Managing Radiation with Small Controlled Area Radiography

What is SCAR?

SCAR, also known as Small Controlled Area Radiography, is a technique used to control and manage radiation in confined spaces during radiographic testing. By employing various exposure devices or isotopes and implementing shielding, it is feasible to reduce radiography exposure limits in a secure and regulated manner, while guaranteeing superior image quality.

The primary benefits of this technology include enhanced efficiency, superior quality, and heightened safety. Typically, the release of radiation necessitates the clearing of a large region including the radiation source, the operators, and all those in the vicinity. The SCAR approach is derived from the close proximity radiography system and effectively resolves this issue, enabling the lowering of evacuation zones to around 5 to 6 feet (around 1.5 meters).

What are the advantages of using SCAR?

Cost Savings: 

• By reducing the exclusion zone, other work groups can continue their productivity at periods when they would often be halted for conventional radiography. 
• The implementation of a reduced execution window can significantly decrease the duration of critical path timetable for some projects, resulting in a reduction of overall project expenses.

Safety:

• The reduced exclusion zone minimizes the likelihood of breaches in radiography barriers and accidental exposure to personnel.

Summary of SCAR 

Reduced Exclusion Zone: 

• Under optimal circumstances, the exclusion zone associated with SCAR can be diminished to a size 75 times less than that required for conventional radiography.
• Applus+ has conducted tests and demonstrated the safety of an exclusion zone measuring 5 feet (1.5 meters) or smaller on projects in Canada.

Cost Savings: 

• By reducing the exclusion zone, other work groups can continue their productivity during periods that would typically require shutdown for conventional radiography. For certain projects, this significantly decreases the duration of the critical path timetable, resulting in a reduction in the overall expenditures of the project.  

Optimized Efficiency

• The small controlled area and lack of required downtime result in minimal impact on other activities. Compared to conventional radiography procedures, there is a 98% reduction in exclusion zones.

Image Quality 

• SCAR is compatible with all types of traditional radiographic imaging, including film, computed, and digital radiography. 
• The utilization of ionizing radiation with a specific wavelength in SCAR (Se-75) results in superior picture quality compared to conventional approaches. 
• Ability to manipulate data with software application
• Computed radiography (CR) is very compatible with SCAR due to its ability to significantly decrease exposure duration by 75%-90%. Eliminating film processing from the execution windows results in a time savings of an extra 45-60 minutes per exposure. CR enables the long-term preservation of digital images, as well as the ability to remotely analyze and audit them.

Experience: 
Applus+ has SCAR expertise in the following industries: Oil and Gas, Pulp and Paper, Nuclear, and Mining.

About Jason Creaser:
With a rich background of over 16 years at Applus+, Jason holds an impressive array of qualifications, including CGSB RT3, PT3, MT3, UT2, CWB2, and PCN PAUT 2 certifications. His involvement in significant projects such as the refurbishments at PLNGS, Bruce Power units 1, 2, 3, and 6, and Darlington unit 2, showcase his capability to handle complex and high-stake tasks. Additionally, Jason has been instrumental in spearheading an advanced radiography division and the development of RAZAR. Jason is highly capable at demonstrating his remarkable ability to lead and innovate across multiple facets of the NDE world.