CBRN / HazMat Training Blog

Argon releases the SVG-2 simulation training system

Written by Steven Pike on 19 November 2021

SVG 2-SIM

The NATO-approved SVG2 RadiacMeter made by Thermo Fisher is designed to provide critical measurements for nuclear incidents and attacks. It is an essential instrument for the emergency services and military personnel responding to a CBRN incident involving radiation. Argon Electronics has worked closely with the manufacturer to create the SVG-2 SIM simulation training system, which includes the SVG-2 SIM survey meter simulator and simulation Alpha, Beta, Gamma probe. 

Alpha, Beta, Gamma probe

This system provides comprehensive training capabilities that enable students to experience every operational feature of the real Thermo Fischer Scientific SVG-2 without the need to use an ionizing gamma or beta radiation source.

Simulation training 

Simulation exercises are widely acknowledged as one of the most effective ways of training the emergency services and military—and an excellent way of providing emergency response preparation. Simulation training aims to validate and enhance preparedness and response plans, procedures, and systems for all hazards faced. 

There are four principal benefits of simulation training:

Simulation training is realistic: Computer-based simulation tools create highly realistic scenarios. The simulated threat can be implemented physically (using a deployed simulation source) or virtually (via a computer-generated threat system).

Simulation training is safe: No chemical or radiological substances are used, so there is no risk of contaminating the environment, personnel, or expensive detectors. This allows training exercises to be carried out in any location, including public buildings and spaces, regardless of environmental or weather conditions.

Simulation training allows for an After Action Review: Post-training analysis is a vital element of training. It monitors that the detector equipment was operated correctly and consistently, and it can enable future scenarios to be amended or enhanced

Simulation training prepares trainees for LAT: LAT clearly provides the closest experience to a real-life CBRN event. However, LAT is clearly not the right time for trainees to learn how to use their detectors. Simulated training scenarios act as an excellent predecessor to LAT.

Argon’s SVG-2 simulation training system

The SVG-2 SIM responds to safe electronic sources that simulate ionizing radiation; this removes regulatory, environmental, and health and safety concerns during training exercises. The simulation sources can be used anywhere, including within public buildings. SVG-2 SIM is fully compatible with the Argon PlumeSIM system for wide-area tactical field and nuclear emergency response exercises, which ensures everyone understands the correct procedure in the event of an emergency. Dosimeter and spectrometer simulators are also available.

SVG-2 SIM simulates:

  • Dose and dose rate indications
  • Analogue and digital backlit display
  • Numeric display to show either the dose rate or the dose
  • The status of the meter and alarm threshold settings

SVG-2 SIM facilitates high-quality survey meter training, developing skills in:

  • Survey, Reconnaissance and location of radioactive sources
  • Isodoserate mapping
  • Shielding
  • Safe demarcation
  • Inverse Square Law response (1/r2)
  • Dose and Doserate management
  • Effects of different types of shielding such as brick, wood, and glass

Teaching students using the SVG-2 SIM

SVG-2 SIM permits radiological instructors to safely teach critical search, reconnaissance, survey, and location skills as well as a practical understanding of inverse square law, isodose rate mapping, shielding, and safe demarcation. The SVG-2 SIM receives encoded signals representing specific beta/gamma radionuclides from deployed electronic simulation sources or PlumeSIM. Additionally, with the simulated external Alpha, Beta, Gamma probe survey, contamination monitoring, and decontamination exercises can be carried out.

Getting in touch with Argon Electronics

To learn more about the SVG-2 SIM, please contact a member of the Argon Electronics Business Development Team for a no-obligation product demonstration. We would be delighted to advise you and provide you with a demonstration of how our systems work.

Radiation-Safety-Training

Topics: Radiation Hazard Training

Steven Pike

Written by Steven Pike