Advanced Gauging is pleased to introduce our new Isotope Source Recovery and Disposal Program. This service has been made possible by A.G.T.’s recent completion of the Sparrows Point, Maryland source cleanup project (see Sept. 11, 2014 blog post) and concurrent GTRI security upgrades. As a result of these projects, the Ohio Department of Health has amended our radioactive material license and now allows us to accept a wider variety of isotope sources for recovery (accept ownership), disposal (coordinate physical disposal with federal and state authorities) and/or temporary storage. This includes many common sealed sources such as those used in various industrial, medical and food processing industries as well as sources used in research and development. For complete details and a list of sources we can accept, please visit the “Services” section of our website.
Annual Radiation Training
The staff here at Advanced Gauging Technologies recently completed our annual radiation training event. We do this in order to train new staff and offer a refresher to the rest. Each year, Dr. Laura Smith teaches us about the physics of atoms, nuclear binding forces, particle emissions, and a host of other cool nuclear physics topics.
In addition to all of the normal training material, relevant and current news topics always seem to find their way into the conversation. Items such as the Alexander Litvinenko poisoning with polonium-210 in 2006, the Fukushima nuclear reactor event in 2013, or the theft of radioactive Cobalt-60 medical material in Mexico last year lead to great training conversations about how radioactivity affects us in our everyday lives.
In the near future we plan on adding some of our training material to the website to help illustrate and explain how we use nuclear physics in our isotope thickness gauges. Stay tuned!
A.G.T. Implements Technician Certification Program
Advanced Gauging has implemented a new Thickness Gauge Certification Program to assist in the ongoing training and development of our Field Technicians and other key A.G.T. personnel. The program includes comprehensive tests on the knowledge and ability to service various models of thickness gauges, including many obsolete gauges whose manufactures are no longer in business. Gauges that are currently covered under this program include the Gamma GR100 and GR200, D.M.C. 410 and 450, Weston 5310 and 5320, Measurex MDX350 and the Loral 3500, along with our own AGT400 and AGT800 gauges. We also plan to add additional gauges in the near future. This new program is designed to be a continuous process that involves regular training and the sharing of knowledge between our technicians so that you can be sure you always receive the absolute best service available in today’s market.
New Security Enhancements and Licensing Amendments!
Last year, Advanced Gauging Technologies partnered with the United States Department of Energy to perform a security enhancement audit of our facility. Using the information gained from this audit we implemented a plan to increase our existing security measures. This plan included upgrading existing radio controlled key systems, adding 24/7 surveillance cameras with night vision, upgrading safes and improving our existing alarm system. We are also working closely with local law enforcement to improve response times and have policies in place in case of emergencies.
In conjunction with these increased security additions, we have been able to amend our nuclear materials licenses putting us in a position to recover more isotope sources that our customers may need to dispose of. Please contact us at Sales@AdvGauging.com for more information or a quote for recovery/disposal of your radioactive nuclear isotope sources.
A.G.T. Awarded Contract For HRE Sparrows Point Project
A.G.T. was recently awarded a contract by HRE Sparrows Point, LLC for a major source disposal project at the former Bethlehem Steel / Severstal / RF Steel mill in Sparrows Point, MD. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with new gauge orders or service on existing gauges. We will be responsible for the removal and storage or disposal of 113 total isotope sources. This project will be coordinated with the USNRC, Maryland Department of Energy, Ohio Department of Health and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Advanced Gauging has always worked with our customers to assist them in the removal and/or storage of isotope sources that are no longer in service. However, this project will move us to a whole new level and will improve our capability to assist customers with their future source removal and storage needs.