News
PSC develops new spectral summation technique to help LANL clean–up project
At the INMM 51st Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, PSC and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) presented a joint paper on a new spectral summing technique. This method, developed by PSC, is a unique modeling technique that is being employed by the Waste Disposition Project – Low Level Waste Disposal (WDP–LLWD) Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This technique is being used to disposition low–level radioactive waste that has dropped out of the transuranic (TRU) category and has no place to go unless it can be proven to be LLW and not TRU. The TRU program at LANL run by Mobile Characterization Services (MCS) employs two High Efficiency Neutron Counters (HENC) with built–in gamma assay systems to assay radioactive waste for shipment and disposal as TRU waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) at Carlsbad, New Mexico. As well as being certified for WIPP assays, the HENC systems can also be used for low level waste assays for disposal at LANL or off–site disposal facilities, such as the Nevada Test Site (NTS).
Some of the waste processed through the HENC systems cannot be confirmed TRU due to the absence of detected TRU alpha emitters above the TRU cutoff of 100 nCi/g. This waste becomes suspect low–level waste (SLLW). In many cases, the waste also can’t be classified as LLW because the minimum detectable activity (MDA) of TRU radionuclides is above the 100 nCi/g level. These wastes that do not have enough detectable TRU activity to be classified as TRU waste and have too high a MDA to be classified as LLW enter a radioactive waste characterization limbo that prevents their dispositioning as either TRU waste or LLW. Spectral summing allows an experienced gamma spectroscopy analyst to add the HENC gamma spectra of a number of similar waste items together to form a consolidated (summed) spectrum. This summed spectrum contains the assay results of the group of items rather than the individual item, and gamma peaks that were not discernable in the individual spectra become quantifiable in the summed spectrum. The group of waste items can then be properly classified as LLW based on the summed spectrum and valid assay values can be assigned for disposal. This technique is being successfully used to dispose of LLW debris drums from LANL.
Featured Application: Fast Enrichment Screening
Methods for rapid non–destructive uranium enrichment classification of large containers are of importance to waste consignors, safeguards and counter–terrorism agencies. There is often a need to quickly categorize and segregate suspect containers as "depleted" or "enriched" on a "Go/No Go" basis.
Recent improvements in gamma spectroscopy technologies have provided the capability to perform rapid field analysis using portable and hand–held devices such as battery–operated medium and high resolution detectors (including lanthanum halide and high purity germanium). Using such devices, a new generation of rugged multi–terrain vehicles (such as PSC's TechniCART ™ UTV600) can be used to rapidly screen enrichment in large items such as historic waste drums and crates containing debris of unknown density and composition contaminated with uranium.
The method is equally applicable to safeguards inspectors evaluating large items and for interdiction of illicit special nuclear materials in mass transport e.g. shipping containers at ports and borders. The variable shielding, container size, lack of matrix knowledge, wall thickness and self–shielding create are the major challenges in this field. Performing an accurate assessment within the short count time window demanded of the field operative, leads to the need for a reliable method that can adapt to such conditions and is robust to a wide dynamic range of counting statistics.
The focus of the Fast Enrichment Screening method is to minimize the bias that can result from attenuation effects, particularly as the gamma emissions from U235 are low energy and therefore highly susceptible to absorption in large containers with metal scrap. Analysis of a combination radiometric signatures including bremsstrahlung radiation and neutron emission is used in combination with high resolution photopeak ratio analysis. Benchmark comparisons are performed against well–established enrichment analysis methods such as PC–FRAM, MGAU, and the Enrichment Meter.
PSC will be presenting a paper on Fast Enrichment Screening for "Go/No Go" Classification of Large Containers (A. Simpson, S. McElhaney) at the INMM 51st Annual Meeting, July 11–15, Baltimore, Maryland.
To discuss this application or any other PSC technology, please email your enquiry to info@pscnda.com, call our US office (505–424–6660).
