DrumScan® LRGS Alpha is a unique system which solves the problem
of measuring alpha contaminated low level waste (LLW) quickly,
accurately and reliably. The system supports operational and
decommissioning plant activities by determining the specific alpha
activity (Bq/g) of bags of compactable waste with measurement times
between 2 and 5 minutes per bag. The high sensitivity of the system
allows the segregation of bags into alpha LLW waste and PCM/TRU
waste categories. This segregation reduces the volume of waste
being consigned as PCM storage and therefore optimises the use of
the expensive disposal option.
DrumScan® LRGS Alpha can accurately and quickly measure alpha
activity incompactable low density waste containing most PPE
materials, rubber, plastics, paper, cardboard, clothing etc in
waste bags weighing up to 30kg. Operators can also use the
DrumScan® LRGS Alpha system to segregate bags of alpha waste into
those in the alpha LLW category for disposal to the LLWR and those
with activity that places them in the ILW (PCM) category. Waste
shown to be in the LLW category is accurately characterised. If
this waste is to be consigned as alpha LLW for disposal the
DrumScan® LRGS Alpha system will produce a completed LLWR
consignment forms displaying the consignment results of all bags
selected from recent measurements.
System options:
The basic configuration of the DrumScan® LRGS Alpha system
comprises the following main components:
- Turntable: To rotate bags of waste held within a plastic bin.
This turntable incorporates a weighscale to provide waste weight
(up to 30kg) for matrix correction and specific activity (Bq/g)
calculation. The turntable also incorporates a 'lazy-Susan'
mechanism to ensure risk free operation even when the waste is
being rotated.
- Detector Cabinet: A temperature and contamination controlled
environment housing two specialized radiation detectors. A plastic
'field-of-view' panel in the cabinet wall, located between
detectors and waste bin, maximises the efficiency of radiation
detection from waste bags. Both detectors within the cabinet are
shielded and collimated with lead to minimize the effect of plant
background.
- Operator Workstation: All measurement and control functions are
controlled by the operator from the operator workstation. The
software guides the operator through background and measurement
routines. The real-time display shows system status during waste
bag measurement, time remaining and radiation spectra. The
workstation comprises VDU display, keyboard, mouse and
printer.