Radiation Monitors

At Lund University, the MAX IV Laboratory radiation monitoring system is primarily used to monitor the photon dose rate in occupied areas when the accelerator is in operation. The system currently comprises approximately 50 units. Each unit consists of an ionization chamber and a logic/control/alarm unit. Additional units are needed to cover future needs. In addition, a number of the existing units should be supplemented with neutron detectors.

At Lund University, the MAX IV Laboratory radiation monitoring system is primarily used to monitor the photon dose rate in occupied areas when the accelerator is in operation. The system currently comprises approximately 50 units. Each unit consists of an ionization chamber and a logic/control/alarm unit. Additional units are needed to cover future needs. In addition, a number of the existing units should be supplemented with neutron detectors.

Scope

The MAX IV Laboratory radiation monitoring system is primarily used to monitor the photon dose rate in occupied areas when the accelerator is in operation. The system currently comprises approximately 50 radiation monitors. Each radiation monitor consists of an ionization chamber and a logic/control/alarm unit. Additionally, approximately 10 radiation monitors also include a neutron detector.

As a result of future additions of new beamlines and accelerator projects, an ambition of increased coverage and the need for spare radiation monitors, an expansion of the system with up to 20 radiation monitors is foreseen over the next three to four years.

Future radiation monitors will be positioned relatively close to either the shielding concrete walls surrounding the accelerators or the lead-lined steel walls of beamline hutches. The radiation monitors will have relays or equivalent that indicate when a dose rate threshold is exceeded (one for "high" dose rate and one for "elevated" dose rate) or if a detector failure has occurred. The relays or equivalent will be directly connected to the Personnel Safety System (PSS) which will take appropriate action depending on radiation monitor location and type of alarm. The radiation monitor generates a local alarm (light and sound) if the high dose rate threshold is exceeded. The photon (and neutron, if applicable) dose rate from each system will be read out over Ethernet. The addition of a neutron detector will be a possibility for all future radiation monitors.