Featured Application: Active Neutron Interrogation
High sensitivity with low (or zero) He–3 footprint
The active neutron interrogation technique is a high sensitivity method to quantify the fissile content (Pu–239, U–235 etc.) of a container. Transuranic / alpha waste can be assayed with this method to attain very low detection limits suitable for segregation of low–level and intermediate–level waste streams. PSC has many years of experience in development and implementation of active neutron interrogation techniques combined with simultaneous passive neutron counting.
One of the major advantages of using active neutron is the significantly reduced He–3 footprint compared to equivalent passive–only systems. Using a pulsed neutron generator, a high flux of interrogating thermal neutrons is introduced into the assay chamber. As the flux decays, fast neutron emission is produced from fission events in the waste. In contrast, passive systems rely on the use of a chamber lined with a large number of high pressure He–3 tubes in order to achieve the required lower limit of detection, counting only those neutrons produced from radioactive decay.
At the moment He–3 gas is in short supply, so PSC’s scientists and engineers are working on methods of gaining maximum sensitivity with the minimum amount of He–3. In parallel to this effort, we are investigating alternatives to He–3. Unlike passive systems which depend exclusively on He–3, active neutron methods are well suited to use of alternatives detectors due to the lower chamber efficiency required. It is possible to perform high sensitivity active neutron interrogation without use of He–3.
In the United States, PSC has supplied twelve (12) active / passive neutron assay systems to date for the assay of a diverse range of waste types and container sizes drums and large waste crates. These instruments have established themselves as "work–horses" within the US DOE complex. In addition, systems have also been supplied at Tokai–Mura, Japan, the Marcoule facility in France, Belgoprocess and at the Sellafield WAMAC facility. The full history of PSC’s experience is as follows:
1978 – 1985 First generation Passive Active Neutron (PAN) system developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) by Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) co-founders.
1985 – 1994 Second generation active neutron drum and box systems developed with imaging capability by PSC.
1995 – 1999 PSC / BNFL develop third generation active neutron systems including large crate assay capability. New systems supplied at several US Department of Energy sites to support Transuranic Waste characterization.
2000 – 2001 Active systems at Rocky Flats and Savannah River Site (SRS) become the first counters to be certified for characterization of waste to US DOE Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.
2002 – 2006 Advanced electronics and software developed.. New systems supplied / upgraded at SRS, Oak Ridge, TN and Hanford, WA. Improvements include development and testing for remote handled (high-rad) waste, compacted waste and sludge.
2007 – 2009 Under new US ownership, Pajarito Scientific Corporation commissions a new active interrogation research facility in Santa Fe, NM to support neutron generator, detector / electronics maintenance, research and testing.
2010 Total waste shipped to WIPP that has been measured by PSC active neutron systems exceeds 50,000 containers. Systems supplied to DOE sites are still in service with several now exceeding 10 years of continuous operations.
The latest Passive Active Neutron Differential Die-Away (PANDDA™) system uses advanced imaging software and high performance electronics for rapid, accurate, high sensitivity assay of plutonium & uranium waste. The system's combined active and passive neutron assay modes make it well suited for both homogeneous waste (e.g. sludges, concrete) and heterogeneous debris waste (paper, plastics, combustibles etc). In addition to performing fast, reliable TRU / LLW sorting, the PANDDA's ruggedized electronics make it ideally suited for assay of more challenging streams including remote handled waste. To discuss this product range or any other PSC technology, please email your enquiry to info@pscnda.com, call our US office (505–424–6660).
Michael Pitts joins PSC
Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) is pleased to announce that Mr. Michael Pitts will be joining the Business Development Department, as Manager, Portable NDA Products and Services. Mr. Pitts will report to the Director, Business Development and will be responsible for formulating and growing a competitive and formidable business segment focused on capturing the opportunities in the Portable Non–Destructive Assay (NDA) marketplace.
