SAM 940 Isotope Identifier

Our groundbreaking Radiation Isotope Identifier (called a RIID by Dept of Homeland Security) offers a suite of features to address a growing range of applications. From the technical needs of a health physicist to a food and drug inspector to a first responder in a HAZMAT suit, the SAM 940 Defender and Revealer will excite your field users.

The Berkeley Nucleonics SAM 940 Defender was developed to give users what they need: simple operation options, the ability to react quickly, and automatically obtain reliable, accurate technical data. Several modes of operation give users a range of technical reports on isotope identification and dose rate characterization. The most simple is a basic Isotope ID; the most complex includes nuclide specific dose calculations, GPS and historical data, and an analysis of statistical confidence levels.

Upon power-up, the SAM 940 performs a quick self-test and immediately begins monitoring; even after a lengthy power-down, temperature stabilization and automatic calibration guarantee accurate isotope identification results.
 

Overview

Overview 

Quick Specs

Applications

  • Isotope Identification
  • Detection Type: Gamma and Neutron
  • Detector Size: 1.5x1.5, 2x2, 3x3
  • GPS and CF Card 
  • Homeland Security
  • Emergency Responder
  • Safeguard and Nuclear Security
  • Radiological Area Mapping
  • Geological Radiation Survey

Features
  • SAM 940 Videos
  • Industry Leading Spectral Resolution
  • No Warm Up or Waiting Period
  • One Hand/One Glove Operation
  • Network Ready with ANSI N42.42 Data Transmission
  • Search and Confirm with One Instrument
  • COTS Batteries for Rapid Deployment
  • Highest Sensitivity and Response in Real Time
  • Operates Accurately in High Background
  • Auto Calibration and Stabilization with NORM
  • Cambio or Peak Easy Compatible
  • Ships with ANSI-Viewer Software
  • DOE Reachback Ready, JAC Ready
Applications
  • Emergency Response
  • Law Enforcement
  • Homeland Security
  • Undercover Surveillance
  • HAZMAT
  • Industrial
  • Medical
  • Radiation Safety
  • Passenger and Freight Monitoring
  • Non-proliferation Enforcement
  • Health Physics
  • Food, Water & Public Health Monitoring
  • Environmental Waste Monitoring
  • Unattended/Remote Monitoring
Take our New Online Training Course

Take our new online training course for the SAM 940 Isotope Identifier. The accredited program provides instruction on the basic and advanced use of the SAM 940 Isotope Identifier, an ANSI compliant nuclear detection, and analysis tool. The SAM web-based training guides users through a variety of virtual functions and can be paused and continued at a later time. The test at the end of the course is comprehensive and generates a completion certificate. Contact us for more information here

BNC's innovative approach to Radionuclide Isotope Identifiers (RIID)

We are no strangers to innovation, and our history indicates this. We have provided the isotope identification market with order-of-magnitude speed improvements in identification of unknown and mixed isotopes. The BNC Model SAM 905, our first isotope identifier, is an area monitor capable of isotope identification in real time. The Model SAM 935 was the first isotope identifier that provided users the ability to search large areas without stopping to collect statistics at various geometries. The Model SAM 935 eliminated costly activities for many users, such as sending samples to a lab and waiting days or weeks for analysis. The Model SAM 940 is the first isotope identifier designed after the publication of ANSI 42.34 (American National Standard Performance Criteria for Hand-held Instruments for the Detection and Identification of Radionuclides). In conformance with ANSI 42.34, we have engineered a product that excels in performance and packaging. Along with an ergonomic enclosure, the Model SAM 940 offers exceptional ruggedization, internal reliability, a flexible user interface, extended battery life on COTS or rechargeable batteries, networkability and automatic calibration. Data is delivered in a variety of formats, including the ANSI 42.42 spectral report format requirement, Cambio, Peak Easy or other industry standards.

Software Packages

For the most sophisticated users, the latest version of our quantitative analysis package, Quantum NaI/D, will allow users of the SAM 940 to perform a range of post-process analyses with unprecedented functionality. Logging complex data can be performed in real time, on a local PC, and over a network. Advanced features like peak deconvolution, geometry modeling, and multi-source comparisons are quickly addressed by the Quantum NaI/D operator.

