Testing Radiation Detectors to Provide a More Secure Environment

A marathon of testing has begun at the Battelle-managed Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to ensure that personal radiation equipment purchased with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds meets new operational standards and helps provide a secure environment.

“These pocket-sized personal radiation detectors and hand-held radiation survey meters play a critical role in effective threat detection for law enforcement, fire patrols, hazardous material experts, and other emergency first-responders,” said PNNL physicist, Dr. Joe McDonald.

PNNL was chosen by DHS in 2003 to develop standards and complete a very thorough evaluation of the equipment. Dr. McDonald chaired a 17-member committee tasked with developing the standards for personal radiation detection. “The committee was challenged to develop the standards in record time – six months – and the pace remains brisk during the testing phase,” said Dr. McDonald. Under normal conditions, it wouldn’t be unusual to manage this type of testing over a period of two years.

More than 100 instruments, representing approximately 30 different equipment models, will have their electrical systems, mechanical operations, environmental susceptibilities, and radiological sensitivities evaluated.

PNNL Technician Phil Smith prepares pocket-sized radiation detection pagers for reliability testing. Test results of hand-held and pocket-sized equipment are made available to DHS, to aide in the selection of equipment for first- responders.

Upon completion, a Consumer Report-style publication will be developed for DHS, enabling first-responder personnel to be matched with equipment on a case-by-case basis. First-responders will be able to select equipment based on actual instrument performances.

Team leader, Mr. Phil Smith, explained that the ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work for first-responders. “The U.S. Coast Guard has a keen interest in how equipment holds up to water and humidity; urban-area security personnel look closely at features such as size, portability, and detector reaction time,” said Mr. Smith.

Realistic conditions are simulated in the testing process. Temperatures will include highs, lows, and rapid changes. Detection equipment will be exposed to vibrations, humidity, and electromagnetic fields. The equipment will also be evaluated for its ability to withstand anticipated wear and tear.

Calibration team members believe that the American National Standards Institute criteria for performance will ultimately raise the quality of detection devices available. Because manufacturers want their equipment to score well and gain acceptance from government buyers, they have been very interested in working to produce the best possible product.

“A win for us is not just completing the testing on schedule, but providing information that makes it possible to get reliable equipment in the field as quickly as possible. On-time completion will enable DHS to allocate immediate funding for agencies that have urgent business in the line of first response,” said Dr. McDonald.

For more information contact Mr. Kelvin Soldat at (509) 375-6810, kelvin.soldat@pnl.gov.