1Overview
The PM1703GNA-II MBT is a new-generation gamma-neutron personal radiation detector (PRD) with an improved search algorithm and a NORM suppress function. The instrument detects and localizes gamma-neutron radioactive sources and measures personal dose equivalent rate (DER) and personal dose equivalent (DE). A wide measurement range for gamma DER and DE is provided by a built-in GM counter, so a simple two-button device covers both walk-by search and dose measurement.
The implemented suppress NORM algorithm defines the category of detected radiation material and provides a light alarm that differentiates the danger level: green for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), red for other radionuclide types (IND, NUC, MED). The instrument is highly sensitive, waterproof, and shockproof, and no special training is required to operate it.
2Key Features
- Highly sensitive CsI(Tl) scintillation gamma detector.
- GM counter for extended DER and DE measurement range.
- Highly sensitive 6LiF/ZnS-film based neutron detector.
- Compliance with ITRAP/IAEA, ANSI N42.32, ANSI N42.42, IEC 62401, and IEC 60846.
- PC communication via USB and Bluetooth.
- Shockproof hermetic case, IP65.
- Lightweight, less than 240 g.
- Long lifetime from one AA battery.
- User-friendly, two-button operation.
- Low operation cost and high operational availability.
3Detector & Performance
Gamma detection uses a CsI(Tl) scintillator with SiPM readout, backed by a GM counter that extends the usable dose equivalent rate and dose equivalent range. Neutron detection uses a 6LiF/ZnS-film detector. The combination is matched to the low count rates seen in early-warning screening while still reading high dose rates from the GM tube.
Gamma sensitivity is at least 100 cps per µSv/h (1 cps per µrem/h) for 137Cs and 500 cps per µSv/h (5 cps per µrem/h) for 241Am. Neutron sensitivity is at least 0.035 counts × cm2/neutron for Pu-α-Be and 1.2 counts × cm2/neutron for thermal neutrons. The gamma energy range is 0.033 to 3.0 MeV in search mode and 0.06 to 1.33 MeV in measurement mode; the neutron range runs from thermal to 14.0 MeV.
An implemented suppress NORM algorithm defines the category of detected material and provides a light alarm that differentiates the danger level: green for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), red for other radionuclide types (IND, NUC, MED). In search mode the instrument displays the current gamma and neutron count rates in counts per second. In measurement mode it shows the current dose rate in µSv/h or µrem/h, with an LCD indication in µR/h, and a numerical range from 0 to 9 in the additional "Mode 0...9".
4Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector (gamma) | CsI(Tl) SiPM |
| Detector (gamma) | GM counter |
| Detector (neutron) | 6LiF/ZnS |
| Gamma sensitivity, at least for 137Cs | 100 cps per µSv/h (1 cps per µrem/h) |
| Gamma sensitivity, at least for 241Am | 500 cps per µSv/h (5 cps per µrem/h) |
| Neutron sensitivity, at least for Pu-α-Be | 0.035 counts × cm2/neutron |
| Neutron sensitivity, at least for thermal neutrons | 1.2 counts × cm2/neutron |
| Energy range, gamma (in search mode) | 0.033 – 3.0 MeV |
| Energy range, gamma (in measurement mode) | 0.06 – 1.33 MeV |
| Energy range, neutron | from thermal to 14.0 MeV |
| Personal Dose Equivalent Rate (DER) range | 0.01 µSv/h – 200 mSv/h (1 µrem/h – 20 rem/h) |
| Accuracy of DER measurement | in the range from 0.1 µSv/h to 200 mSv/h, no more ± (20 + (0.0025 mSv/h) / H) %, where H – DER, mSv/h |
| Personal Dose Equivalent (DE) range | 0.01 µSv – 10 Sv (1 µrem/h – 1000 rem) |
| Accuracy of DE measurement | in the range from 0.1 µSv to 10 Sv (10 - 1000 rem), no more ± 20 % |
| Indication range in search mode, gamma count rate | 1.0 – 9999 cps |
| Indication range in search mode, neutron count rate | 1.0 – 999 cps |
| Alarm type | audio, visual, vibration |
| Alarm thresholds | (verify) |
| Data recording | 2000 data points |
| Communication with PC | USB, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| GPS | (verify) |
| Power supply | one AA size alkaline or rechargeable battery |
| Battery lifetime | no less 800 hours; no less 400 hours (in Bluetooth mode) |
| Response time | 0.25 s |
| Operating conditions, temperature | -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F) |
| Operating conditions, relative humidity | up to 98% at 35°C (95°F) |
| Environmental protection | IP65 |
| Drop test on concrete floor | 0.7 m |
| Dimensions, no more | 98 x 72 x 32 mm (3 55/64 x 2 53/64 x 1 17/64 in) |
| Weight, no more | 240 g (8.46 oz) |
| Compliance | ITRAP/IAEA, ANSI N42.32, ANSI N42.42, IEC 62401, IEC 60846 |
Specifications reproduced from the PM1703GNA-II MBT datasheet. Free POLISMART mobile app is available for Bluetooth 4.0 data exchange via the App Store and Google Play.
5Applications
U.S. customs, border patrol, security, military, HAZMAT, counter-terrorism, fire departments, medical response, and police.
- Customs and border patrol checkpoints.
- Security and military screening.
- HAZMAT and counter-terrorism response.
- Fire departments and medical response.
- Police carrying a wearable early-warning alarm.
6Software & Data
The instrument records up to 2000 data points in non-volatile memory. Stored events transfer from the detector to a PC via USB or Bluetooth. The device can also exchange data with mobile devices in real time over Bluetooth 4.0, and the free POLISMART mobile app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
The audio, visual, and vibration alarms alert the user when gamma radiation thresholds are exceeded. The implemented suppress NORM algorithm differentiates NORM (green light alarm) from other radionuclide types (red), helping the user judge the danger level on the spot. No special training is required to operate the instrument.
Accessory part numbers and ordering options for this configuration are not listed on the datasheet. (verify with Berkeley Nucleonics)
7Ordering
The PM1703GNA-II MBT is a gamma-neutron personal radiation detector. For a quote, a demonstration, or help matching the detector to a screening protocol, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.