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IMS and its Products IMS Innovation & Measurement Systems is a French designer and manufacturer of electronic instruments specialising in advanced equipment for the detection and measurement of radioactivity. It is now marketing a range of radiation protection modules and application packages suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. In partnership with the French CEA (Commissariat à l Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives), IMS has developed highly innovative products for the monitoring, detection, localization and identification of radioactive materials in industrial and outdoor environments. IMS radiation monitoring solutions are incorporated in integrated plug-and-play devices which are easy to operate in both professional and private-life environments. Those innovative solutions do not require custom control and data collection equipment as they are meant to run on standard PCs, smartphones or tablets. They are therefore both extremely cost effective, with low capital, operating and maintenance costs, and the flexibility to meet a very wide range of users requirements. IMS is now introducing two major product lines: a Smart Gamma Probe with a range of communication options a CZT-based spectrometer Both products can operate as fully stand alone units, as they incorporate analogic to digital data conversion and data processing; their on-board rechargeable batteries allow up to six months continuous operation depending on operating conditions. Their most innovative feature is the CEA s patented on-board signal filtering algorithm which filters out error-inducing shocks and vibrations, effectively eliminating a major cause of erroneous measurements and false positives. To allow users to benefit fully from this major feature, products are miniaturized and meant for the toughest outdoor or industrial operating conditions, their casings meeting IP67 or IP68 requirements. They have also been designed for easy decontamination. When operating procedures so require, detection data can be collected and stored on the instrument and subsequently uploaded to a standard computing device. Audio and video triggers, data recording and options can be easily set from the control interface which can be installed on a PC, smartphone or tablet. IMS equipment are compliant with the EN/IEC 60846 standard, under the control of the LNHB (Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel), the French National Metrology Laboratory, especially for ambient and/ or directional dose equivalent (rate) meters design, performance, EMC, operating temperature and tolerance to shocks and vibrations requirements. Individual calibration certificates as per ISO 4037 are available on request and IMS offers periodical calibration checks as required by local regulations. Fixed or Mobile Configurations IMS instruments can be used either as stand alone or networked units. They are offered with a complete range of wired or wireless communication options: Communication protocol Serial: USB or RSXXX Bluetooth GPS/GSM Ethernet Control device Standard or rugged desktop or laptop PC or tablet Standard or rugged desktop or laptop PC or tablet; Android smartphone or tablet Standard or rugged desktop or laptop PC or tablet; Android smartphone or tablet Standard or rugged desktop or laptop PC Typical usage Mobile or on board vehicles including UAVs or UGVs Mobile or on board vehicles including UAVs or UGVs Fixed or on a networked vehicle Fixed or on a networked vehicle Maximum distance from control unit Up to 5 m recommended; or up to the limit allowed by USB repeaters Range of up to 500 m on UGVs and 1 km on UAVs Up to 10 meters; Range of up to 500 m on UGVs and 1 km on UAVs Availability of GSM network As required
1. USB/Serial Bus SGP Series Smart Probes can be supplied with an USB interface for connection with any desktop, laptop or tablet PC running Windows XP, Vista or 7 with an USB port. The SGP Series Application software will provide the following on screen functionalities: - Digital and graphic display of ambient dose equivalent rate measurements - Alarm trigger configuration and audible alarm activation - Measurements recording parameter settings - Data recording limited only by the control device s storage capacity SGP Smart Probes are also available with RS232, RS422 or RS485 serial interfaces for incorporation in existing radiation monitoring networks or in on-board systems of NRBC-E vehicles. They are supplied with the command sets required for their configuration and control from the user s control system. 2. As near-field wireless detection devices with Bluetooth With a Bluetooth connection, SGP Smart Probes are ideally suited for use as mobile ambient radiation detectors and monitors. They can be controlled from any smartphone or tablet running Android 2.3 or later versions. Credits: Samsung Galaxy Nexus In that configuration, SGP Smart Probes are controlled from IMS Gamma Detector Android app which provides the following functionalities: Digital display of H*(10) ambient dose equivalent rate measurement Alarm trigger configuration and audible alarm activation Display alarm status Measurements recording parameter settings Data recording limited only by the control device s storage capacity Bluetooth connected SGP Smart Probes can also be controlled through the SGP Series Application if installed on a PC-like device with Bluetooth capabilities.
3. GPS/GSM for the detection and monitoring of radioactive sources in wider areas or outside buildings This combination of an SGP Smart Probe, a GPS (Global Positioning System) locating device and a GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) transceiver provides users with a turnkey system for the monitoring of radiation over wider areas or when shipping sources. Probes may for instance be positioned near sources to monitor gamma radiations, keep track of them on a map thanks to the GPS and retrieve measurements, probes location, alarm status and other data through the GSM network. Data transfer will provide: Date and time of the transfer System activity : movement, stand by, programmed wakeup, battery alarm, on/off status System positioning: latitude, longitude and altitude Moving speed System status: battery level, alarms sent, empty battery, GSM interferences Alarm status : OK, alarm issued Gamma radiation level [H*10 ambient dose equivalent rate] The system is configured through a secure web interface with which the user can visualise the system s GPS data, location and route, change the map, select probes to be displayed, access recent data records (up to 200 measurement retrievals), export and import data records in a suitable format, etc. Various alerts can also be programmed to be sent over the GSM network as SMSs or as e-mails: The radiation threshold alarm has been triggered The device is moving within or entering or leaving a predefined area The battery level is low (the battery allows the SGP an autonomy of 6 months depending on operating conditions). With an Ethernet connection, SGP Smart Probes can be used in large local or wide area wired or wireless networks and benefit from Internet capabilities. Added functionalities include Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply, which removes constraints associated with the battery; control of the device through a secured, flexible web interface; and the sending of alerts as e-mail attachments to multiple users. SGP Smart Probes with their own Wifi, Zigbee or other hotspots Such solutions are currently under development. In response to alerts, the system can also be controlled by sending to it SMSs which will make it issue information on its identification, location, etc. Onboard Solutions IMS solutions are already available in small unmanned vehicles, either in drones (UAVs - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or ground robots (UGVs - Unmanned Ground Vehicles).