Mr. Pitts comes from EnergySolutions, where he was a Project Manager based in Los Alamos. He is a proactive, results orientated manager, engineer and physicist with international experience in the nuclear industry. His previous experience includes: NDA lead for EnergySolutions at the Savannah River site, Client Project Manager, commissioning complex radiometric measurement systems, reviewing radiometric data from neutron and gamma–based NDA systems, production management at a nuclear fuel fabrication facility and the introduction of laser marking technology to a nuclear fuel canning plant.
Mr. Pitts rejoins PSC, as he was in Sales and Marketing for BNFL Instruments, Inc. between 1999 and 2001. His knowledge of NDA techniques and PSC products will enable him to grow PSC’s penetration of the Portable NDA marketplace and to a widening range of customers.
New for 2010, PSC will be presenting a regular feature discussing benefits and applications of key technologies. This month we present SuperHENC.
Featured Application: SuperHENC
The SuperHENC is a high–efficiency passive neutron coincidence counting system for the rapid assay of transuranic waste in large containers including Standard Waste Boxes.
The system can be trailer–mounted and integrated with a Gamma Energy Analysis system for isotopic measurement.
The SuperHENC incorporates state–of–the–art hardware and software (developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory) designed to minimize cosmic ray interactions, resulting in a very low limit of detection. This enables the system to perform Low–Level Waste (LLW) ⁄ Transuranic (TRU) segregation.
In January 2001, the Rocky Flats system was the first boxed waste assay system to be certified for disposal to the WIPP site. Over the past decade PSC has commissioned SuperHENC systems at four locations in the US DOE complex, dealing with WIPP and Safeguards requirements for diverse range of matrix and container types. The SuperHENC has now become a routine standard instrument for characterization of large containers.
Key to the success of the SuperHENC is the robust Add–A–Source (AAS) matrix correction method. A small Cf–252 source is placed into the assay chamber to acquire neutron coincidence data with and without the waste container loaded. This ratio allows a correction factor to be applied to the measured Pu240 effective mass result for matrix interferences.
At the WM 2010 Symposium in Phoenix, AZ, (March 7–11, 2010), PSC will be presenting a paper on the performance of the SuperHENC’s matrix correction technique. This study demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of the system in characterizing a diverse range of matrix materials including combustibles, plastics, metals, compacted pucks, and sludge.
To discuss this product or any other PSC technology, please email your enquiry to info@pajaritoscientific.com, call our US office (505–424–6660) or stop by the PSC booth at Waste Management 2010 for further information.
PSC Releases New TechniCART™ Product Range
The TechniCART™ family is engineered to ingeniously adapt to support various types of detection and measurement equipment. The revolutionary design results in high performance, multi–detector, multi–terrain platforms that are rugged, affordable and ergonomically efficient.
TechniCART™ provides a high strength stainless steel frame accommodating payloads of up to 500 lb, with the option of accommodating two detectors at the same time using a base plate adapter.
For users who wish ultra–portability with a single detector, the TechniCART™ II has a light weight aluminum frame that accommodates 200 lbs of equipment. Both models can be supplied with an extension arm that allows a vertical reach of 96 inches. An outrigger arm provides additional stability for extended heights.
These platforms are specifically designed to allow rapid and easy transportation of an entire portable assay system including HPGE detector, shield and collimator together with laptop and acquisition electronics. The flat–free large caster wheels permit movement through warehouse, dirt and gravel type terrain.
TechniCART™ UTV 600 is a fully integrated motorized utility vehicle for nuclear materials detection. The system is uniquely suited to meet the needs of professionals in fields such as Portable Non–Destructive Assay, emergency response and homeland security. High resolution gamma identification is combined with He–3 neutron counting and dose measurement to alert operators to the presence of radioactive materials including uranium and plutonium within vehicles ⁄ containers in diverse locations.
Radiological mapping can be performed with the on–board GPS tracking capability. The system allows the operator to position the detector system beside a vehicle or container of interest and displays results to the operator on the onboard computer within seconds. This makes it quick and easy for operators to identify nuclear ⁄ radioactive materials in vehicles, containers and other suspect cargo without the need for an expert in the field.
