In a groundbreaking collaboration between AWE (The Atomic Weapons Establishment) and JCS Nuclear Solutions, the GMS595 has emerged as a game-changer in the field of gamma monitoring.
Unlike conventional gas-filled detectors, which require warm-up time and are affected by temperature and pressure, the GMS595 operates seamlessly without delays. From nano Sieverts per hour (nSv/hr) to 1 Sievert per hour (Sv/hr), this instrument provides accurate measurements across a wide gamma dose-rate range and an impressive energy response from 32 keV to 7 MeV.
Today, JCS are happy to announce the first in a suite of upgrades to the GMS595: the ability to measure pulsed fields.
Pulsed Gamma and X-ray Fields
The latest development in the GMS595’s capabilities is its ability to measure dose rates in pulsed gamma and x-ray fields.
This breakthrough extends its applications beyond traditional gamma monitoring. Now, radiation protection professionals can confidently use the GMS595 for non-destructive testing (NDT) and shielding surveys, even in high-powered betatron and x-ray generator environments.
Continuous Pulsed Radiation
Continuous pulsed radiation refers to a mode of radiation exposure where short pulses of radiation are used instead of continuous exposure. Unlike continuous (uninterrupted) radiation, which maintains a constant intensity, pulsed radiation involves periodic bursts or pulses of radiation.
Pulse Frequency and Dose Reduction
In contrast to continuous fluoroscopy, which provides a continuous stream of X-rays, pulsed fluoroscopy aims to reduce the dose to patients and staff by using short pulses of radiation. The pulse frequency should be as low as possible while still achieving clinically desired results. Short pulses minimise the overall radiation exposure, leading to reduced dose accumulation over time.
Betatron:
Frequency: 200 Hz
Pulse Width: 1 µs (microsecond)
Betatrons are commonly used for high-energy electron beam therapy in cancer treatment.
LINAC:
Frequency: 360 Hz
LINACs accelerate charged particles (usually electrons) along a linear path.
They are used for various medical procedures, including radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
So far, only very low dose rates have been tested with LINACs, further testing is planned for later this year.
X-Ray Generators
These devices are portable X-ray generators used for NDT and security applications.
Frequency: 10 Hz
Pulse Width: 10 ns (nanoseconds)
Maximum Energy (Emax): 250 keV (kilo-electronvolts)
The short pulse width allows for precise imaging while minimising radiation exposure.
Applications
The GMS595 finds relevance in various sectors:
Nuclear power generation: ensuring safety during reactor operations and maintenance.
Nuclear fuel processing: monitoring radiation levels in fuel processing facilities.
Non-destructive testing (NDT): assessing material integrity without damaging the structure.
Fusion energy research: supporting experiments in controlled nuclear fusion.
Nuclear decommissioning: safeguarding workers during decommissioning activities.
Defence and security: detecting radiation threats in critical areas.
Medical physics and nuclear medicine: precise dose-rate measurements in medical settings.
The GMS595 has undergone several firmware updates, enhancing its functionality and compatibility:
v1.2
First production release firmware providing the following:
Primary operational requirements achieved
Laid the foundation for subsequent improvements.
v2.04
The first major firmware update brings the following improvements:
Integrated dose feature, allowing operators to select functionality between standard dose-rate measurements and setting up total dose interval parameters for integrated dose measurements.
ntroduces a new boot-loader functionality, giving calibrators and admins the ability to upgrade new instrument firmware. Removing the requirement to return the instrument to the JCS Nuclear Solutions for firmware upgrades.
v2.09
Pulsed-field measurement capability comes to the GMS595 for non-destructive testing and shielding survey applications This update brings the first wave of pulsed-field measurement capability after extensive testing with Betatron generators:
Betatron compatible.
Updated hardware support.
v2.10
This update is all about laying the foundation for exciting hardware upgrades, including a new beta detector. This firmware will allow efficient manufacture, set up, test and calibration of each GMS595 model variant:
Support was added for beta detector measurements.
Automatic detector recognition streamlines manufacturing and setup operations.
JCS takes great pride in supporting the Made in Bury Business Academy, a vital resource for local startups. Launched in 2016, the academy offers essential support during the challenging early years of business. Startups that engage with well-structured programs providing coaching, mentoring, and a robust support network experience significantly higher survival rates compared to national statistics.
