Is your nuclear densometer certification expiring?

NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT

In the United States, all nuclear density gauges are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture’s office of Homeland Security & Emergency Coordination – specifically the Radiation Safety Division. Keeping track of the various permits, certifications, and training requirements can be confusing; this guide will help you identify which steps are required for you or your organization.

Individual Permits

Anyone interacting with a nuclear density gauge in any capacity, whether it be transporting, using, maintaining, or disposing of the gauge, must be listed on a permit issued by the USDA RSD. “The Permit Holder” is named on the permit as the person ultimately responsible for the NDG, and they must be the superior of all other Associates listed on their permit.

Permits are issued by the manufacturer of the NDG. These are issued after attending either on-site nuclear gauge training or completing a web-based training course provided by the manufacturer. An on-site NDF course can be completed in one business day, while a web-based course can be broken into multiple sessions depending on trainee’s scheduling preference.

Refresher Training

While permits do not expire, all Permit Holders and Associates must complete Department of Transportation HazMat Refresher Training for Nuclear Gauges once every three years in order for their permit listing to be considered valid. This training is usually offered as a 4-hour web-based course provided by private training companies. The cost for DOT HazMat refresher training is typically between $100 and $150.

The refresher course will cover topics like Radioactive Material risks and safety precautions, Security Requirements for storage and transportation of NDGs, and Incident Reporting should anything go wrong. The course will consist of text, graphics, audio content, knowledge checks, and a final exam. A printable DOT HazMat certificate is provided immediately upon course completion. This refresher training certificate must be filed along with the other paperwork associated with the permit.

Permit Holder ≠ Radiation Safety Officer

Note that a Permit Holder is not the same as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). RSO requirements differ from state-to-state in the US, and some have minimum educational requirements for being able to obtain RSO status. Qualified applicants can receive training through private firms that meet the requirements of the state in question.

For an RSO to be certified by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, they must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a physical science or engineering field.

What if the Permit Holder leaves the company or job site?

If a Permit Holder leaves the installation or storage area, they must arrange for transfer of the permit to another person on-site who has completed the manufacturer’s training. If there is no such person, then either an RSO or local management must assume full responsibility for the NDG and all the security, safety, and incident management responsibilities until a new Permit Holder is certified. The Permit Holder’s name can then be submitted to the USDA RSD.

Does the NDG itself have a license that needs renewing?

The Device General License for a NDG does not expire until the device is safely decommissioned and disposed of. The General License follows the device everywhere – and with it a record of all storage, personnel access, transportation, transfer of ownership, and disposal logistics. Leak tests must be performed every six months, documented in a Sealed Source and Device Registration Certificate.

Conclusion

As can be expected, any measurement technology using radioactive material in the mechanics of its operation must be carefully monitored and regulated by authorities. The health & safety concerns, documentation requirements, and mandatory certifications that are part and parcel to NDG ownership are just some of the reasons many industrial operations are choosing to replace NDGs with non-nuclear density meters. After 70 years of nuclear gauge technology, the writing is now on the wall and it reads: “obsolete.”

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Unlocking Mexico’s Potential: A Path to Safe Drinking Water

By Rosie Leach • November 1, 2023

In a recent meeting, the Mexico PPP Connect, hosted by Red Meters and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando on Tuesday, October 30th, 2023, the focus was placed on the pivotal role Public-Private Partnerships (P3) could play in reshaping communities across Mexico. The conference saw the participation of 12 Mayors from various regions in Mexico, each sharing the unique challenges and opportunities they face, particularly concerning water and wastewater infrastructure. The overarching goal remains consistent: to ensure safe and accessible drinking water for their communities. A Varied Landscape of Challenges Each region in Mexico presents its distinctive set of hurdles and opportunities. The Mayors elucidated these intricate challenges and described how they could pave the way for remarkable transformations. The discussion revolved around the need for more efficient and comprehensive water and wastewater systems that can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of global environmental concerns. A Multifaceted Approach to P3 The meeting featured a panel of experts who elaborated on the multifaceted nature of Public-Private Partnerships. The representatives from Red Meters detailed global challenges in water and wastewater systems, emphasizing existing solutions to mitigate them. Kenneth Artin from Bryant, Miller and Olive outlined potential structural options for P3 projects, including prerequisites and timelines. Paul Mene from Rehmann explored the critical aspect of financial accountability within these projects, highlighting the need for transparency and efficiency. Fernando Navarrete of AECOM, Kendra Cassel of Terracon, and Ben Davis of Renda Environmental provided insights into their respective companies' roles in project management, construction, and environmental services. Operational Insights from Orange County Ed Torres, Director of Orange County Utilities, shared his experience operating within Orange County and discussed the specific challenges faced in ensuring water and wastewater management. He also presented successful strategies for overcoming these challenges. Government and Financial Support Mindi Hertzog from USTDA delved into the essential role of government involvement and support in P3 projects, shedding light on the contributions of EXIM Bank in financing these initiatives. Representing Select Florida, Joseph Bell encouraged the Mexican representatives to explore solutions in Florida, notably from innovators like Red Meters. Ensuring Project Viability Joaquin Puello of PNC Bank emphasized the critical role of banks as escrow account holders for all project funding, as well as the importance of clear terms and conditions determined by lawyers and accountants. He discussed the vital banking services that can support these transformative projects. Community Communication and Recognition Rosie Leach of Red Meters stressed the significance of effectively communicating these projects to the communities they impact. She highlighted the vital role of community engagement in the success of these initiatives. Kai Isaac of Filmscape Productions showcased how videos and content related to these projects have garnered attention and even won international awards within the sustainability category. Special Thanks to the Mexican Consulate in Orlando The meeting was expertly chaired by Juan Sabines, Consulate, and Javier De la Vega Vargas, Vice Consulate. Their facilitation ensured that all aspects of the discussion received the attention they deserved, propelling these transformative projects to new heights. The Mexico PPP Connect meeting exemplified the power of collaboration, innovation, and public-private partnerships in addressing vital infrastructure needs and nurturing the economic growth of Mexican communities. With commitment and dedication, these initiatives will not only enhance the lives of those they serve but also offer a blueprint for global environmental stewardship.

