Jerry, As of yet, we have not established a mechanism for using in field electronic dosimeters as area radiation monitors for other than “Information use only usage. This topic was discussed at the EPRI remote monitoring meeting last month and continues to be a topic that needs further debate. I know that others have tried to use the guidance in ANSI N323A-1997 American National Standard Radiation Protection Instrumentation Test and Calibration, Portable Survey Instruments to go beyond the information only aspects; however, I think that most folks have backed off since then because they are still committed to the “daily response checks” for portable instruments. This is reinforced in section 4.8 of ANSI N323A-1997, Source response check, to ensure proper operation of the instrument between calibrations; each instrument shall be checked with a source during operation at least daily.
Hence the information only aspects of what we currently use. I think that a logical way around this would be to employ the concept described in the standard as a “functional check” which can be qualitative but is used to determine that an instrument is operational and capable of performing its intended function. If you can determine a process of valid checks I believe that you could proceed on this basis. However, I think that instead of doing this in a piece meal, individual fashion, this should be an industry initiative sponsored by EPRI or maybe the PRS Board of Directors. Based on the reliability and long-term track record of the electronic dosimeters used in the field for this function, the need to enhance older and in some cases obsolete in-plant radiation monitoring systems, this is something that is really needed. Since most of us have fairly sophisticated monitoring software, having a computer alert us to changing radiological conditions and then taking appropriate actions is to me what excellence looks like. As a member of the standing EPRI remote monitoring committee and PRS Board member I am committed to us moving in this direction. Maybe 2011 will be the year we can get some traction on this. Seth. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Barber, Jerry Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 8:02 AM To: '[email protected]' Subject: Powernet: Use Telemetric Electronic Dosimeters to Document Survey Data Our Robinson ALARA personnel would like to know if there are any sites that have established a mechanism for using dose rate data provided by telemetric electronic dosimeters placed in the plant as area radiation monitors, for other than “Information use only” (e.g., trending)? Thanks Jerry Barber Lead RC Specialist H.B. Robinson Nuclear Plant 843-857-1496 [email protected] Email Firewall made the following annotations --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- NOTICE --- This message is for the designated recipient only and may contain confidential, privileged or proprietary information. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original and any copy or printout. Unintended recipients are prohibited from making any other use of this e-mail. Although we have taken reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this e-mail, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this e-mail or attachments, or for any delay or errors or omissions in the contents which result from e-mail transmission. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
