| Application
of the Month |
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Saving
money by retrofitting radiometric measurement gauges |
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| Radiometric
gauges have been used for over 50 years in a wide variety of
difficult and demanding applications and environments.
Many older gauges still in use
today have been configured with ionization detectors. While
widely used for many years, this type of detector does not have
the sensitivity and performance required for more challenging
and difficult applications.
Berthold Technologies has used
scintillation detectors exclusively for over 35 years. This type
of detector is far more sensitive than ionization detectors (on
the order of roughly 20:1) and is now the standard for
radiometric measurement detection in industrial processes. |
Berthold
Technologies Density gauge using 45 degree mounting. This is an
ideal way to measure very small measurement spans or smaller
pipes. |
Close up view
of Berthold Technologies Scintillation detector. Using Sodium
Iodide crystals and a patented high-voltage control system,
Berthold Technologies offers unmatched sensitivity and stability
in Industrial measurement detection.
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| There
are virtually thousands of older radiometric systems that are
approaching the half life of the radioisotope being used for the
measurement. For example, if a system contains a Cesium 137
isotope, and its age is 25 years or older, it is quickly
approaching the end of its usefulness in a process measurement
system. At this point, it becomes a candidate for disposal based
upon current Engineering practices.
But what if
there was a way to extend the life of the system—in other
words, a method where source disposal would not have to be done,
the existing radiometric source could still be used, and the
cost of disposal and purchasing a new source could be avoided?
Think of how much money could be saved when comparing disposal
to retrofitting an existing detector!
That is
possible by retrofitting existing detectors with new Berthold
Technologies scintillators and electronics. The cost is usually
a small percentage versus the cost of disposal, purchase of a
new source, installation and commissioning of a new source. Then
consider this... the performance of the system will better than
ever!
What are the
steps necessary to determine if your systems are a retrofit
candidate? |
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First, its
necessary to determine some information about your existing
source. The source activity (size of the radioisotope), the type
of radioisotope (commonly Cesium 137), the source activity date
(when it was assayed and inserted into the shielding) and the
manufacturer should be determined. In addition, a short
application sheet must be filled out with information about the
vessel and pipe size.
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Also,
using this sheet, its possible to determine the performance of
the existing measurement system using a new Berthold detector
and electronics, the number of years “saved” by extending
the life of the existing source and, most importantly, the
savings versus disposal and replacement.
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Why
choose Berthold Technologies as your retrofit partner?
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Berthold
Technologies makes the most sensitive detector/electronics
packages in the entire radiometric measurement industry. This
simply means that using our patented detector technology (see
below) it is possible to add more years of active service life
in older ionization based/scintillation detector systems.
Using a highly
sensitive patented Sodium Iodide detector, Berthold Technologies
can routinely save thousands of dollars by installing a new
detector and electronics in tandem with an older radiometric
source. If the retrofit is being done on a competitive system,
Berthold Technologies will work with you to design a mounting
configuration that’s right for your installation.
Normally, point
level and density systems are the best candidates for retrofit.
However, there are other level and bulk flow applications that
can be reviewed as well. All it takes to find out more is to
click on the link below. |
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Click
here to explore retrofit opportunities for your system! |