Bridging Borders for Prosperity: MexicoPPP Connect Event Unites Red Meters, AECOM, and EXIM Bank to Accelerate Public-Private Partnerships

By Rosie Leach • October 24, 2023

Orlando, Florida – In a significant initiative to foster cross-border partnerships and drive the growth of public-private partnership projects (PPP) in Mexico, Red Meters, in collaboration with AECOM and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), is pleased to announce the Mexico PPP Connect meeting. This gathering is set to take place at the Mexican Consulate in Orlando on Monday, October 30th, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Mexico PPP Connect will bring together key stakeholders, including 21 distinguished mayors and representatives from various Mexican cities and American authorities. With a primary focus on PPP opportunities throughout Mexico, this meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for strengthening the collaborative ties between Mexican, British, and American entities. Red Meters, an Orlando-based instrumentation manufacturer with deep-rooted interests in both the British and Mexican markets, is dedicated to innovative solutions. By hosting Mexico PPP Connect, the company aims to facilitate meaningful discussions, enabling project initiation, planning, and expansion. With the support of AECOM, a renowned multinational infrastructure consulting firm, and EXIM Bank, which plays a pivotal role in assisting American businesses in exporting their goods. The agenda for Mexico PPP Connect includes in-depth discussions, showcasing of PPP case studies. By fostering partnerships that bridge geographical boundaries, the meeting is poised to bring transformative change to infrastructure projects in Mexico. "This meeting underscores the shared commitment of Red Meters, AECOM, and EXIM Bank to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships in the realm of PPPs. It offers an excellent platform for government authorities, industry leaders, and investors to come together, share insights, and explore promising opportunities. We believe that the impact of this meeting will be felt not only within the infrastructure sector but also in the broader context of international business relations," said David Moth, CEO of Red Meters. Participants will engage in thought-provoking conversations and collaborative efforts to accelerate PPP projects in Mexico. The meeting will highlight the importance of public-private cooperation in addressing the infrastructure needs of Mexico and promoting economic growth. For more information or to reserve a seat for Mexico PPP Connect, please contact r.leach@redmeters.com.

The Lithium Age

November 19, 2021

NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT The industrial sector is recognizing the market drive for alternatives to traditional non-renewable energy sources. Could this be the dawn of The Lithium Age? The Lithium Age The modern world is at a critical stage in its development, as climate changed has spurred a global charge to reduce carbon emissions. A key way to accomplish this is a transition from fossil fuels to new renewable sources of energy. The energy and transportation sectors are two of the main sources of the world’s carbon emissions, so it is these sectors that will be the main battleground for the emissions war. It could very well be a war of wills between monolithic fossil fuel corporations and proponents of decarbonization, a war fought on multiple fronts: the economic front, the environmental front, and the social front. So, what could replace fossil fuels? Lithium.

Tailing Ponds: What are they & how can we improve them?

November 18, 2021

NEXT GEN MEASUREMENT The industrial sector is recognizing the demand for more accurate instrumentation in tailing ponds mining operations. The implications accuracy has on the process are significant – as are the potentialities for risk mitigation. What Are Tailing Ponds? Tailing ponds serve as temporary storage facilities for “tailings,” a byproduct of the industrial mining process. In order to convert tailing into a more manageable, transportable media that can flow through a pipeline, it is combined with water to form a slurry. Once this slurry reaches its target destination, tailing ponds serve as temporary storage facilities where the water can then be reclaimed for recycled use in a process known as sedimentation. To set the stage for the sedimentation process, overburden (i.e. the bulk waste rock that envelopes the target ore) is separated from the target tailing. Once complete, the sedimentation process then separates the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction (known as “gangue”) from the ore. Two methods of sedimentation are common in mining: placer mining and hard rock mining. Placer mining uses a combination of water and gravity to concentrate the valuable fraction, while hard rock mining uses chemical reactions to concentrate the valuable fraction. In hard rock mining, sedimentation requires comminution (i.e. pulverizing the target ore into fine particles). Comminution processed tailings compose a slurry of fine particles and water; this slurry is what is known as “tailings.” Once the sedimentation process is complete, the “reclaimed” water is then recycled back into the extraction process. This water reclamation process is a critical step in the mining process, as this process can have both environmental and fiscal consequences if not conducted with precision instrumentation.