Are You Using the Right X-Ray Monitor?

When selecting an X-ray leakage monitor, it is important to select one that is suitable for the job at hand.

As well as knowing the type of radiation that you want to be able to measure, you also need to know the required measurement range.

For example. ADM was recently contacted by a customer, who wanted us to examine their X-Ray system, so that we could suggest a suitable X-Ray smonitor.

In most cases the Thermo Scientific RadEye G10 is the most appropriate radiation detector for this task. However, there are occasions where this may not be the case.

Therefore, we also took along the RadEye B-20  from Thermo Fisher Scientific.

First, we tried the RadEye G-10. The reading showed that there was no X-Ray leakage. In fact, it suggested all was normal and the level of radiation was like the X-Ray machine was off.

However, as soon as we tried the RadEye B-20 it went straight into alarm, inidicating X-Ray leakage.

The reason the RadEye B20 picked up a problem and the RadEye G-10 didn’t is because of the difference in their measuring ranges.

The customer's equipment used lower energy X-rays than the norm.

Both devices measure X-Rays, but the RadEye G-10 only measures from 45keV upwards, which was too high for the low 20 keV of the customer’s X-Ray unit. Whereas the B-20 measures from 17 keV upwards. Hence, it could detect the X-Ray leak.

The reading given by the RadEye B-20 was such that the customer considered it wise to have a technician inspect the X-Ray machine to ensure there was no danger from X-Ray exposure .

This highlights the need to understand the specification of your X-Ray machinery before you select any X-ray monitoring devices.

If you don’t select the right detector with the correct specifications, you may end up with an excellent piece of equipment, that doesn’t suit your specific application.

After all the best cricket bat isn’t going to help you win a game of golf!

ADM Nuclear Technologies has an expert team on hand and ready to help. If you would like assistance in selecting a suitable radiation survey meter, please do not hesitate to contact ADM Nuclear Technologies.

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