Thermo Fisher SGS I & SGS II Safety-Guard Series Radiation Monitoring Systems for Cargo, Vehicles, Personnel and Packages

Overview

The Thermo Fisher SGS I and SGS II Safety-Guard Series Radiation Monitoring Systems are engineered for high-throughput, field-deployable detection of illicit radioactive and special nuclear materials (SNM) in diverse operational environments. Based on proven scintillation-based radiation spectroscopy and neutron moderation principles, these systems employ dual plastic scintillator gamma detectors coupled with pressurized ³He proportional counters to deliver simultaneous, real-time gamma and thermal/fast neutron detection. The SGS I configuration is optimized for personnel screening, small vehicle inspection, conveyor-belt parcel scanning, and fixed-site portal monitoring; the SGS II system—comprising modular 1500 GN units—is designed for full-height, full-width scanning of trucks, railcars, and shipping containers. Both platforms operate under passive detection principles, requiring no external radiation source, and conform to internationally recognized performance benchmarks defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Guidance Document TS-G-1.2 and the Integrated Nuclear Security Guidance (ITRAP+10) framework.

Key Features

• Dual-modality detection: Simultaneous gamma and neutron response enables discrimination between naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), medical isotopes, industrial sources, and weapons-grade SNM such as ²³⁵U or ²³⁹Pu.
• Patented NBR (Neutron-Beta Ratio) algorithm embedded in FHT6020 electronics enhances artificial radionuclide identification while suppressing false positives from potassium-40 or thorium-series background.
• Modular architecture: SGS II supports scalable deployment—from single-lane truck portals to multi-lane port-of-entry configurations—with up to four synchronized 1500 GN detector units per monitoring lane.
• Robust environmental tolerance: Operational range from –20 °C to +50 °C ensures reliability across arctic border crossings, tropical seaports, and desert transit corridors.
• Configurable alarm hierarchy: Two independent alarm thresholds per detection channel support tiered response protocols (e.g., visual alert → audio warning → automated gate lockout).
• Secure data governance: Password-protected system configuration, timestamped event logging, and encrypted local storage of up to 1300 measurement records comply with GLP-aligned audit requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SGS platform accommodates heterogeneous sample geometries without physical contact or sample preparation: sealed postal packages, palletized cargo, passenger vehicles, rail wagons, and personnel in motion. Each system undergoes factory calibration traceable to NIST standards using ¹³⁷Cs, ⁶⁰Co, and ²⁵²Cf reference sources. Regulatory alignment includes full conformance with IAEA Safety Standards Series No. TS-G-1.2 (Radiation Detection Equipment for Border Monitoring), ITRAP+10 technical specifications, and ANSI N42.35-2019 (Performance Criteria for Radionuclide Identification Devices). Optional firmware modules support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trails for facilities operating under FDA or national nuclear regulatory authority oversight.

Software & Data Management

Thermo Fisher’s proprietary SGS Control Suite provides intuitive GUI-based operation via Windows-compatible host PCs. The software supports real-time spectral display, dose rate mapping, alarm event annotation, and export of CSV/Excel-compatible reports compliant with IAEA Form RMD-1. All measurement metadata—including GPS coordinates (when integrated with optional GNSS module), speed sensor input, ambient temperature, and detector voltage stability—are time-synchronized and stored with SHA-256 checksum integrity verification. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are enabled via secure HTTPS API endpoints, facilitating centralized fleet management across distributed customs checkpoints or nuclear facility perimeters.

Applications

• Customs and border protection: Primary screening at land ports of entry (e.g., Khorgos, Manzhouli), seaports (e.g., Yangshan, Tianjin Xingang), and international airports (e.g., PEK, PVG, SZX).
• Nuclear security and non-proliferation: Continuous monitoring at nuclear power plant access gates, fuel fabrication facilities, and radioactive source storage vaults.
• Recycling and scrap metal industry: Prevention of orphan source ingress into melting furnaces, in accordance with IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
• Emergency response and civil defense: Rapid deployment during radiological dispersal device (RDD) incidents or post-accident contamination surveys.
• Logistics and express courier networks: Integration with automated sorting lines at EMS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS regional hubs for volumetric parcel screening.

FAQ

What radiation types does the SGS system detect?
Gamma radiation (60 keV–3 MeV) and thermal/fast neutrons (via moderated ³He detection).
Can the system distinguish between medical isotopes and weapons-grade material?
Yes—using the NBR algorithm and multi-channel pulse-height analysis, it differentiates isotopic signatures including ¹³¹I, ^99mTc, ¹³⁷Cs, and SNM-relevant fission products.
Is calibration required on-site after installation?
No—factory calibration is NIST-traceable and field-validated; annual verification against check sources is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025.
How is neutron sensitivity achieved without a moderator assembly?
Each 1500 GN unit integrates polyethylene moderator layers around the ³He tube to optimize thermal neutron capture cross-section while maintaining compact form factor.
Does the system support integration with existing facility access control systems?
Yes—via dry-contact relay outputs and Modbus TCP protocol, enabling interoperability with turnstiles, barrier gates, and central command-and-control platforms.