For the first responder, the SAM 940 Viewer is the ideal software utility. ANSI compliant spectral reports are easily generated and downloadable for Dept. of Defense (USDOD), Dept. of Energy (USDOE) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reachback support. The 940 Viewer software utility presents the spectral header along with the statistically valid identification report in an easy to read, graphical format. (Contact the factory for an evaluation copy and sample data sets of most isotopes.)

Data Storage and Memory

The SAM 940 includes a large removable memory source, Compact Flash card (CF), to enable a range of operator and management tasks. For storage and transfer of data, CF Cards may be used to load updated ANSI Compliant data files onto PCs or other peripherals. Firmware upgrades to the operating system may also be emailed from the factory and loaded locally onto your CF Card. Custom Libraries and User Profiles can all be easily addressed with the onboard CF Card Memory Slot.

Independent Evaluation Reports

Berkeley Nucleonics is pleased to provide reports on the Model SAM 940 Defender and Revealer as required. Reports are typically conducted by independent test agencies on behalf of larger Federal customers. In a recent study on RIIDs in field test scenarios, the BNC SAM system ranked first in identification of isotopes in several catagories. The test included HPGe, LaBr, NaI, and CsI materials.

In a second recent study, the Model SAM 940 Defender isotope identification system was rated against the Canberra Inspector and the Thermo/Target/ICx Identifinder. Each instrument was evaluated and rated with regard to published specifications, actual radioisotope identification capabilities and actual first responder use/feedback. The evaluation was performed with a user group that included technical spectroscopists and field users on all 3 instruments at the same time. The Model SAM 940 was fastest at finding and identifying radioisotopes. Responders preferred the Model SAM 940 due to the speed, ease of use, and the color screen capabilities.

Operating System Upgrade

The SAM Defender and SAM Revealer are one-hand portable radiation detectors and isotope identifiers loaded with features. The product is well suited for radiological detection requirements ranging from interdiction and first responders to analytical field sampling and environmental clean-up to radiological sampling in food. The field-programmable system gives expert users a host of control options ranging from library modifications and alarm thresholds to automated reach-back options for US Dept of Energy or US Dept of Homeland Security support.

EAGLE, the first of two operating system upgrades, addresses a growing need for the first responder's ease of use. Useful Graphical User Interface changes, such as customized audible alarms and a Move Closer/Move Back indicator, assist the first time user during the initial survey or first responder data collection. Automated transfer of N42.42 compliant data gives the management team visibility to the radiological signatures in real time from a remote location. Library modifications are also included, enabling a broader range of medical and industrial isotope identification.

EAGLE-L, the second operating system upgrade, adds features that integrate with multiple 3rd party devices.  High-performance GPS (1-foot special resolution), law enforcement radio communication interoperability, unmanned data logging, and user-defined ROI logging are some of the handy features in the EAGLE-L upgrade.

With our ongoing library editing and GUI changes, we are expanding the applications well suited for the SAM systems, comments Jim McQuaid, Chief Nuclear Engineer. Our training classes are expanding to address participants from a growing list of fields. New students from diverse fields such as nuclear medicine, food safety and inspection, law enforcement, and waste cleanup are participating in these courses.

The SAM Isotope Identifiers are available from stock and are priced between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on detector and software options. The SAM family of instruments is compliant with ANSI N42 standards for RIIDs and qualifies for CST, UASI, or MMRS funding requests. New detector options address difficult SNM characterization, neutron detection, and fast identification of moving materials or pedestrians. Give us a call at 800-234-7858 to discuss your program requirements. Berkeley Nucleonics offers consulting services with Certified Health Physicists and personnel with multiple clearances as required.

