SaphyGATE - Model GN -Radiation Portal Monitor
Specially designed for border security, nuclear power plant control, along with major event safety, the ultra-sensitive SaphyGATE GN is a Gamma-Neutron portal monitor able to detect Special Nuclear Materials in a non-invasive way.
The working principle of the SaphyGATE GN is based on the use of 4 to 8 high-volume plastic scintillators installed in each detector. Coupled with fast photomultiplier tubes, the scintillators ensure the detection of Gamma and Neutron radiations.
An electronic unit for prompt processing as well as an algorithm specifically developed for this application allow for the discrimination of Gamma and Neutron radiations from scintillating plastic. The method relies on the analysis of the phenomena occurring within the plastic scintillators in a short period of time (a few nanoseconds).
This patented solution guarantees high detection performances, while performing an efficient Gamma-Neutron discrimination and avoiding Helium-3 supply.
Developed in partnership with the French Alternative Energies & Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the SaphyGATE GN is a new-generation portal monitor capable of detecting Gamma-Neutron radiations from a radioactive material without using Helium-3 detectors.
Compliant with international border security standards (IEC 62244 & ANSI N42.35), it efficiently prevents illicit movements of radioactive sources in port areas, airports, land borders or any other critical infrastructure, by carrying out a non-invasive inspection of people and loads.
It is thus particularly adapted to homeland security, border control, and event protection such as major sport events, public gatherings, international summits, etc.
Able to detect both natural and artificial radioactive sources of very low activity (approximately 10 kBq.), it also discriminates Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) along with Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), hence allowing operators to better evaluate a threat’s hazardousness.
The SaphyGATE GN algorithm also features a function that compensates the Gamma background attenuation resulting from the mass of the vehicle and its load, thus offering better performances, in particular for the detection of sealed radioactive sources.
As a versatile and modular device, the SaphyGATE GN can be adapted to the load control of heavy vehicles and containers, as well as the inspection of light vehicles, pedestrians and luggage. It can be equipped with detectors with standard sensitivity (4 scintillators) or high sensitivity (8 scintillators).
Furthermore, the SaphyGATE GN has demonstrated its performances during the C-BORD European project (HORIZON 2020 Program), which aimed at improving cargo container control at the European Union borders.
* International Electronical Commission
** American National Standards Institut
One single 3He-free detector to spot Gamma and Neutron radiations
The SaphyGATE GN is the sole radiation portal monitor on the market that is able to both detect and discriminate Gamma and Neutron radiations, with only one type of plastic scintillation detector.
This technology makes it possible to avoid using Helium-3 gas whose cost fluctuates but remains high, given its rarity.
The detection of Neutron radiations allows for a better characterization of the threats, by revealing the presence of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) entering in the production process of dirty bombs and Radiological Dispersion Devices.
Versatility Modularity
Fully modular, the system can be composed of 1 to 4 detectors, depending on the envisioned monitoring area as well as control (pedestrians, luggage, containers, light or heavy vehicles, etc.).
Detectors are available in 2 versions: « standard sensitivity » with 4 scintillators, or “high sensitivity” with 8 scintillators.
Under a standard « heavy vehicle” configuration, the system consists in 2 detectors situated on either side of the road or track, with a 5-meter wide anthrax between each portal monitor. The height of detection between the ground and the plastic scintillators’ center is 2 meters high.