RU187535U1 - PORTABLE COMBINED DETECTOR FOR DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE AND METAL OBJECTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to safety devices for the simultaneous detection of hidden radioactive and nuclear materials. The device is made in a portable hand-held housing, inside of which there is a block for detecting radioactive materials, a block for detecting metal objects. In the handle of the detector there is a compartment for placing an autonomous battery to eliminate dependence on the electric network. On the outside of the case there is a manual control and display panel containing a radioactive material detection indicator, a metal object detection indicator. The technical result is an increase in mobility, quality and speed of inspection. 2 ill.

Description

1. The technical field

The utility model relates to safety devices for the simultaneous detection of hidden radioactive and nuclear materials, as well as objects made of non-ferrous and ferrous metals, during personal searches, control of baggage and correspondence.

2. The prior art

A Known SYSTEM FOR DETECTING NUMEROUS THREATS [1], comprising a verification unit, including equipment for subjecting a combination of two or more checks to an object. Sensors located in the verification node read out the data resulting from the verification of the object and generate an output signal.

Bibliographic data [1]: SYSTEM OF DETECTION OF NUMEROUS THREATS [Text]: pat. 2399955 ROS. Federation: G08B 19/00 (2006.01) / SAJI-DOLEV Alishia M. (US); patent holder: KILUR SECURITY SYSTEMS (US); - No. 2007113185/09; PCT Application: US 2005/032690 (09/12/2005); PCT Publication: WO 2007/013879 (02/01/2007); priority 12.09.2005; publ. 09/20/2010 Bull. No. 26.

The well-known SYSTEM [1] with the parallel use of multiple inspections is intended for airports, is not mobile, has a large mass and dimensions, is limited by the need to move the inspected objects through a stationary system at a low speed, as well as the need for special preparation of an inspection point and a set of works for its installation and setup. In addition, SYSTEM [1] requires connection to the electric network.

Known SECURITY COMPLEX [2], which contains a combined device, including a metal detector and detector of radioactive and nuclear materials.

Bibliographic data [2]: THE COLLECTION COMPLEX AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OBJECTS PROHIBITED FOR MOVING THROUGH SKIP ITEMS [Text]: Application 2010115398 Ros. Federation: G08B 13/18 (2006.01) / Fedyaev Sergey Leonidovich (RU), Rudnichenko Valery Alexandrovich (RU); applicant and patent holder: Open Joint-Stock Company Scientific and Production Complex Dedalum (RU) - No. 2011515398; filed April 20, 2010; published October 27, 2011 Bull. No. 30.

The inspection complex is stationary, has a large mass and dimensions, is suitable for use strictly in the designated place for inspection, requires a connection to the electric network and a set of installation and configuration works.

The closest solution to the technical nature and combination of technical features is the HAND-HELD METAL DETECTOR [3] metal detector, which includes a metal detector and a detector of radioactive and nuclear materials, the handle of which contains an electronic processing unit, an indication unit, an autonomous battery. Indication of detection involves an audible and / or visual and / or tactile alarm, depending on the mass and / or distance and / or type of material. The detector of radioactive and nuclear materials can be performed using a scintillation detector or a Geiger counter. The metal detector and detector of radioactive and nuclear materials can work together or independently.

Bibliographic data [3]: HAND-HELD METAL DETECTOR [Text]: Application 11875566: G01T 1/00, G01T 1/167, G01V 3/10, G01V 3/11 / VALLON Gerhard. (DE), BRUCKSCH Joachim (DE); Applicant: VALLON GMBH (DE); - Publication Number US 20080179522; declared 10/19/2007; publ. 07/31/2008; type of publication A1 / priority data: 202006018938 / 13.12.2006 DE.

The vulnerability of the known hand-held metal detector is a fully analog circuitry of the metal detection unit. The use of an analog integrator leads to a dependence of the sensitivity level of the metal detector unit on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. The analog integrator provides stable operation with a constant level of sensitivity of the metal detector in a relatively narrow temperature range. For this reason, the use of analog circuitry of the known hand-held metal detector implies the presence of a manual sensitivity adjustment, which allows the operator, for example, by rotating the handle on the front panel of the device, to change the sensitivity up or down. Thus, it is possible erroneous or artificial coarsening of the sensitivity of the metal detector unit for commission of illegal actions by the operator, which directly affects the reliability and quality of inspection. In addition, time is spent setting up the device, which reduces the speed of inspection.

