RAE Systems Inc., a leading global developer and manufacturer of rapidly-deployable, multi-sensor chemical and radiation detection monitors and networks for homeland security and industrial applications, today announced the launch of PlumeRAE, a unique new portable plume measurement and prediction system that enables first responders to rapidly track airborne clouds of gas and other toxic materials.
PlumeRAE is an integrated system that combines the AreaRAE GPS sensors in a Rapid Deployment Kit, plume measurement software from SAFER Systems, and Coastal Environmental Systems' WEATHERPAK', a portable tripod-mounted weather station, giving first responders powerful decision support capabilities when determining the best course of action for a population near an incident.
PlumeRAE first maps the best locations to deploy AreaRAE GPS wireless sensing networks, which relay their data to a ProRAE Remote base station. ProRAE Remote, running on a laptop computer, transfers the data to the plume measurement module, which integrates weather data such as wind velocity, temperature and humidity. Users can view a model of the toxic plume, including the spread, the speed and direction the plume is heading, as well as the concentrations of the toxic materials contained in the plume.
PlumeRAE's capabilities enhance the ability of incident commanders to safely deploy first responders, track and evaluate toxicological effects on responders and local populations, and understand how long an event will likely persist. They can also create emergency response strategies and save the data records for post-event analysis.
"First responders' life-saving decisions are hampered unless they can quickly assess several key characteristics of a toxic plume such as its direction, concentration and speed," said Bob Durstenfeld, director of corporate marketing for RAE Systems. "PlumeRAE gives first responders the ability to prioritize limited resources and issue shelter-in-place or evacuation orders as the situation requires."
