our references ?
Syscade : The SCK-CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre) and the JRC Ispra (Joint Research Centre in Italy).
Syscan : Engie
Is the unit mobile ?
Yes, not only does the unit is mobile but also compact! Both X-ray inspection & gamma characterization systems are installed in a 40-foot container. The weight is below the maximum weight allowed, Syscade can be delivered easily through standard shipping.
Can we perform low background measurements ?
Yes, since the unit is self-shielded designed so as to minimise the background noise and consequently to have a low minimum detectable activity (MDA).
How many characterization modes can we achieve ?
Syscade has 3 operative modes:
- Open Geometry mode
– Can be performed with rotating drum or at various angular positions
– Allows to estimate the total activity content in each drum
– Allows estimating if angular activity distribution is uniform
- Segmented Gamma Scanning mode
– Allows matrix correction layer-by-layer (reduction of type-B errors)
– Combination with X-Ray results gives a better estimation of averaged density in each segment compared to TGS (typically in middle part of each segment)
- Angular-SGS mode
-Reveals (extreme) radial source distribution over 360° for each segment
– Allows avoiding activity overestimation
– Shorter characterization times compared to tomography
Over what range can the angle of inspection be varied ?
The turntable allows the operator to set angles from 0 to 360° with 10° steps.
How many operators are needed ?
The mobile unit is fully automatic. It’s a push button system. Only one operator is needed to operate the mobile unit.
Can the unit be rented?
Yes, the unit can be either sold or rented as a service (with an operator or after a training at your location).
What are the characteristics of the X-ray inspection system ?
-320 kV X-Ray tube
-Linear X-Ray detector, installed vertically
-Pre-shielding around the X-ray tube
-Very collimated beam
Is it quick to get a 2D image ?
Yes, it takes less than one minute! 3D reconstruction takes between 30 to 60 images, so between 30-45 minutes.
How to integrate the 2 systems (X-Ray inspection & Gamma characterisation) in such limited volume ?
By installing the gamma station on a moving platform that can retract during X-Rays.
How to protect the HPGe probe from intense X-Ray beam ?
By installing an additional shielded door at the rear side of the cabin.
How to take profit of the shielded X-Ray cabin to lower the gamma background and optimize MDAs (Minimum Detectable Activities) ?
By allowing the HPGe probe to access the cabin only after X-ray beam has stopped.
What is the throughput ?
Depending on the mode used:
-X-Ray only: 60 drums/day (2D imaging) and 8 drums/day (3D)
-Gamma only, OG mode: 16 drums/day
-Gamma only, SGS mode: 8 drums/day
-X-Ray + angular SGS & Density corrections: 2 drums/day
How is measurement data retrieved ?
A QR code is generated for each drum. All data results are linked to the QR code and stored in a database.