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Fanless PC for Radiation Detectors
Situation
Nucsafe is a leading manufacturer and developer of radiation detection sy
stems for homeland security and commercial use. Partnering with federal agencies and law enforcement, Nucsafe’s main goals are providing nuclear safety and protecting public security. In late 2009, a steel mill approached Nucsafe with the request for a device that would scan the contents of vehicles delivering scrap metal to ensure that no radiation is present. In response, Nucsafe recommended stationary portals that would function as checkpoints. Such a project required the use of a computer 
that would be small enough to fit in the slim radiation detection portals, yet still have the processing power needed to efficiently run the algorithms used in Nucsafe’s proprietary software.
Nucsafe set out to find a supplier that could provide the computer it was looking for while still being cost-effective. Due to the fact that the portals would be located outdoors, it was critical that the company choose a supplier whose devices could withstand harsh environments. After performing a web search that directed the company to CCS-Inc., Steve Pauly, VP of Engineering at Nucsafe, discussed the project parameters with an Account Manager and a Computer Design Engineer. Through these discussions, it was clear that CCS had the expertise required for the job and could provide the ruggedized computer Nucsafe needed.
Solution
Mr. Pauly worked with the CCS team to determine which of CCS’ products would best accommodate the project’s parameters. Based upon a suggestion from CCS’ engineering department, the group investigated the possibility of utilizing a fanless PC (FPC). The FPC selected by CCS has a rugged aluminum chassis that acts as a heat sink to help the machine dissipate heat. This feature eliminates the need for cooling fans, allowing the unit to perform successfully in dusty environments. When used with solid state drives, this embedded device has no moving parts, making the device less susceptible to mechanical failure. It has a high shock and vibration threshold, and requires less space than most computers. With these features in mind, Nucsafe accepted CCS’ recommendation to utilize a fanless PC in its stationary portals.
Above and Beyond
Wanting to ensure that the FPCs were performing to the specifications expected, Nucsafe decided to run some tests of its own. Nucsafe was pleased to report that “the product surpassed its own specifications.” Nucsafe found that the FPCs were not only able to perform in the temperatures specified, but that they were able to withstand even higher temperatures than predicted.
"Our experience with CCS was very successful. CCS made it possible for us to deliver a reliable product to our customer. The steel mill systems have been fielded for over a year now with no major problems,” said Mr. Pauly. He continued by saying that “Nucsafe would not hesitate to try any of CCS’ s other products. We would definitely recommend CCS to others."
When asked to describe his experience with CCS, Mr. Pauly stated that “we are extremely satisfied with the solution CCS provided. The company was very easy to work with.” In fact, Nucsafe was so pleased with the service at CCS that it later ordered more FPCs for a project with another customer. This new endeavor involves working with the government to produce mobile radiation monitors for the military. These systems, which contain vehicle-mounted computers, protect troops from danger by scanning for gamma and neutron radiation in the field.
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