PSC Expands in the UK
Pajarito Scientific Corporation is expanding its capabilities in the United Kingdom to serve new markets including Nuclear Decommissioning Authority sites.
PSC will be working closely in the UK and Europe with Babcock International Group.
PSC’s UK based consultant, Alan Simpson, has established a new office near Northallerton in North Yorkshire. This region, conveniently located for the UK’s road, rail and air links, provides an excellent hub for access to British and European client sites.
Northallerton is 2 hours from Manchester (by road), and 3 hours from London (by rail). Sellafield can be reached in just over 2 hours on the A66. The area is also served by domestic and international flights from nearby Durham Tees Valley and Leeds-Bradford airports.
PSC is proud to offer its world class professional science and engineering capabilities to global markets including Europe and Asia in addition to its well established market base in the USA and Canada.
The new office is located at the Crab Tree Hall Business Centre which provides an ideal meeting venue near to the A1/A66.
Crabtree Hall Business Centre Little Holtby Northallerton North Yorkshire DL7 9LN United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 7522 372 510 Link to map
PSC 12 Month Safety Award
Pajarito Scientific Corporation's Idaho Falls, Idaho office has received the Perfect Record award from the National Safety Council. This award represents twelve consecutive months without occupational injury or illness involving days away from work.
"We are very committed to protecting the safety, health and welfare of our staff and this award is another example of PSC’s cultural awareness."
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) First Shipment to WIPP
Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) along with Mobile Characterization Services (MCS) supports the first ORNL shipment of waste to WIPP, providing Non Destructive Assay (NDA) instrumentation and services required for WIPP certification. A mobile PSC Imaging Passive Active Neutron/Segmented gamma scanner (IPAN/SGS) was mobilized to Melton Valley ORNL, along with PSC physics and technical staff required to certify and perform NDA operations. The neutron/gamma integrated IPAN/SGS process has provided multiple modes of analysis that have allowed the certification of a wide variety of difficult types of laboratory waste expected at ORNL. In addition, the technical staff has provided the necessary expertise for initial WIPP certification and continued compliant operations. With all the rigor of WIPP certification, and the short time to put the processes in place, the initial certification audit performance was considered excellent, due to the small number of concerns found during the audit.
This shipment is considered a major milestone toward environmental clean up for DOE (http://www.em.doe.gov/pdfs/R-08-42.pdf) and a major milestone for PSC to WIPP certify a sixth PSC developed IPAN system, along with providing complete NDA technical support for ongoing WIPP shipments.
Million Work Hours Award
On September 30, 2008, Pajarito Scientific Corporation’s (PSC) facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico achieved a significant milestone – one million work hours without experiencing a lost time accident. "PSC is extremely proud of our safety efforts with the million-hour mark being our latest achievement," said Robert Hanson, Environmental, Safety, Health and Quality Manager. "We are committed to providing a safe working environment and will continue to integrate "best safety practices" into our everyday working culture. PSC employs 45 people, so this is a very significant achievement. Reaching one million man hours without a lost time accident is the direct result of employees and management being committed to a safe work place."
LRQA Audit Results
Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) just completed a three-day certificate renewal assessment (conducted by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA)) of their ISO 9001:2000/TickIT Quality Management System. As a successful conclusion, PSC will retain their current certification. No non-compliances, major/minor, were identified. LRQA stated that PSC's internal audit and management review processes are solid and underline management's commitment to quality.
David Heath, President of PSC, stated that "retaining PSC's certification gives clear demonstration of our commitment to quality. This ISO 9001:2000 certification is very important in helping drive our business forward in a measurable and verifiable way. PSC is very committed to maintaining this internationally recognized quality management system (QMS) certification."
Quality Assurance Management System External Audit Feedback
One of Pajarito Scientific Corporation's (PSC) NRC regulated customers noted the following Positive Observations after completing an audit based on the regulatory provisions of 10CFR50 App. B, 10CFR Part 21, and requirements for commercial grade dedication:
» A strong sense of customer focus was evident among management.
