Adaptive Gamma Radiation Probe with Background Subtraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior radiation probe systems fail to perform background subtraction for radiation measurements, leading to increased likelihood of missed or misidentified contamination due to high background radiation, and are not adaptable to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable radiation contamination probe system that includes a background radiation detector, contamination radiation detector, proximity sensor, operator audible alarm, operator visual indicator, and computing control device, which performs adaptive background subtraction by calculating a background subtraction factor and activating alarms based on net measured radiation values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art radiation probe systems do not perform background subtraction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to high background radiation interfering with contamination detection
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation detection system is segmented into two separate detector functions: a first detector for measuring background radiation and a second detector for measuring contamination radiation. This segmentation allows independent measurement and subtraction of background radiation from contamination radiation, improving measurement precision without requiring complex shielding or filtering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of background radiation using the first detector before measuring contamination radiation with the second detector. This preliminary action enables the system to establish a baseline background level that can be subtracted from subsequent contamination measurements, improving accuracy without adding complex real-time filtering systems.
2Reliability
If prior art systems rely on visual spotting of contamination, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to missed or misidentified contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback to the operator through visual indicators (LED lights) that clearly indicate when contamination is detected. The controller processes radiation measurements and provides immediate visual feedback, eliminating the need for operators to visually spot contamination and reducing human error in contamination identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/visual process of contamination spotting with an automated electronic detection and indication system. The controller and visual indicators automatically detect and communicate contamination presence, substituting human visual inspection with electronic sensing and signaling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art radiation probe systems use fixed measurement thresholds, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when background radiation conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system dynamically adapts to changing background radiation conditions by continuously measuring background radiation with the first detector and adjusting the contamination detection threshold accordingly. The controller calculates contamination levels by subtracting the measured background radiation from total radiation measurements, allowing the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions without fixed thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters dynamically by adjusting the background subtraction factor based on measured background radiation levels. This parameter change allows the system to maintain accurate contamination detection across different environmental conditions, transforming a static threshold system into a dynamic adaptive system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the risk of measurement errors by accurately distinguishing between background and contamination radiation, providing reliable detection even in high background radiation environments with improved sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the BRD is configured to detect gamma radiation
Implementation Method 2
the CRD is configured to detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation from the radiation source
Implementation Method 3
the CRD is configured to detect alpha, beta, and gamma radiation from the radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation probe system and method incorporating adaptive gamma radiation background subtraction for enhanced radiation detection capability is disclosed. The system and method are generally applicable to radiation “frisking” applications in which the contamination area may have high gamma radiation background levels that normally would result in loss of contamination radiation detection accuracy. Readings from a background radiation detector (BRD) are subtracted from a contamination radiation detector (CRD) to determine a count rate solely associated with contamination. A background subtraction factor (BSF) is used to scale the BRD subtraction and is automatically adjusted based on environmental conditions. A smoothing algorithm is used to increase/decrease the BRD and/or CRD acquisition times to account for signal variations in BRD/CRD measurement readings. The system and method provide for lower limit of detection (LLD) radiation levels that are below that of conventional radiation detectors.