FAQs: Advantages of using small controlled area radiography (SCAR) in nuclear projects

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.

What are the advantages of using SCAR?

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).

How can we save costs with SCAR?

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 the timetable for some projects, resulting in a reduction of overall project expenses.

What can it do to improve safety?

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

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.

How does SCAR optimize testing 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.

What other industries can benefit from the use of the SCAR technique?

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

Is it compatible with traditional radiographic imaging? How is 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.

Is it also compatible with Computed Radiography (CR)?

All the data gathered via SCAR can be manipulated with software applications.

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.