The use of an analog integrator involves automatic gain control (AGC) of the generator. Thus, the metal detector can only work in the dynamic mode of metal detection. That is, during the scanning process, it is necessary to constantly move the device along the controlled surface. In the case of metal detection and stopping the device in close proximity to it, the AGC will adjust the generator amplitude to the initial level, and the detection indication will turn off, despite the presence of metal in the control zone. In this case, the detection unit of radioactive materials, as a rule, operates in a static mode. Using a well-known hand-held metal detector at the same time to search for metal and radioactive materials can mislead the operator due to the different operating modes of the metal detector unit and the radioactive material detection unit, thereby reducing the reliability and quality of inspection. The analog circuitry of the metal detection unit of the known hand-held metal detector is subject to the strong influence of electromagnetic interference. For example, a portable radio station operating near the device may cause false alarms of the metal detector unit, which reduces the speed and quality of inspection.

3. Disclosure of the essence of the utility model

3.1. Technical result

The objective of the technical solution is to create a portable, mobile, hand-held device for the simultaneous detection of hidden radioactive and nuclear materials, as well as objects made of non-ferrous and ferrous metals without preliminary configuration, which does not require connection to a stationary electric network, which has a small weight and dimensions, allowing free moving the device without special preparation of the inspection point, including street conditions, in order to control the unauthorized movement of sources oaktivnogo radiation and metal objects, such as weapons and / or containers for radioactive materials.

The technical result consists in increasing mobility, quality and speed of inspection by a freely moving hand-held detector without first setting the sensitivity, while detecting the presence of radioactive and metal objects.

The technical result is ensured by the fact that the portable combined detector for detecting radioactive and metal objects is made in a portable hand-held housing, inside of which there is a radiation channel for detecting nuclear materials and radioactive substances by their gamma radiation, a metal detector for detecting metal objects, an electronic processing unit and a control and indication panel, an autonomous battery, while a radioactive material detection unit and a metal detection unit Objects work simultaneously and are not dependent on each other. The detector is made with a preset sensitivity setting at the manufacturer. The sensitivity of the metal detector unit was adjusted by setting a fixed independent threshold level of response when detecting metal objects, an eddy current transducer was used as a sensitive element. The sensitivity of the detection unit for radioactive materials was adjusted by setting a fixed threshold level for detection of radioactive materials and three levels of change in the detection alarm for radioactive materials P1, P2 and P3. The ratio of the alarm thresholds is: P3 = 1.5 * P2, P2 = 1.5 * P1.

The use of a static mode of operation of the metal detector can increase the speed, information content and quality of inspection, since this mode provides the ability to determine not only the presence of metal in the control zone, but also an assessment of the size of the found metal object and its exact location.

In addition, the traditionally static mode of operation has been used to detect radioactive materials. Two identical operating modes (metal detector and radioactive material detection unit) reduce

the probability of operator error, thereby improving the quality of inspection.

The detector does not require an electrical connection and the preparation of an inspection point.

4. Brief Description of the Drawings

A portable combined detector device for detecting radioactive and metal objects is illustrated by the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a detector;

FIG. 2 - assembly drawing of the detector, where

1 - sensitive element based on a scintillation detector; 2 - photomultiplier tube (PMT); 3 - signal processing unit; 4 - voltage stabilizer; 5 - battery; 6 - a sensitive element of a metal detector (eddy current transducer (ETC)); 7 - generator; 8 - amplitude detector; 9 - control unit; 10 is a block indicating the detection of metal objects; 11 is a block indicating the detection of radioactive materials; 12 - block detection of radioactive materials; 13 - block detecting metal objects (block metal detector); 14 - display unit; 15 - detector housing; 16 - compartment for placing a battery; 17 - a sensitive element of the metal detector; 18 - handle; 19 - panel for manual control and indication; 20 - hole for connecting the charger; 21 - metal detection indicator; 22 - indicator detecting gamma radiation of radioactive materials; 23 - battery charge / discharge indicator; 24 - power button; 25 - sound indicator; 26 - indicator of the availability of power; 27 - search element of radioactive and nuclear materials; 28 - strap; 29 - terminals for the charger.