End User GUI Updates in the SAM 940

Model 940

New GUI updates in EAGLE, the latest operating system in the SAM 940, give end users the ability to set mission-specific thresholds for a variety of alarm conditions. Customers can now address a broader range of applications, from subway stations with high natural backgrounds to missions at sea with very low natural backgrounds. Our experienced staff of spectroscopists and health physicists can assist you in setting up the versatile Isotope Identifiers to perform exactly to your protocols. Some examples follow:


Move Closer

Model 940

An optional prompt that is enabled by the user. It is triggered by a statistical count rate that needs to be increased to achieve an acceptable confidence level in isotopic confirmation.


Move Back

Model 940

An optional prompt that is enabled by the user. It is triggered by a statistical count rate that is too high and could lead to possible degradation of isotopic confirmation.


Dual Tachometer

Model 940

A handy feature on the SAM 940 that gives a graphical indication of Gamma and Neutron Count Rate. For the seasoned inspector, the correlation offers a quick indication of SNM. Neutron Counts (BLUE) are also available in real-time, and on all spectroscopic reports.


Cambio & Peak Easy Support

Model 940

Choose from BNC's SAM 940 Viewer or use industry standard US DOE, and US DHS supported options at no additional cost.

Specifications 
Detector Nal Lil, or optional CeBr
Integrated Electronics Digital signal-processing MCA
Energy Range 18 keV - 3 meV
Controller I/O 10/100 Ethernet port and CompactFlash reader with USB adaptor
Power 8 standard AA batteries
Weight 4.5 lbs with 2"x2" Nal detector and batteries
Dimensions 12"Lx4"Hx5"W (excluding detector)
Water/Dust Resistance IP56
Temperature Range -20 to 50°C
Controls 7-key custom keypad with one-thumb operation
Alarm Visual (On screen) and Audio (internal speaker or optional headphones)
Detachable Detectors 2"x2" or 3"x3" Nal Detector options, with or without Neutron detector Integral HV bias supply and optional CeBr detector
Patented Technology Quadratic Compression Conversion (QCC) allows for the identification of mixed isotopes in one second
Hysteresis Provides 97% ID confidence level in 2 seconds
ADC: Type: Base Converter 14-bit pipelined-flash Conv. Modes: Linear 256, 512, 1024 QCC 256, 512 (U.S. Patent 5,608,222)
Calibration Automatic Stabilization with temperature
Customization Modifications of isotopes and their associated energy lines, either in the field or using Microsoft Excel Essentially no limit to the number of isotopes or lines Sound preference can be changed
Library Standard N42.34 ANSI isotopes, ITRAP, IAEA list, medical, industrial, SNM, or user-defined lists
Functions Nuclide identification, spectrum analysis, dose rate calculation (rem/Sv), total dose, audible search tool

Shipping Dimensions 23 x 17 x 9"
Shipping Weight 25 lbs
Options 
SAM 940 SYSTEMS PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Model 940-C SAM 940 w/o detector/CF Card/Acces.
Model 940-2-G SAM 940 w/ ext. 2.0"x2.0" det., Eagle OS, Quantum NaI, ANSIview
Model 940-2-GN SAM 940 w/ Neutron, ext. 2.0"x2.0", Eagle OS
Model 940-2-GH SAM 940 w/ 3He Neutron, ext. 2.0"x2.0", Eagle OS
Model 940-3-G SAM 940 w/ ext. 3.0"x3.0" det., Eagle OS
Model 940-3-GN SAM 940 w/ Neutron, ext. 3.0"x3.0", Eagle OS
Model 940-3-GH SAM 940 w/ 3He Neutron, ext. 3.0"x3.0", Eagle OS
Model 940-2GN-1 SAM 940 with Custom GUI, Gamma/Neutron Detector, Eagle OS
Model 940-2C SAM 940 w/ CeBr Detector, 1.5"x1.5", Eagle OS
Model 970 Custom 2"x2" NaI Stationary SAM Monitor, Portal or Wall Mount, with Reachback, 1 Second Relay, Identification, GUI - Call for quote and design specs
SERVICE AGREEMENT DESCRIPTION
P/N8000-SA3-940-XX 3yr Service Agreement for Model 940-XX. Includes upgrade to Eagle OS / Eagle-L Data Logging Support, Isotope Library Modifications, Hardware / Component / Accessory Replacement, 3-Day Repair or Replace Servicing, Class-Pass for regional seminar (see web for schedule), 6ea Web-Based Training Registrations, 1 Trainer-on-a-Flash USB Course, Quantitative software for spectroscopic analysis, upgrades to software programs (ANSI Viewer, Quantum, other), online web-chat or phone support as required, Event Support, Loaner Program (same-day stock shipping), Field Upgradeable Firmware/Modes of Operation, Prepaid Shipping (Domestic Locations), DOE/DNDO Reachback Support.
P/N8000-SI-9401D-ON 3Custom Class Voucher for Onsite Training Package. Includes 1 instructor (experience in Health Physics and Environmental) for 1 day, 8 hours of lessons and exercises, accredited training program (CEU units), equipment rental and return, travel and expenses, training materials ( 60 page binder, training exercises, job aids, Powerpoint, train-the-trainer ), 6-10 students per voucher. - Domestic Locations Only --
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Model RD-150 SAMMobile | How can I determine if I need a 2x4x16 or a 4x4x16 inch NaI detector?

