RAE Systems by Honeywell introduced the AreaRAE Plus and Pro over 15 years ago. Since then they have changed the market in fire and hazmat response operations with their wireless gas detection. These units are designed for fields, such as: Industrial First Repsonders, Safety Managers, and Plant Operations Managers. For the first time, these units allowed for real time hazard monitoring from a remote location for a broad range of threats. Often they are used for clearing of confined space entry, wastewater pipeline rehabilitation, fenceline monitoring & site remediation. Honeywell realized customers needed more over the years and have improved these units in some BIG ways by expanding their features and capabilities. They have implemented new sensor technology as well as new wireless options. With an integrated standard GPS module, long distance primary radio, short range secondary mesh radio & a Bluetooth low energy module the AreaRAE plus/pro are the first units to support up to four radio modules simultaneously. Continued usability improvements entail:
- Better UI with large display
- Easy download of data via USB cable, no special cables required
- Long lasting, flexible antenna for a longer service life
- Large, non-moving, replaceable handle
- Handle not in contact with antenna
- Similar menu structure to MultiRAE
- No specific gas plate for exotic sensors
- Detailed diagnostic mode
- Low-Power Consumption
- Glance mode feature
- Improved Alarm Notification
- RAEMet installation: No tools required; factory calibrated
- Durable shock absorbing colored rubber boots with integrated feet
- Seven sensor slots increase the number of threats monitored
- Can detect much lower levels and higher counts of gamma radiation
Advanced sensing technologies allow you to easily use meteorological data capturing in order to input weather information in to the plume modeling software. AreaRAEs can be deployed around a two-mile radius and monitored from a central location. The readings can be linked to a plume modeling program to predict the extent of the exposed area and make proper evacuation decisions, thereby protecting the public while minimizing disruption. The RAEMet measures wind speed, direction, temperature & relative humidity. This item features built in electronic compass, 1 second response time, and power supply by the AreaRAE unit itself. The RAEMet is optional, however, beneficial. Differences between the AreaRAE Plus & AreaRAE Pro are listed below:
As you can see the AreaRAE Plus does not offer the (10ppb) PID where the AreaRAE Pro does. The Pro unit offers the gamma sensor option where the Plus does not. The gamma sensor can detect much lower levels and higher counts of gamma radiation and is important for the detection of dirty bombs.The Rapid Deployment Kit (RDK) is also an option most larger operations should take into consideration. There are two different types of RDK packages available.
The Host RDK Kit includes a ruggedized military touchscreen laptop preloaded with ProRAE Guardian embedded and a RAELink Host modem. Alternative to the Ruggedized laptop is a standard laptop preloaded with ProRAE Guardian housed in a Pelican case. The case also includes the RAELink host modem and antenna assembly. All of the components can be charged inside the case. If you are looking more towards a “all in one” package the RDK Detector Kit fits the bill. This package would include; 4 AreaRAE montiors, 4 Tier 3 ProRAE Guardian licenses, RAELink3, battery packs, and accessories.
“AreaRae systems are well suited for rapid deployment in temporary systems. The entire system can be set up and running in less than five minutes. AreaRAE’s have been used at large-scale emergency response drills such as TOPOFF II simulated terrorist attacks in Seattle and Chicago, and at National Medical Response Team training exercises. In such large-scale incidents, the ability to share assets is particularly useful. At the 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star game, the 5th CST, the Chicago Fire Department, and the Illinois EPA all shared AreaRAE assets. During the TOPOFF II training in Seattle, the results were communicated in real time through the Disaster Management Information Systems (DMIS) platform to the central command in Virginia. ” – Application Note AP-229 Terrorist Attack or Large-Area Chemical Release
At a minimum, RAE Systems recommends the following locations to be monitored with CBRN sensors:
- HVAC Outdoor Air Intakes: The air intake system of a building offers the first response of any outside threat
- HVAC Return Air Grilles: Similar to outdoor air intakes, these internal grilles are used by the HVAC system to recirculate air within a building. If a CBRN event occurs close to a return air grille, there is risk of contaminating the entire building
- HVAC Exhausts: If a CBRN event occurs anywhere inside a building, a portion of the contaminant will eventually reach the building exhaust. In addition, in certain weather conditions, building exhausts can actually intake air into the HVAC system
- Mechanical areas: These areas provide access to centralized mechanical systems, including filters, air handling units, and possibly boilers and water filtration units
- Lobbies and Entryways: Areas of buildings with public access are at greater risk for a CBRN event
- Densely Populated Areas: Response time is critical for these areas, and a direct reading immediately followed by the sensing monitor’s visual and audible alarms is the quickest way to inform nearby occupants of possible danger
- Mailrooms: Due to the large amount of unknown packages entering the building, mailrooms are highly susceptible to terrorist threats
FarrWest can supply price quotes and/or any additional information you need, email sales@farrwestenv.com or call (210) 566-1857. For your quick reference, we have attached data sheets and YouTube video of a simple bump test.
AreaRAE Pro Data Sheet: AreaRAE Pro_Datasheet_EN
AreaRAE Plus Data Sheet: AreaRAE Plus_Datasheet_EN
RDK Data Sheet: Datasheet_RDK-System-AreaRAE_1032-06
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