Observa is the latest ground breaking innovation from the specialist that measures radiation dose rates and helps ensure radiation safety and source security

Leading industrial technology specialist Tracerco, part of the Johnson Matthey group has announced the launch of the Observa radiation area monitoring system, which it says is the latest ground breaking innovation from Tracerco that measures radiation dose rates and helps ensure radiation safety and source security.

With more than 50 years experience in producing industry-leading detection, diagnostic and measurement solutions, Observa is one of the latest innovations from Tracerco. Combining several unique technological features, including the wall-mounted alarm unit, Observa is ideal for use by the oil and gas industry, the nuclear industry, hospital x-ray facilities and in non-destructive testing environments.

Plug and play probes allow for simple installation, whilst the large, clear interface and sub menus make the device easy to set up and use. Observa gives live radiation dose rate readings from multiple detectors simultaneously, making it the perfect system for use in larger sites, the company says.

Observa is also available with unique software; the email and SMS alarm updates allow the user to have complete control over radiation safety standards and overall source security. Site floor plans can be uploaded into the embedded software module, complete with drag and drop detector positioning. Hence, it can be personalised to suit the user’s needs.

The Observa system can be accessed remotely, making it particularly suited to off-site monitoring. It also provides recent radiation data history, giving the operator clear evidence of safe working environments in the event of any incidents requiring investigation.

The device can also be supplied with Observa 24/7, a 24 hour monitoring system which ensures that any alarm communication and data logging is secure 24/7 and not susceptible to the instability problems which can affect desktop computers. Observa also runs a back-up power supply, so monitoring remains constant even in the event of a power cut.

Tracerco managing director Andy Hurst says: 'Our key focus for our new Observa fixed area monitoring is to help our customers combat potential radiation risks in line with the ongoing regulatory drive for safer working practices. We have also designed it to enhance radioisotope security, providing early warning of unintended or illicit movements and so allowing a rapid response to unauthorised activities.'

Observa is the latest in a long line of innovative technologies from Tracerco. The award-winning company revolutionised radiation monitoring when it developed the first ever intrinsically safe contamination and radiation monitor, and most recently it extended its range of Personal Dosimeters.

Tracerco provides a comprehensive aftersales service with a global network of over 30 service centres providing a world-class service. The company also offers a wide range of radiation monitors for hire.

Tracerco is a global oil and gas service company providing local support through an extensive range of bases and offices worldwide. With approximately 500 people with 30 different nationalities, it aims to provide its customers with global coverage, with a local service culture.

The company won a coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2009 Innovation award for its ground-breaking radiation monitor range. It is the third Queen’s Award the company has collected in the past six years. Tracerco was also named North East ‘Company of the Year’ 2009 at regional awards for the North East of England. In addition, in 2013 Tracerco collected an Award for Innovation from the Institute of Physics and in 2014 Discovery received the Subsea Technologies Award from the Pipeline Industries Guild.

In 2015, Discovery has enjoyed further industry recognition in the form of the Innovation and Technology Award from Subsea UK, the prestigious OTC Spotlight on new Technology Award, the Innovation Award from the Institute of Physics, the Subsea Energy Australia Awards and most recently the first ever Underwater Technology Foundation Award. Also in 2015, Tracerco’s Profiler instrument for high temperature separation processing was an honourable mention in the Engineers’ Choice Awards, as voted for by the industry.