Scientists have developed for the first time a Local Area Network (LAN) based online ‘Gamma Dose’ logger to continuously monitor ionising radiation in the environment around nuclear reactors and associated fuel cycle facilities.

“Such continuous monitoring also provides for early detection of excess release in case of an untoward incident and also to estimate the source term, which is essential for emergency response,” Dr B. Venkatraman, Associate Director, Radiological Safety and Environmental Group (RSEG) of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), told PTI here.

“Our system works on batteries with solar power charging and is thus eco-friendly,” he said.

Dr Venkataraman said now real time data access through local area network and real time graphical display of dose rate values was possible.

“The system sensitivity is on par with similar international systems and prompt detection of movement of any radioactive materials — both planned and inadvertent can be detected reliably,” he said.

The indigenously developed online ‘Gamma Dose’ logger will be at least Rs 1.5 lakh cheaper than the imported ones and also have additional features, he said.

“The crux is the indigenous development of such system which means enhanced availability, less dependence on imports and more importantly easy serviceability and maintenance which means less down times,” he added.

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