Model RD-150 SAMMobile | How can I determine if I need a 2x4x16 or a 4x4x16 inch NaI detector?

BNC generally recommends a 2x4x16 inch detector unless greater efficiency is needed at high photon energies.  For energies that include photons from U-235 and Pu-239 there is negligible difference between the two sizes.  This means that the photons from both U-235 and Pu-239 are fully absorbed in either size detector.  For isotopes like Cs-137 and U-238 some differences begin to show.  The photon energy at 2615 keV (which is an indication of highly enriched material) is still easily detected in the 2x4x16 inch detector because the background is quite low in this region.  Contact the factory for application specific support. The data for several common isotopes is shown below:
 

2x4x16

4x4x16

100% absorption (abs) at 186 keV (includes all energies of U-235)

87% abs at 414 keV (includes Pu-239 at 332, 375 and 414 keV)

75% abs at 662 keV (Cs-137)

67% abs at 1000 keV (U-238)

52% abs at 2615 keV

100% abs at 186 keV (includes all energies of U-235)

98% abs at 414 keV (includes all energies of Pu-239)

95% abs at 662 keV (Cs-137)

89% abs at 1000 keV (U-238)

76% abs at 2615 keV

Model SAM 950 | What is the battery life of the SAM 950 RIID ?

Model SAM 950 | What is the battery life of the SAM 950 RIID ?

The Model SAM 950 has a highly upgraded power source with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.  These batteries give reliable operation for over 8 hours before requiring recharge.

SAM III Series | What are the advantages of smart phone technology ?

SAM III Series | What are the advantages of smart phone technology ?

The smart phone technology lends itself to spectroscopy with a simplified and intuitive operation.  The advantages are many fold:

  1.  Smart phone operation is wide spread allowing the user to quickly adapt to touch screen use and utilizing many cell phone features.
  2. The device (PDA) is a quality product which gives the SAM III products reliable operation with many first-ever capabilities.  The display has excellent linearity and resolution with color coded spectra and one-finger operation of the cursor.  Many features are automated, for example, auto calibration and stabilization which are clearly displayed.
  3. Detaching the PDA (SAM 945, RD120) allows convenient control of the instrument from a distance (bluetooth control).  With the RD120 SAMpack monitoring can be clandestine with or without earphones.  
  4. When monitoring waste or highly active material the user can be at a safe distance (20 feet or more) and have complete control of the spectrometer which includes making measurements, taking multiple acquisitions, manipulating the spectrum, etc.  Therefore, the ALARA safety practices are easily accomplished.
  5. General cell phone features are incorporated into the operation of the SAM.  For example, taking a picture and adding text or video describing details of the source being measured.  This added information is included with the report and spectrum.

SAM III Series | What is the maximum count rate for the SAM III instruments?

SAM III Series | What is the maximum count rate for the SAM III instruments?

