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Simple – Reliable – Compliant

CAAS System

PSC is a global leader in providing Criticality Accident Alarm Systems (CAAS) to customers that handle fissile materials.

 

PSC CAAS

PSC CAAS are trusted at some of the most critical sites in the US including Los Alamos National Laboratory, BWXT Lynchburg, Idaho National Laboratory, URENCO Enrichment Facility, Centrus Enrichment Facility, and the Oakridge Y-12 facility. PSC believes that CAAS systems should be simple in their construction, reliable in their operation, and unquestionably compliant with relevant standards.

Scalable Systems

PSC understands that every facility is unique, and we provide a scalable range of CAAS systems which include very large facilities with hundreds of detectors and speakers to a mobile CAAS system for temporary operations.  However, all our designs utilize the same proven components in scaled, modular sub-assemblies.

 

Simplicity

PSC’s first priority in the design of a CAAS system is simplicity. Maintaining compliant CAAS coverage is paramount to the safe and ongoing operation of key facilities and simplicity is the foundation of reliability. To this end PSC uses the following design principles:

 
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Resilient

No PLCs, microcontrollers, or other delicate electronics which may not survive a criticality

 
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Analog

All analog circuitry using conservatively sized basic electronic components

 
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Displays

Simple and robust displays

 
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Cabinets

Robust electrical cabinets that comply to seismic, environmental, and electro-magnetic standards

 
 
 

Reliability

The core purpose of a CAAS is to provide uninterrupted monitoring for years at a time. Since CAAS coverage is required for most fissile handling facilities, downtime for repair or maintenance can be incredibly disruptive and expensive for these mission-critical sites. PSC designs our CAAS with reliability as a starting principle and provides the following features:

 
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Redundancy

Full redundancy of components with an “A” and “B” train for logic, power, batteries, and alarms

 
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No False Alarms

3 detector clusters for “2 out of 3” detection logic which assures detection and virtually eliminates false alarms

 
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Radiation Survivability

All components tested in operation in a pulse reactor (Whitesands Test Range) to prove survivability post criticality from both gamma and neutron bursts

 
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Seismic

All components physically seismically tested on a “shake” table to verify survivability after a seismic event

 
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Calibration

In-place calibration and testing of detectors

 
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Battery Replacement

On-line change-out of batteries

 
 
 

Compliance

PSC CAAS systems are strictly compliant to the following standards:

 
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CAAS

ANSI/ANS 8.3 2019/1997 Criticality Accident Alarm System

 
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Quality

PSC has a certified ISO9001 program and a compliant NQA-1 program with Commercial Grade Dedication program (CGD) and can supply system under either program.

 
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Fire

NFPA 70 compliant

 
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National Recognized Testing Laboratory

NRTL Certified where required

 
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SIL Compliant

Analyzed for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Standards where required

 
 

Get A Quote

For more information on PSC CAASCADE systems or a quote please get in touch with us.

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