A non toxic simulant such as LS1 from Safe Training Systems can be applied to a surface where it will slowly evaporate leaving a small gas cloud, a modified contamination meter can then be used to detect this apparent radiation causing the meter to display counts as if seeing real radiation.
Radiation field simulation is based on the use of a radiofrequency source and detector – the limitation to the range is the available power of the transmitter which in the case of the mini-Source range from STS is approx. 15m.
The radio frequency system used by STS will be attenuated by various materials to varying degrees, glass and thin wood will have a small effect whilst brickwork or concrete walls will cause much higher attenuation and metal will shield the source entirely.
Inverse square law can be demonstrated used the STS radiation field simulation systems – these operate using radio waves which like ionising radiation have an inverse square response.
Liquid (LS1) and solid (SS4) simulants from STS have a shelf life of 5 years from date of manufacture.
Siloxanes are silicone-based compounds characterised by a chain of alternating silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O2) atoms. They are used for their softening, smoothing, and moistening action. They make products like deodorants slide on more easily, and leave hair and skin more soft and silky.
Siloxanes are in products that contain silicon such as silicone baking utensils and pans, baby nipples, and pacifiers, medical devices and implants, water-repellent windshield coating, construction lubricants and sealants as well as deodorant creams and moisturizers and shampoos.
sampling siloxanes in a gas stream will usually be done using GC-MS and FT-IR and is usually completed by taking gas bag samples to analysed in the laboratory. The STS siloxane monitor however is an in-field instrument that takes the sample directly from the gas stream and utilises a unique GC-NIR detection system to produce rapid measurements.
In field measurement of siloxanes is possible given the correct instrument and the right sample handling- consideration must be given to the propensity for siloxanes to drop out into condensates and equally to stick to cold surfaces, careful sample handling is therefore essential to obtain an accurate result. On site instruments need also to be robust and able to withstand the contamination in the gas stream presented by numerous other compounds that can influence the true result. STS mitigates this issue by using a bespoke GC column to separate and concentrate the siloxanes prior to measurement in an IR chamber.
L2 is the smallest of the linear siloxane molecules and the hardest to effectively trap and measure. Selection of both the right media in a Gas Chromatography column and the correct detector are essential to effect an accurate result. Careful thermal management and timing of the release from the column must be made to ensure that the molecules are not lost before measurement. The new STS Siloxane Monitor V4.0 enables this capture and measurement outputting the result as a total Siloxane value in mg/m3.
Customers like the concept of both the contamination simulators as well as the dose rate simulators.
We have been working with STS for a number of years and we value our relationship with them. They continue to be an important supplier in the provision of services and solutions, to support our work in radiation monitoring in a secure and safe environment.
A lecturer in applied physics and in radiation protection at Aix Marseille University in France. I have been using STS products for 6 years, and I highly recommend them. Easy to use and very realistic…
The equipment we purchased has been brilliant and has made a real difference to some of the training we are doing here at Dungeness B Power Station. Further to this, you managed to meet our tight time frames, and get this equipment to us in such a short space of time which was exceptional service and is truly appreciated, thank you!