UAV solutions Control is achieved through a serial (either USB or RS485/422/232) interface. Such UAVs are meant for photo, video and radiation monitoring within a range of 250 m to 1 km. They incorporate advanced features such as: Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Collision prevention and automated pilot through the use of onboard sensor and a GPS. Payload such as photo/video and infrared cameras varies from 0.5 to 5 kg. Data collection in a format suitable for Geographic Information Systems. IMS partners offer various UAVS such as the Novadem U130, the Fly-N-Sense Scancopter-X4 and the Infotron IT180. UGV solutions IMS radio detection solutions can be embedded on ECA Robotics s ground robots, especially on the COBRA MK2, shown below, which mainly features: Audio and video signals and real-time data display of device status (CCD cameras, LED lighting, microphone) on the command & control unit with touch-screen and joystick. A compact four-wheel drive mobile platform with a 5 kg payload and autonomy of 2.5 hours, speed of 5 km/h and an operating range of 250 m. Easy data collection in a format suitable for Geographic Information Systems Product Specifications 1. Smart Gamma Probe series Smart Gamma Probes provide for the measurement, display and recording of ambient dose equivalent rate [H*(10) in µsv/h] for Gammaand high energy X-rays sources. They come with either a low (dose) rate» detector for the monitoring of radiation in ambient conditions or a «high (dose) rate» detector for accidental conditions: SGP dimensions and weight (without antenna) : USB: ø3.2 x8.9 cm, 90 g Bluetooth: ø3.2 x 12.5 cm, 105 g GPS/GSM: 13.3 x 7.8 x 2.7 cm, 320 g Ethernet: ø3.2 x 14 cm, 120 g. Energy-compensated Geiger Müller detector Option 1 Low rate Option 2 High rate Detection range 0.1 µsv/h 100 msv/h 0.1 msv/h 10 Sv/h Background noise 8 cpm 1 cpm Sensitivity (for 137 Cs) 156 cpm/µsv/h 2220 cpm/msv/h Energy response <25% of true value (20 kev-1.25 MeV) <20% of true value (80 kev-1.25 MeV) Response lag (typical) 50 µs 20 µs 2. Miniature Gamma Spectrometer Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) crystal-based MGS Series detectors under development will add nuclear or radiological source element identification to the detection and measurement of Gamma radiation. Like the Smart Gamma Probes, they are equipped with alarm triggers to initiate spectra acquisition and radionuclide (radioelement) identification; audible alarm can also be activated. Key features: Detector: CZT quasi hemispherical crystal from 60 mm 3 to 500 mm 3 Energy resolution: 6,7 kev at 662 kev ( 137 Cs) Energy range: from 10 kev to 3MeV.
Typical Applications Tracking and safe-keeping of source material Networked probes in a source monitoring system over wide areas, in the urban space, in road, rail or maritime transport, etc. Deployment of detection systems for the control of access to facilities and movements of sources within those facilities. Detection of illicit movements of radiating material Deployment of systems for the continuous detection, localization and monitoring of radio-isotopes over wide areas or high throughput environments such as border posts, shipping warehouses, harbours, containers loading bays, trains and truck in transit areas, waste management sites, passenger transport, etc. Population health and safety Safety of nuclear plants in routine conditions Safety of nuclear plants in accidental conditions Nuclear energy cycle protection requirements In-depth control of primary and secondary for the prediction of potential exposure risks for site personnel. Real-time monitoring of fluids released inside or outside nuclear facilities through the measurement of their radioactivity and the continuous checking of radiation in the environment. On-site personnel protection. Positioning of appropriate on-site systems in emergency conditions such as fire, explosions, earthquakes or floods. Uranium mining and nuclear fuel production Decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities Nuclear waste management Home security Protection of populations, infrastructure and networks, critical equipment, borders and transport (air, surface and maritime): - Environment monitoring over a territory to predict the spread of radioactive contamination in space in time. - Mobile measurement system to collect reliable information in real time. - Remotely controlled monitoring systems for use in emergency situations. Protection of personnel through the continuous monitoring of exposure to radiation. Protection of personnel through the continuous monitoring of exposure to radiation. Step-by-step replacement of plant monitoring and measurement systems by ad-hoc remotely controlled systems. Ground and infrastructure contamination monitoring by systematic sampling. Continuous detection, identification and tracking of radioactive waste in the waste management process, in particular to ensure that only approved facilities are involved. Protection of research and medical personnel Individual protection of research personnel handling radionuclides or using radiation-emitting equipment. Patient and personnel protection in the medical use of X-rays. Metals recycling Detection and identification of radionuclides in metals, in particular heavier metals, to ensure the safety and quality of the recycling process. IMS Innovation and Measurement Systems Corporate Headquaters : 3 ave de Verdun 94410 Saint Maurice - France Factory: 5 bd de Créteil 94100 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés - France SAS capital stock 125.000,00 - Siret : 534 393 418 R.C.S. Créteil - APE : 7490B - VAT intra : 59 534 393 418