Since its inception, the Business Academy has made a profound impact, aiding 125 Bury startups. Funding for this program comes from the Made in Bury Weekly £2000 Draw, a not-for-profit initiative licensed by Bury Council. Soon, this initiative will extend its support by providing interest-free loans to Bury businesses.
Beyond our corporate sponsorship, JCS Managing Director, Oliver Caunt, proudly serves as a Patron of the Academy. With 11 active Patrons, we play a hands-on role in guiding the program, offering mentorship to participants, and serving as a review panel for the interest-free loans funded by the Made in Bury weekly £2000 draw.
This initiative is truly exciting and unique, and we are honoured to be part of it. Local assistance, advice, and support are often elusive for startup businesses, making the involvement of its Patrons incredibly worthwhile.
This year the SRP celebrates 60 years of radiation protection and the AGM is being held in Aberdeen where, JCS are looking forward to once again joining the SRP community for the annual conference and exhibition.
Visit us on Stand 9 to see a demo and discuss any projects you have that we might be able to help with.
At the exhibition
We will be showcasing our range of instruments, shielding, and detectors and exhibiting our RMS30 gamma and neutron sensors, which, as a smart device, is gaining some serious traction across the UK nuclear landscape.
The RMS30 is designed to accept a growing number of JCS designed probes and accessories, which is continues to expand how and where the instrument can be deployed.
Key RMS30 Features
Dual channel input
Accepts a variety of JCS designed smart probes
Recognises probe-type
Supplies correct voltage to all system probes
Network Capabilities
User defined units: sV/h, CPS / rem/h
Displays data (e.g. μSv/h) from 1 or 2 probes
Display probe type & serial number on screen
Logs data to internal memory for PC retrieval by USB
User defined sample times
User, supervisor & administrator modes
User-defined alarm threshold per channel
Internally alarm sounder
Displays battery Life
Displays/logs alarm events
Portable
Dose rate ranges measured
Gamma Probes:
RMS30-101: 10µSv h⁻¹ to 3 Sv h⁻¹
RMS30-102: 3µSv h⁻¹ to 100 mSv h⁻¹
RMS30-103: 100µSv h⁻¹ to 10 Sv h⁻¹
RMS30-104: 1µSv h⁻¹ to 40 mSv h⁻¹
RMS30-110: 0.1-20 Sv h⁻¹ (prototype)
Neutron Monitor:
RMS30-106: µSv h⁻¹ to 100 mSv h⁻¹
We will also be exhibiting:
Networked Radiation Monitoring Systems
Gamma Dose-rate Monitors
Installed Radiation Monitors
Handheld Radiation Monitors
Equipment Obsolescence & EOL Management
Radiation Shielding Materials, Standard & Exotic
Date: 25 – 27 Apr July 2023 Location: The Event Complex Aberdeen
Industry award for the GMS595 wide energy gamma monitor partnership.
JCS are delighted to receive the award, along with AWE and Ploughshare for our combined partnership in the design, development, realisation and licensing of the GMS595 wide energy gamma monitor.
The GMS595 has been a significant development for JCS and has been a rewarding experience working so closely with the team at AWE.
The GMS595 is a sophisticated gamma dose-rate monitor developed by JCS Nuclear Solutions alongside the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
“The GMS595 is a world-class monitor that addresses some fundamental challenges in the world of radiation detection and measurement, providing data from a single device that is highly accurate, consistent across a wide temperature range and requires no time to stabilise.”
AWE, which has been working with Ploughshare Innovations since September 2019 to commercialise innovations from areas including materials science, added:
“This is truly ground-breaking technology that represents the best of British design and engineering. We are very proud of this project and value the enormous effort that the team at AWE have contributed to its success."
JCS Nuclear Solutions awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification in recognition of high cyber security standards & practices.
Cyber Essentials Plus certification is a prerequisite for organisations applying for defence, civil nuclear and critical national infrastructure projects in the UK.
We are committed to ensuring that our customers can rely on the highest standards of security & compliance. The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation underpins our commitment as a key supplier of materials and equipment to the nuclear & defense sectors.
“At JCS, we are focused on embracing the very highest standards. Our commitment to achieving the Cyber Essentials Plus certification is part of our continuous improvement philosophy and reflects our commitment to cyber safety for all our stakeholders”
The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation is an endorsement that JCS is a company that takes cyber security very seriously. It demonstrates our understanding of the growing importance of cyber security for SMEs and our commitment to the UK Government Cyber Security initiatives.
