SabreAlert³
Portable Alpha CAM
The Bladewerx SabreAlert³™ is a lightweight, battery powered, alpha air monitor that can be used as a portable workplace monitor or a portable CAM for emergency response assessments.
Using Bladewerx acclaimed peak-fitting software for radon-background subtraction means more accurate workplace measurement and alarm indications. A self-contained pump, built-in detector head, alarm light, sonalert and battery operation, allow the ultimate in alpha air monitoring portability. A solid-state, ion-implanted, silicon detector and reliable 1024-channel multi-channel analyzer provide the input for an embedded processor board that performs the spectral analysis. An integrated 7-LPM pump, lithium-ion battery and charging electronics complete the package allowing battery operation of more than six hours. The SabreAlert may be configured for either the measurement of special nuclear materials (SNM), or for radon progeny measurements of potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) in milli-Working Level. Stack monitoring is possible with the In-Line Head Option.
Features
-
Remote monitoring via the wireless RadNet Output Option
-
Typical sensitivity of 1.0 DAC-h for Chronic and 30 DAC-h for Acute
-
Radon Mode displays PAEC in mWL and also logs radon progeny equilibrium
-
Less than one false alarm per 2,080 hours of operation
-
Weighs less than 6 pounds with a battery life of at least 8 hours
-
Significantly reduced false alarms— using alpha peak-shape-fitting technology
-
Performs both fast-responding and high-sensitivity measurements
-
Can be plumbed to an external pump for higher flow rates and improved sensitivity
-
In-Line Head option available for stack monitoring
-
Acute and Chronic dose, concentration, and flow logging as well as spectrum logging
-
International version available using SI units and adapted power supply
Alpha Peak-Shape-Fitting
Key to the powerful data analysis capabilities of the EpeeCAM is the state-of-the-art alpha peak shape fitting, which is used to separate the spectrum into the contributions from its constituent nuclides and quantify the spectrum counts from radon progeny and the user-defined isotope-of-interest. Alpha peak shape fitting is a technique that uses the profiles of multiple alpha isotope peaks to create a composite curve which best fits the actual spectrum.
User Interface Display
An integrated LCD and touch screen displays detailed information on the instrument status and readings while in operation. The dose estimate of the isotope(s) of interest and instrument status are prominently displayed at all times, while a window below either displays the historical readings and battery status, or displays the current spectrum. The user mays switch between the two displays from the View menu.
Remote Monitoring
With the 802.11 WiFi wireless RadNet Output Option installed, multiple SabreAlerts report their status and readings to a wireless access point, up to 300 feet away, networked with a laptop or PC workstation running Bladewerx RadNet Client software, or other RadNet compliant client software. This capability allows remote supervisory monitoring, in real-time, of up to ten work areas or vehicles.
Data Logging
The SabreAlert creates log files of both the Acute (from 1- to 30-second detail) and Chronic (1-minute detail) readings, along with spectrum log files at a user-defined interval. These log files may be saved in the internal memory, or stored on a removable SD memory card, for later retrieval and review. The log files use the comma-separated-variable (*.csv) format, recognized by most spreadsheet and database software.​
Radon Mode
The SabreAlert may be factory-configured for a ‘Radon Mode’ where the instrument will monitor the potential-alpha-energy-concentration (PAEC) of airborne radon progeny. The display units can be configured for either American units of milli-Working Levels (mWL) and WL-h, or SI units of µJ/m³ and µJ-h/m³. Because the individual progeny concentrations are known, the effective (dis)equilibrium ratio of radon progeny can be determined and displayed. This feature can provide useful insights into the ‘age’ of the air sampled.
Sensitivity and Response Time
The sensitivity of the SabreAlert is dependent on several factors including, radon background, filter type, flow rate, acute and chronic window settings, and, of course, the energy of the isotope of interest. The chart to the right provides an example of typical MDD behavior for a window setting of 4-hours with a radon background of approximately 1.8 pCi/l.