UNDT Enters Into Agreement with Honeywell International to Develop a Radiation Detector

Complete the form below to unlock access to ALL audio articles.
Universal Detection Technology (UNDT) has announced that that it has entered into an agreement with Honeywell India (a unit of Honeywell International) to develop a radiation detector which would display radiation data collected via Bluetooth to a smart phone.
The product is designed to detect radiation levels on surfaces and food and to automatically send the collected data to a smart phone.
The instrument in development will utilize a Cesium Iodide (CsI) scintillator for the detection of Gamma rays.
Cs(I) scintillators are the most sensitive detection mechanisms for detecting Gamma radiation. The instrument will be sensitive enough to measure normal radiation levels to 100 to 200 times that intensity.
With the planned detection range of 0.001 to 9.999 µSv/h the device is expected to be capable of detecting traces of radiation on surfaces, clothing and in particular food contamination, which has become an increasing concern globally after the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
The device is expected to measure elevated levels of gamma radiation, transmit that data to a Bluetooth-ready smart phone, and give the user the ability to share the accumulated data with others through mapping and social networking features.
The device will be easy to use for everyday users but also have the sensitivity to be utilized in the nuclear industry and HAZMAT crews. Preliminary estimates are that the device would be ready for commercial use in the second quarter of 2012.
Traces of radioactive Cesium thought to be from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were detected in Japanese baby formula early in December as concerns about food safety continue almost nine months after the accident.
Since the Fukushima Daiichi plant was heavily damaged by the tsunami that followed the March 11 earthquake, radioactive particles have made their way into vegetables, beef, fish and Japan's staple, rice.
The new device will be owned and marketed by Universal Detection Technology, under its brand. According to the agreement, any and all intellectual property including any patents which may be filed will be the sole property of Universal Detection Technology.
"The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and the subsequent release of radiation exposed the unpreparedness of the radiation detection industry with its outdated detection technologies," said Mr. Amir Ettehadieh, UNDT's Director of R&D.
"We envision that the market is ready for a device that is compact, easy to use, and is compatible with a smart phone and can be used by anyone from a housewife to a nuclear industry professional," he added.
"Working with a Company like Honeywell International to develop such a crucial device gives us much pride and confidence," said Mr. Jacques Tizabi, UNDT's Chairman and CEO.
"We plan to use our accumulated knowledge of the CBRN industry and Honeywell's excellent engineering expertise to bring one of the most advanced handheld radiation monitors to market," he added.