» Procedural document control practices found robust (preparing, reviewing, approving, issuing, documenting employees required reading/acknowledgement, and changes thereto).
» Good thorough flow-down and control of customer purchase order/project requirements.
» Good system and control of design requirements for each customer project.
PSC's Atlanta Office Moves Locations
Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) – Atlanta office has moved locations in order to better service our current and potential new clients. PSC has been a part of the nuclear industry and in the Atlanta and southeastern region of the US since 2002. Throughout our presence, PSC-Atlanta have serviced our clients with amazingly talented individuals with a passion for technology and success. PSC-Atlanta is now poised to provide critical support as our industry is shifting focus from remediation to reprocessing and nuclear energy generation, while domestically and internationally stressing the importance of nuclear security and safeguards. PSC is an American-Owned Small Business, dedicated to the missions of the various entities throughout the world who are in one way or another driven by or engaged in the nuclear industry. We are excited about developing the next generation of products to support the world's needs and aiding in the management of the direction in which we head as a global community.
1010 Huntcliff Suite No. 1350 Atlanta, GA 30350 PH: +1.770.643.5325 FX: +1.770.643.5326 link to map
PSC Hosts ORTEC / LANL training class
PSC's Santa Fe Headquarters were the ideal venue for LANL's recent ORTEC Program Isotope training course. LANL's scientists were joined by PSC's Portable NDA Services team in a three-day class given by ORTEC's Rich Hagenauer. The syllabus included classroom training and "hands-on" drum measurements with Isotopic V4.1 using the new PSC TechniCART™. Trainees were introduced to new advanced features in the software that provide for high quality field characterization essential to the clean-up mission at Los Alamos and other DOE facilities.
Richard Hagenauer (ORTEC), Randy Lucero (PSC) and Kathleen Gruetzmacher (LANL), at the Isotopic training class.
PSC in Beijing
PSC attended the NIC show in Beijing, March 25th thru March 28th. NIC is China's premier nuclear industry event for the past 20 years and is strongly supported by the world's leading nuclear industry manufacturers and suppliers. NIC 2008 creates optimum business and trade opportunities with major end users and buyers.
(photo credit: Alan Simpson)
PSC exhibits new product at WM08
PSC exhibited the TechniCART™ at the new-look WM08 conference in Phoenix , AZ , February 24th thru February 27th 2008. TechniCART™ is a multi-purpose, rugged platform for deployment of portable NDA equipment and Nuclide Identifier Systems such as the Micro-Detective widely used by Homeland Security agencies. As a world expert in the detection and characterization of nuclear materials, PSC can provide engineered solutions for interdiction and detection of illicit nuclear materials trafficking and radiological threats.
PSC unveils new product
PSC unveiled its latest new product, the TechniCART™ at its Open House on August 16th. The TechniCART™ is a robust mobile platform for deployment of radiometric equipment such as HPGe detectors and neutron counters. The TechniCART™, which holds up to 500 lbs of equipment, offers a versatile ruggedized solution for in-situ characterization and can be rapidly setup for multiple assay configurations with and without collimators. The system has been recently demonstrated at LANL.
PSC Holds Open House
Pajarito Scientific Corporation (PSC) held an open house on August 16th to celebrate the launch of PSC and the transition of the Company from the former name of BIL Solutions, Inc. PSC, now an American owned small business and a leading supplier of radiometric instrumentation and services, located at 2532 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM welcomed original PSC founders John Caldwell and Mike Bieri to help introduce the new Company to many attending customers and suppliers including numerous engineers and scientists from National Laboratories and industries across the country.