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against cyberattacks, as well as prove their competency to potential customers. The program is split into two tiers with the top-level “plus” tier, which JCS has achieved, requiring an on-site audit. This higher level of assurance involves completing the online assessment followed by a technical audit of the systems that are in-scope for Cyber Essentials. This includes a representative set of user devices, all internet gateways, and all servers with services accessible to unauthenticated internet users.
The certification was awarded by IT Governance, an independent certifying body for the Cyber Essentials program, which conducts assessments and reports the outcome to the scheme administrators – the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) consortium.
Scintillation Detectors
Over 45 Years of Collaboration
At JCS we believe that the ideal detector design comes from a close collaboration where understanding your measurement requirements allows us to provide the exact detector you need.
"We work closely with you to understand your measurement challenges and optimise the detector design to answer them."
Optimising a detector to your requirements
It has always been our ethos that bespoke solutions, unique to each project, can deliver the best combination of material and electronics for your design.
Selecting the best scintillation material for your radiation detector depends strongly on the application. Important considerations to determine the optimum choice are:
Measurement
○ Radiation Type ○ Expected Energy Range ○ Anticipated count-rate ○ Acquisition requirements
○ Mechanical & optical properties
○ Resolution
○ Density & atomic number (Z)
○ Decay time
Electronics
○ PMT type?
○ Plug-on or integrated divider?
○ Connector type?
○ High voltage generator?
Detector Range
We’ve been supplying radiation detectors since 1975 and in that time have built up an industry-leading portfolio of solutions and product expertise.
Our comprehensive range of scintillation detectors covers a wide range of applications. Recent projects include pulsed-shaped discrimination for neutron/gamma detection in plutonium assay, decommissioning, and high dose spectrometry.
The Brightspec Topaz-SiPM, a miniature MCA designed specifically for SiPM detectors.
With a size of only 7 x 4.5 x 2.6cm, the Topaz-SiPM is the smallest of the Topaz MCA series and very likely the smallest fully-featured MCA on the market today.
TOPAZ-SiPM is a compact, stand-alone digital Multi-Channel Analyser (MCA), that is able to perform Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) of the signal produced by scintillation detectors which incorporates Si devices as photomultipliers (SiPMs).
A ground-breaking radiation detection technology developed to support the UK’s nuclear deterrent is being made available to nuclear, national security, policing and counter-terrorism organisations.
The GMS595 is a sophisticated gamma dose-rate monitor developed by British company JCS Nuclear Solutions alongside the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).
It is the most sensitive gamma radiation monitor available and is capable of making fast and accurate measurements.
Unlike conventional gas-filled detectors, the technology used in the GMS595 is not affected by temperature or pressure and does not need time to ‘warm up’. This significantly reduces the time the operator has to wait to have an effective detection capability from two minutes down to just two seconds. It also operates across a wide energy range, removing the need for the CBRN operator to maintain, take, and monitor multiple devices when in the field.
AWE, a delivery partner for the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme, has been successfully using the GMS595 monitor for more than two years to ensure safe gamma levels are maintained across its sites. The technology is now being brought to market through a licensing deal with Ploughshare Innovations, the Government technology transfer organisation that takes research created across government departments and commercialises it to deliver societal impact.
JCS Nuclear Solutions envisage a number of organisations could benefit by using the GMS595 over traditional gas-filled monitors. These include, for example, nuclear, police, fire and first responders in HAZMAT situations such as traffic accidents involving vehicles carrying a radioactive source. They could also potentially be used by homeland security CBRN units that respond to potentially radioactive threats.
Oliver Caunt, Managing Director at JCS Nuclear Solutions, said: “The GMS595 is a world-class monitor that addresses some fundamental challenges in the world of radiation detection and measurement, providing data from a single device that is highly accurate, consistent across a wide temperature range and requires no time to stabilise.
“This is truly ground-breaking technology that represents the best of British design and engineering. We are very proud of this project and value the enormous effort that the team at AWE have contributed to its success.
“Ploughshare Innovations have been instrumental in getting this technology over the line and bringing it to market for use by organisations in policing and security and in a wide range of applications in the nuclear, health and radiation clean-up industries.”