The SAM III instruments have a maximum count rate of 100,000 CPS and 150,000 CPS depending on the amount of background and the number of energy peaks being processed. 

SAM III Series | What is the sigma trigger setting for?

SAM III Series | What is the sigma trigger setting for?

The sigma trigger allows a low threshold for sensing a radioactive source while being unaffected by false triggering due to changes in background (sigma indicates standard deviations over background).  This provision automatically updates the current background which yields higher sensitivity while eliminating false triggers due to changing ambient background.  This feature allows the user to survey a large area without needing to continuously stop and store a new and different background.  A sigma setting of 4 is recommended.

SAM III Series | What isotope libraries are supplied with the RIIDs and Backpack Systems ?

SAM III Series | What isotope libraries are supplied with the RIIDs and Backpack Systems ?

Berkeley Nucleonics provides the standard ANSI N42 compliant libraries for SNM, Medical, Industrial and NORM. Also a user defined library is provided. Finally, an expanded ANSI compliant library is available for CeBr and LaBr detector upgrades. New medical libraries and isotopes are updated through the product's free apps, PeakGo and PeakAbout.

SAM III Series | Why are some isotopes harder to identify at low dose rates/count rates?

SAM III Series | Why are some isotopes harder to identify at low dose rates/count rates?

The example given here is for a typical background of 7 urem/hr (70 nSv/hr) which corresponds to about 250 gamma counts per second (cps).    When a Ra-226 source is detected there will be an alarm at background levels but a firm ID will not occur until the cps reaches about twice the background level (500 – 600 cps for this example).  This higher cps level for ID is expected since Ra-226 has many peaks and many are very low in abundance (sometimes referred to as Branching Ratio, Branching intensity or intensity of peaks.) 

In addition Ba-133 has similar peaks with much higher branching intensities (about 20 times higher) which add to the complexity of identifying Ra-226 especially at low cps.  The library is carefully designed to take this into account but moving closer to the source or waiting a little longer for a solid ID is always important (Ba-133 ID may be seen momentarily but will cease as statistics improve).  Identifying two or more isotopes each with low abundant lines (peaks) may also require moving closer to the source and possibly waiting longer to obtain good performance. 

U-238 is another example of a source with low abundant lines and may take up to 30 seconds or more to identify at minimum count rate (<500 cps).  Users must realize that the basic specifications which are given for the Cs-137 standard is the result of a very high branching intensity (>85%) - whereas the branching intensity of U-238 lines are less than 1% of Cs-137.  It is therefore expected that acquisitions on some sources will take a little longer but it is common practice to use acquisitions of at least 1 minute and to move closer to the source if possible.

SAM III Series | Why is operation in the “Variable Alarm Mode” preferred and why is Auto Variable Trigger employed?

SAM III Series | Why is operation in the “Variable Alarm Mode” preferred and why is Auto Variable Trigger employed?

When using the Variable Alarm Mode (as opposed to Fixed Alarm Mode) a low threshold can be set to start the acquisition during a search for radionuclides.  A low threshold which triggers the start of an acquisition is important for achieving high sensitivity.  However, changes in the background during surveillance can cause false triggers that may result in false identification of isotopes.  To prevent false triggers from happening BNC uses a scheme called “Auto Variable Trigger”. This is a threshold adjustment that continuously optimizes the threshold setting automatically.  Those performing environmental surveillance will find this mode especially valuable as it allows identification of NORM isotopes with the highest sensitivity possible during changes in NORM.

Downloadable Resources 

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.

Product Datasheets
• Product Firmware
• Product Software and Drivers
• Product Manuals

Media

Media 
Video URL 
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SAM 940 | Streamview
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SAM 940 | Cable Accessories
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SAM 940 | Pull Cart Assembly
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SAM 940 | NEW Pull Cart
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SAM 940 | Cerium Bromide Detector
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Online Course | Scintillation Detection
Video URL 
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SAM 940+ | Detect and Identify! The Latest Radioisotope Solution
Video URL 
Video title 
Missed Out on the SAM 940+ Product Launch? | Webinar RECORDING

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