SYSCADE | ADVERTORIAL FEATURE


imaging and gamma spectrometry


Combining X-ray


Accurate identification of radioactive waste is essential, especially for legacy drums whose content may not meet current storage or disposal criteria. Over the past decades, regulatory frameworks for classifying and managing nuclear waste have evolved significantly, increasing the need for reliable, non-destructive characterization techniques.


SYSCADE AND SCANNIX have specialized in the development of high-performance solutions for radiation detection and gamma spectrometry. Their most recent innovation is a mobile unit designed for rapid and automated inspection and characterization of nuclear waste drums. Housed within a 40-foot container, the system combines two complementary technologies: 


A high-energy X-ray imaging system to reveal the type of wastes





A gamma spectrometry station for isotopic identification and activity quantification


Both systems operate within a shared shielded


cabin, ensuring operator safety and enhanced detection performance. The X-ray system is self-shielded, while the gamma station enters the low-background environment to perform high-resolution spectrometry, achieving a very low Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA).


Integrated Radiological Analysis The gamma station uses a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector operating in three modes: 


IOG (Integral Open Geometry) for global activity measurement


 


SGS (Segmented Gamma Scanning) to determine the axial distribution of radioactivity


Angular-SGS, developed to locate radioactive hot spots in each waste drum


Activity measurements are correlated with 3D X-ray


images, enabling precise localization of radionuclides in complex or heterogeneous matrices. The combined data improves waste classification by identifying material type, activity distribution, and isotope identification.


Automation and Advanced Capabilities The unit operates fully automatically, controlled by an industrial PLC system connected to a local database. This ensures reproducibility, data traceability, and simplified operation. The system is particularly well-suited for low-activity waste (LLW). For Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW), the gamma


station can be equipped with CdZnTe (CZT) detectors, combining high resolution and high count rates.


A dedicated software suite ensures compliance with


ASTM C1133, enabling accurate non-destructive assay (NDA) of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) like uranium-235, plutonium-239, and americium-241.


Conclusion By integrating structural and radiological analysis in a compact and automated platform, SYSCADE provides a powerful tool for efficient and accurate nuclear waste characterization. The combination of high-energy X-ray imaging with advanced gamma spectrometry improves decision-making in waste sorting, treatment, and final disposal. ■


SYSCADE SA – Mobile Radiography Solutions 3, rue du Mont d’Orcq - BE-7501 T: +32 (0) 479 76 58 60 W: www.mobile-radiography.com L: www.linkedin.com/company/ syscade


SCANNIX – Advanced Radiation Solutions


3, rue du Mont d’Orcq - BE-7501 T: +32 (0)69 64 06 04 W: www.scannix.com L: www.linkedin.com/ company/38141409


www.neimagazine.com | WNE Special Edition | 31


Top: SYSCADE Mobile Unit – Combined X-ray and gamma spectrometry systems housed in a shielded container.


Bottom: Drum inside the X-ray cabin and HPGe detector


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