RTS - Model RAM-01, RAM-31 and RAM-TF -Aerosol Monitoring System

RAM-01 is a single filter monitor with manual changing while RAM-31 has the automatic filter changing capability (autonomy 31 filters as standard, 45 as option) and RAM-TF is the tape filter model, all designed as rack mounted unit, fully compliant with current and proposed requirements in applications such as real time monitoring of alpha, beta and, optionally (for models RAM-01NA, RAM-31NA, RAM-31GE) gamma emitting radio-nuclides, in duct/stack, workplace and environmental surveillance.

RAMs allow the continuous monitoring of the radioactive aerosols collected on a circular filter track from air using spectrometric techniques. They perform the on line alpha & beta (and optionally gamma) measurement from the filter using multi-channel analysis and proprietary algorithms to evaluate the presence of long-lived (‘artificial’) emitters and compensate/measure the short-lived (‘natural’) ones together with gamma background. The final results are the associated radioactivity concentrations in air, together with exposures and activities present on filter.

RAMs are characterised by a configuration based on a modular HW/SW architecture which allows easy maintenance, wide range of applications and expansion in terms of internal as well as external measurements. The local processor performs parameters set-up, filter control, data acquisition and processing, data readout and output, data base management, data collection from other eventual stations/sensors and data transfer and communication, via cables or wireless, to and from remote control units. Communications in a network configuration may be tailored to any desired architecture, including, but not limited to, Ethernet, RS-485, RADNET, GPRS/UMTS/3G/4G, satellite, etc..

air inlet is mounted at the top of the cabinet to ease access and to optimise path, for ambient air or stack/duct monitoring. In the RAM-31 and RAM-TF the movements of the circular filters or the tape filter are fully automatic, while in the RAM-01 the changing is provided by a very simple manual slide. In all models an air tight holder holds the filter in the sampling position, while allowing the upside alpha/beta detection.

sampling is accurately controlled to ensure constant air flow through the filter or to meet the isokynetic condition when needed. On line measurements with typically one hour cycles (however fully programmable from few minutes to hours) are continuously performed during sampling. Long lived concentrations, as well as exposures, are evaluated during cycles at a selectable refresh rate (usually 60 or 120 s) and at the end of each measuring interval.

filters are made of cellulose homogeneous polymer with a getting efficiency over 99% with the used flow-rate range. This type of filters has been selected as the best choice also for alpha aerosol monitoring. The filters are free of gamma emitters and have intrinsic radioactive emissions lower than the detection limits.

management software provides for the following main functions: Filter control (including pressure drop) and movement (RAM-31 and RAM-TF only), Flow-rate control and measurement, Lived spectrum acquisition, On-line Spectrum analysis and readout, Gamma background measurement and compensation, Evaluation of ‘artificial’ concentrations/exposures, Evaluation of Radon/Thoron concentrations, Evaluation of total activities on filter, Management of alert/alarm thresholds and trips, Detection/management of failures, Test, setting and calibration operations, On-line auto-test procedure, Analogue and digital outputs, Data storage and communication, Interfacing with adding/auxiliary (eventual) devices. The main available data for readout, storage and communication are: Filter identification, Air flow-rate and Sampled air volume, Pressure drop through the filter, Air temperature, Gamma background, Total alpha and beta activities on filter, ‘Artificial’ alpha concentration in air and exposure (error with selectable sigma), ‘Artificial’ beta concentration in air and exposure (error with selectable sigma), Radon and Thoron concentrations in air, Alpha/beta (and optionally gamma) spectrum. The measuring units are the ones defined by the International Standard, but can be optionally provided different under specific customer’s request. Complex monitoring station including isokynetic sampling, aerosol and iodine sections, gas section, gamma dose-rate section, weather section, etc. can be configured around the RAM units as the governing LPU may act as ‘station processor’.