5. The implementation of the invention utility model

The device is made in a portable hand-held housing, inside of which there is a block for detecting radioactive materials, a block for detecting metal objects. In the handle of the detector there is a compartment for placing an autonomous battery to eliminate dependence on the electric network. On the outside of the case there is a manual control and display panel containing a radioactive material detection indicator, a metal object detection indicator. The sensitive element of the radioactive material detection unit is made on the basis of a scintillation detector or on the basis of a Geiger-Muller counter.

Unlike the known technical solution, the portable combined detector for detecting radioactive and metal objects is made with a preset sensitivity setting at the manufacturer. The sensitivity of the metal detector unit was adjusted by setting a fixed independent threshold level of response when detecting metal objects, an eddy current transducer was used as a sensitive element. The sensitivity of the detection unit for radioactive materials was adjusted by setting a fixed threshold level for detection of radioactive materials and three levels of change in the detection alarm for radioactive materials P1, P2 and P3, the ratio of alarm thresholds is: P3 = 1.5 * P2, P2 = 1.5 * P1.

The response thresholds of the metal detector unit and the radioactive material detection unit P1 are set at the manufacturing plant taking into account the requirements of the customer, for example, with a high natural radiation background or, if necessary, detect small metal objects.

6. The best option for implementing a utility model

A portable combined detector for detecting radioactive and metal objects contains a search element consisting of blocks: a block for detecting radioactive materials (12), a block for detecting metal objects (metal detector block) (13), an indication block (14), a voltage regulator (4), and an element power supply (5), combined in a single portable case (15), adapted for manual use.

The detection unit for metal objects consists of a sensitive element of a metal detector (eddy current transducer (ETC)) (6) connected to a generator (7). The output of the generator is connected to the input of the amplitude detector (8), the output of which is connected to the first input of the control unit (9). The first output of the control unit is connected to the first input of the generator for its adjustment.

A portable combined detector for detecting radioactive and metal objects contains a control unit (9) based on a microcontroller. A metal detector unit (13) containing a control unit (9) based on a microcontroller can function both in dynamic and in static mode. Moreover, in the static mode, it is possible to realize an indication proportional to the size and distance to the detected metal object, which speeds up the inspection process and makes it more reliable and of high quality.

The radioactive material detection unit consists of a sensitive element (1) based on a thallium activated cesium iodide scintillator connected to a photomultiplier (PMT) (2). The output of the PMT is connected to the first input of the signal processing unit (3), the output of which is connected to the second input of the control unit. The second output of the control unit is connected to the input of the indication of detection of metal objects (10), and the third output of the control unit is connected to the input of the indication of detection of radioactive materials (11).

The battery is connected to a voltage regulator, the first output of which is connected to the second input of the generator, the second output to the second input of the signal processing unit, and the third output to the third input of the control unit.

The sensitive element of the radioactive material detection unit and PMT are located in the center of the sensitive element of the metal detector. Both sensors are located in a separate part of the housing, allowing free scanning of the surface to be monitored. The battery is placed in the part of the housing designed to be held manually (housing handle). A signal processing unit, a generator, an amplitude detector, a control unit, an indication unit and a voltage stabilizer are located in the part of the housing located between the handle and the sensitive elements. The control unit contains a button with which the device is turned on and off. The button and LED indicators of the display unit are located on the front of the case. When holding the device in your hand, a free and convenient button press is provided, as well as visual visualization of the indicators. An opening is provided on the rear side of the housing for the free passage of sound waves from a sound element located in the display unit.

Description of the operation of the device. Switching the device on and off is carried out by pressing the button (24) located on the control unit. The radioactive material detection unit and the metal object detection unit work simultaneously and are independent of each other.

