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.

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