An Electronically Enhanced Security System Using Plastic Scintillators for Special Nuclear Material Detection

The Electronically Enhanced Security System at the Department of Energy Rocky Flats Plant (RFP), operated by Rockwell International, in Golden, Colorado, includes a Special Nuclear Material (SNM) monitoring system. It was designed by RFP to operate in areas where there is variable radiation background and high volumes of pedestrian traffic. The SNM monitors, or radiometric scanners, using plastic scintillator detectors and microprocessor-based electronics, are placed at entrance/exit doors of SNM processing areas within production buildings. The Enhanced Security System has numerous areas or posts that are each monitored by the following equipment for alarm detection: plastic scintillators, solid-state color cameras, microwave occupancy detectors, and audio and visual alarmed condition indicators. At centralized guard posts, assessment of an alarm is accomplished by using time-lapse color video cassette recorders, alarm annunciators, an intercom system, dedicated color monitors, and an alarm color monitor. As a pilot program, the Enhanced Security System accomplished a considerable yearly cost savings.