PSC Announces New Neutron System
PSC is proud to announce the roll-out of its new Passive Active Neutron Differential Die-Away (PANDDATM) system. The PANDDATM with imaging system uses advanced imaging software and high performance electronics for rapid, accurate, high sensitivity assay of plutonium & uranium waste. PANDDATM can measure a diverse range of container sizes including small packages, 200 liter drums and large waste crate. The system's combined active and passive neutron assay modes make it well suited for both homogeneous waster (e.g. sludges, concrete) and heterogeneous debris waste (paper, plastics, combustibles etc). In addition to performing fast, reliable TRU / LLW sorting, the PANDDA's ruggedized electronics make it ideally suited for assay of more challenging streams including remote handled waste. PSC President David Heath remarked that "The release of this innovative, exciting new product makes Pajarito Scientific Corporation well positioned to solve the future generation of worldwide nuclear waste characterization challenges. As always we remain fully committed to supporting our customers' existing equipment from our previous product lines including the IPAN drum and box counters and we are looking forward to supplying new generation of systems such as PANDDATM with imaging."
For more information please contact:: Alan Simpson +1.505.424.6660 ext. 107.
Tucson, AZ – New Company Introduced at 48th Annual INMM Meeting
The newly formed Pajarito Scientific Corporation was unveiled at the INMM's Exhibition Hall in Tucson, July 8th – 12th. This event is an important date in the nuclear calendar with an attendance of over 400 scientists and professionals. The Annual Meeting provides a professional forum for the exchange of the latest technical information in nuclear materials management. The meeting addresses all aspects of nuclear materials management with papers and posters organized by the INMM Technical Program Committee. PSC's Technology and Physics Manager, Alan Simpson (pictured),presented a paper on "A 3-Dimensional Method for In-Situ Characterization of Buried Transuranic Waste using a Large Area Neutron Monitor".
PSC Goes Online With New Website and Email Addresses
PSC today unveiled our new website at www.PajaritoScientific.com. This new website is intended to serve our clients with the latest information regarding our products and services.
The implementation of our presence on the internet also marks the final step in PSC's re-branding effort following David Heath's purchase of our company from BNFL, plc.
In addition to rolling out the new website, PSC has also changed our email addresses. All PSC email addresses are now on the PajaritoScientific.com domain. In general, staff email addresses are will be formatted as <First Initial><Last Name>@PajaritoScientific.com. Please update your contacts accordingly.
For more information or for our latest email contact list please contact: Al Cobb +1.505.424.6660
SuperHENC Approved for CH Waste Operations at INL
The Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) conducted surveillance of the Central Characterization Project (CCP) waste program deployed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). During this surveillance, the audit team evaluated the operational characteristics of the SuperHENC system.
Original certification for the SuperHENC system was issued in February 2007. Soon thereafter, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added Tier 1 approval to the SuperHENC's impressive list of credentials.
The SuperHENC system was originally deployed at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS) site by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and PSC. Following the closure of the RFETS site, CCP contracted PSC to refurbish the SuperHENC for deployment at INL.
For more information please contact: Alan Simpson +1.505.424.6660 ext. 107.
PSC Corporate Headquarters Move
As of April 1, 2007, PSC will be moving to a new headquarters location in Santa Fe, NM.
The new address will be:
2532 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87507 USAThis new location will allow PSC to better serve our customer's needs.
For more information please contact: Al Cobb +1.505.424.6660
BIL Solutions Inc. sale
BIL Solutions, Inc. today announced that its parent company, UK based British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL), has signed an agreement to sell BIL Solutions, Inc. to an investment team led by David Heath, current President of BIL Solutions, Inc.
With headquarters in Santa Fe, New Mexico, BIL Solutions Inc. will now be a small, American owned business, employing approximately 50 instrumentation experts and holds contracts at several DOE sites and nuclear power facilities across North America and Japan.
The new operating name of the Company will be Pajarito Scientific Corporation. (PSC). PSC will continue to provide state of the art instrumentation and services in the areas of radiation detection and measurement.
For more information please contact: Al Cobb +1.505.424.6660
2532 Camino Entrada, Santa Fe, NM 87507 : phone +1.505.424.6660 : fax +1.505.424.1109 : info@PajaritoScientific.com
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