The principle of the metal detector is based on a harmonic eddy current method for detecting hidden metal objects. When a metal object appears in the control zone of a sensitive element of a metal detector, a primary alternating electromagnetic field begins to act on it. Since all types of metals (non-ferrous and ferrous) have high electrical conductivity, eddy currents are generated in the object under the influence of the primary field, creating a secondary electromagnetic field that changes the amplitude of the harmonic signal of the generator. This change is detected by an amplitude detector and detected by the control unit. If the amplitude change is greater than the fixed value set by the manufacturer, the indication of the detection of metal objects is triggered, namely, the red LED lights up and the audible alarm is turned on. The metal detector response level set by the manufacturer ensures the detection of a magnetic steel plate with dimensions 100 × 100 × 1 mm at a distance of 200 mm. The operating frequency of the metal detector is 30 kHz. The probability of detection is 0.98.

The principle of operation of a detector of radioactive materials is based on the conversion of radioactive radiation into electrical pulses using a CsI scintillator connected to a PMT. The measurement of the intensity of the stream of radioactive radiation occurs 16 times per second by the method of a sliding window with a duration of 0.25 s. The current value of the number of pulses is compared with the response threshold P1. If the current value of the number of pulses exceeds a predetermined fixed value (threshold value), then the indication for the detection of radioactive materials is triggered, namely, with a certain frequency the blue LED lights up, the audible alarm and vibration alarm turn on. In this case, the signal repetition rate increases with an increase in the excess of the number of pulses over the threshold value, that is, as we approach the source of radioactive radiation.

Exceeding the first threshold P1 is signaled by a frequency of 4 Hz, the second P2 - 7 Hz, the third P3 - 10 Hz. The ratio of the alarm thresholds is: P3 = 1.5 * P2, P2 = 1.5 * P1. The alarm threshold P1 is set at the manufacturer's site taking into account customer requirements by installing jumpers on the control unit board from the series 0.3, 0.38, 0.47, 0.59, 0.73, 0.91, 1.14, 1.43 μSv / h. The presence of three indication thresholds provides the ability to determine not only the presence of radioactive material, but also the ability to assess its activity. The ratio of the indication thresholds takes into account the nonlinearity of the dependence of the dose of radioactive radiation on the detection distance.

The gamma radiation detector has the following characteristics:

The energy range of the detected gamma radiation is from 0.03 to 3 MeV.

The pulse sensitivity of the detector (according to Cs137) is 200 (pulse / s) / (μSv / h).

The limits of the permissible basic relative measurement error (along the line Cs137) are not more than ± 30%.

The frequency of false positives in the search mode for gamma radiation is not more than one response when the level of the Y-background is 0.1 -0.2 μSv / h in 10 minutes.

The metal detector and the detector of radioactive materials do not require adjustment during operation depending on environmental conditions and immediately after switching on the device enter the search mode.

The device is powered by a “Krona” type battery or accumulator with a rated voltage of 9 V. A built-in voltage regulator allows the device to be used when the supply voltage drops to 5 V. The threshold for the indication of battery discharge is 7.5 V. The continuous operation time is about 340 hours ( when using the U9VL-J 9V battery). Current consumption - 3.5 mA.

Thus, a simultaneous search, detection and indication of the presence of hidden radioactive materials and objects of non-ferrous and ferrous metals in the control zone of the device is carried out. Weight - 0.38 kg. Dimensions - 420 × 80 × 30 mm. The range of operating temperatures is -37 ... + 70 ° C.

Claims (1)

Portable combined detector for detecting radioactive and metal objects, made in a portable hand-held housing, inside of which there is a radiation channel for detecting nuclear materials and radioactive substances by their gamma radiation, a metal detector for detecting metal objects, an electronic processing unit and a control and display panel, autonomous a battery in which the radioactive material detection unit and the metal object detection unit operate simultaneously and without depending from each other, characterized in that the detector is pre-configured with a sensitivity setting at the manufacturer, the sensitivity of the metal detector unit is set by setting a fixed independent threshold level for detection of metal objects, an eddy current transducer is used as a sensitive element, and the sensitivity of the radioactive detection unit is used materials implemented by setting a fixed threshold ur vnya response detection of radioactive materials and three alarm levels change detecting radioactive materials P1, P2 and P3, the ratio of signal thresholds is: S3 * S2 = 1.5, n2 = 1.5 * A1.

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