model-960 product page was serving real-time spectrum analyzer content, not radiation-monitoring content, so the live page was not used as a source. The Model 960 has no standalone hosted product image, so the hero and figures use labeled placeholders that describe the intended system photo. Confirm the live page slug, the energy and dose rate ranges, the operating temperature, the IP rating, and the web-copy variants (Pedestrian, H) and Central Command networking option before publishing.1Overview
The Model 960 Radiation Monitoring System answers the growing need for radiometric control in waste management and incineration facilities. It is a high-sensitivity monitor built to locate unwanted radioisotopes regardless of varying background, the kind of contamination that carries radiological, economic, and legal risk. The Model 960 is optimized to fit anywhere in a facility.
Inside its discrete form factor sits a large plastic scintillation detector, counting electronics, and a background-averaging algorithm that drives near 100 percent detection probability. The system includes an alarm beacon and a panel PC for control, and it is available in dual configurations set to match a given site.
2Key Features
- X and gamma radiation monitoring
- Real-time data acquisition
- In a 100 nSv/h background, detects radiometric anomalies of 16 nSv/h
- Sturdy plastic scintillation detector in a robust housing
- Background shielding of 10 mm Pb
- Sensitivity of 150 kcps per µSv/h
- Near 100 percent detection probability
- Local or remote sound and light alarm
3Detector & Performance
The Model 960 is a fixed, installed area-monitoring system, not a handheld. A large plastic scintillation detector, available as a 25-liter large box or a 5-liter small box, is paired with a preamplifier, high-voltage supply, and data acquisition electronics. Each detector is shielded by 1 cm of lead. The shielding serves two purposes: it screens out background and it raises measurement efficiency through some backscattering.
Even in standby, the system stays in background mode and recomputes a new background average. Each second, the background is recalculated as the average of the last 5 minutes. Selective presence sensors then stop background updates and start a measurement when an object passes, whether a person, a trolley, or a vehicle. That prevents nuisance alarms from unrelated passers-by. The operator can select the alarm threshold, and the system raises a sound and light alarm when the threshold is exceeded.
The averaging time is programmable and is factory set to 300 seconds. When the proximity sensors signal an object, the Model 960 enters measurement mode and applies a programmable "measurement with object" threshold. The display shows the live count rate versus time in black, the average in light green, and the alarm threshold as a red line. This dual-threshold mode balances sensitivity against false alarms. Where sensors are expected to be engaged continuously, such as a conveyor belt or a crowded area, both thresholds can be set to the same level.
4Specifications
Radiation and detection
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Radiation types detected | X and gamma radiation |
| Detector type | Plastic scintillation detector (large), paired with counting electronics |
| Detection probability | Virtually 100 percent |
| Background shielding | 10 mm Pb (1 cm Pb; shields background and increases efficiency via backscattering) |
| Typical performance | In a 100 nSv/h background, detects anomalies of 16 nSv/h (large detector); 25 nSv/h (small detector) |
| Background mode | Recalculated each second as the average of the last 5 minutes; averaging time programmable, factory set to 300 seconds |
| Alpha / beta / neutron | Not detected (X and gamma only) |
| Energy range | verify |
| Dose rate range | verify (specified as anomaly detection thresholds and sensitivity) |
Control unit
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Control unit | 1 |
| Size and weight | 500 x 200 x 400 mm, 22.05 lb |
| Power supplies | 110 to 220 VAC |
| Power consumption | Negligible |
| Connection cable to detector unit | 10 m |
| Optional | Proximity sensors, camera |
Detector config 2A – large detector (25 liters)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector box size and weight | 1570 x 700 x 110 mm, 242.51 lb |
| Actual detector size | 1000 x 500 x 50 mm |
| Background shielding | 10 mm Pb |
| Sensitivity | 150 kcps per µSv/h |
| Acquisition electronics | Preamplifier, HV, and data acquisition |
| Housing | High-transparency robust housing (PVC in front of the detector, stainless steel elsewhere) |
| Typical performance | In a 100 nSv/h background, detects anomalies of 16 nSv/h |
Detector config 2B – small detector (5 liters)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector box size and weight | 500 x 200 x 400 mm, 66.14 lb |
| Actual detector size | 220 x 220 x 50 mm |
| Background shielding | Not available |
| Sensitivity | 20 kcps per µSv/h |
| Acquisition electronics | Preamplifier, HV, and data acquisition |
| Housing | High-transparency robust housing |
| Typical performance | In a 100 nSv/h background, detects anomalies of 25 nSv/h |
Alarms, display, comms, and environment
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alarms | Sound and light alarm when threshold exceeded; alarm beacon; local and/or remote; programmable threshold with dual modes (standby vs measurement with object) |
| Display / control | Panel PC for system control; live count rate vs time chart (count rate black, average light green, threshold red line); controlled by a PC nearby or in an office |
| Comms / networking | Fully managed remotely from any PC on the local network (password protected); alarm reports printable on a local or remote printer via network; Central Command networking with GUI software (per web copy, verify) |
| Operating temperature | verify |
| IP rating | verify |
5Applications
- Discrete perimeter monitoring
- Unmanned remote monitoring
- Cargo container security
- Conveyor or robotic system integration
- Surveillance of critical infrastructure
- Other moving source locations (medicine departments, personnel doorways, conveyor belts)
- Waste management and incineration facilities (radiometric control)
- Metal scrap yards and orphan source detection (per web-copy "Model 960 – H" variant, verify)
- Homeland security and pedestrian screening (per web-copy "Model 960 – Pedestrian" variant, verify)
6Options & Configurations
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Config 2A, large detector | 25-liter detector box, 10 mm Pb shielding, 150 kcps per µSv/h |
| Config 2B, small detector | 5-liter detector box, no shielding, 20 kcps per µSv/h |
| Proximity sensors | Presence sensors that trigger measurement mode |
| Camera | Optional camera |
| Central Command networking | Area-monitoring overview with GUI software (per web copy, verify) |
| Model 960 – Pedestrian | Homeland security and critical-site pedestrian screening (per web copy, verify) |
| Model 960 – H | Metal scrap yards and orphan sources in contaminated metals (per web copy, verify) |
7Ordering / In the Box
A Model 960 installation pairs one control unit with the chosen detector configuration. The control unit measures 500 x 200 x 400 mm at 22.05 lb, runs on 110 to 220 VAC, and connects to the detector unit through a 10 m cable. Select the 25-liter large detector for maximum sensitivity and lead shielding, or the 5-liter small detector for tighter spaces. Add proximity sensors and a camera as the site requires, and network the system to a Central Command for an area-wide view.
To configure a Model 960, request a quote, or arrange a site assessment, contact Berkeley Nucleonics at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.