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO at Ploughshare Innovations, said: “We are excited to be partnering with JCS Nuclear Solutions to license its world-class technology and bring it to a wider audience. Ploughshare Innovations enables game-changing solutions from UK government investments in science and technology for the benefit of our economy and society as a whole, and this is another great example.
“This advanced, accurate and highly convenient product has the potential to revolutionise gamma radiation monitoring, turning technology developed for defence use into something that can be used by organisations that strive to protect and reassure the public.”
JCS Nuclear Solutions have been putting its 3D printing resource to good use, in support of our local NHS Fairfield hospital, in Bury.
While production prototyping has been put on hold during the Covid-19 safety measures, JCS has been able to safely put the 3D lab to good use and supply the first batch of face-mask buckles (ear-savers).
JCS Nuclear Solutions have been putting its 3D printing resource to good use, in support of our local NHS Fairfield hospital, in Bury.
While production prototyping has been put on hold during the Covid-19 safety measures, JCS has been able to safely put the 3D lab to good use and supply the first batch of face-mask buckles (ear-savers).
“We are delighted to have been able to divert this resource in support of Fairfield Hospital”
Oliver Caunt (MD) Continues:
“We do not have the largest 3D printer, but we have optimised the face-mask buckle design, and they have come out very well, and will go some way to help make the NHS staff working life a little more comfortable during this exceptional time.”
We were delighted to hear back from Rachael Graham, the HR Business Partner & Donations Co-ordinator for the Fairfield Hospital, who let us know that the mask protectors were put into successful use straight away:
“On behalf of all of the staff at Fairfield Hospital, Bury, and Bury Community Services, a heartfelt thanks to JCS Nuclear Solutions for their kind donation and production of Facemask Buckles. They have been very well received, and have meant that working long days with a facemask have become a bit more bearable. It’s wonderful to have the support of a local business at these challenging times.”
The RMS30:
"A flexible & intuitive radiation detection system"
The System
Designed to be flexible and intuitive, the JCS RMS30 operates a growing range of custom designed gamma & neutron probes and is the go-to solution for a broadening range of applications across our nuclear sector.
Flexibility underpins the operation of the RMS30 where sample time, counting period, alarm thresholds (per probe) can be defined by the operator.
The RMS30 can be portable (battery-powered) or mains-powered, bench or wall-mounted, have variable cable lengths for probes and even a remote alarm module to accommodate a multitude of measurement scenarios.
Features:
Dual channel input
Accepts a variety of JCS designed smart probes
Recognises probe-type
Supplies correct voltage to all system probes
Network Capabilities
User-defined units: sV/h, CPS, rem/h
Displays data (e.g. μSv/h) from 1 or 2 probes
Logs data to internal memory for PC retrieval by USB
Live animal monitoring in the Chernobyl exclusion zone
An innovative portable detector for the live-monitoring of radionuclides in small terrestrial animals in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
Radionuclide measurements in wildlife are required to demonstrate that the environment is not significantly impacted by radioactivity. Determination of internal radionuclide activity concentrations often requires destructive sampling. Development of alternative (non-lethal) measurement methods is therefore desirable.
We will be showcasing our range of instruments, shielding, detectors and exhibiting our RMS30 gamma and neutron sensors which, as a smart device, is gaining some serious traction across the UK nuclear landscape.
This year we’ll also be demonstrating the BrightSpec MCA range, their new dedicated SiPM MCA and their bGamma, gamma spectroscopy software.
This year’s SRP AGM is being held in Bournemouth and JCS are looking forward to once again joining the SRP community for the annual conference and exhibition.
We will be showcasing our range of instruments, shielding, detectors and exhibiting our RMS30 gamma and neutron sensors which, as a smart device, is gaining some serious traction across the UK nuclear landscape.
This year we’ll also be demonstrating the BrightSpec MCA range, their new dedicated SiPM MCA and their bGamma, gamma spectroscopy software.
Visit us on Stand 27 to see a demo and bring along any questions.
We will also be exhibiting:
Networked Radiation Monitoring Systems
Gamma Dose-rate Monitors
Installed Radiation Monitors
Handheld Radiation Monitors
Equipment Obsolescence & EOL Management
Radiation Shielding Materials, Standard & Exotic
Date: 5 – 8 July 2021 Location: Bournemouth International Centre
