Radioactive contamination - albeit a rather rare, but very dangerous problem, which can turn into diseases and even death. It is rather difficult to eliminate it, it is much easier to avoid it. And in this, the dosimeter DP-5V can provide all possible assistance.
general information
First, let's look at what it is. A DP (field dosimeter) is used to measure power (also acting as a radiometer) of human exposure per unit time. It is designed to work with gamma radiation (although it can also be used for beta), as well as to establish the radioactivity of the infected area.
About modifications
The dosimeter DP-5V is not the only representative of this family. "B" at the end means that he is a military. That is, the gamma sensor is removed into the housing, and the latter is made of durable and modern plastic. At the same time, the control strontium-yttrium source was moved from the device to the case of the detector unit. In this regard, the table of infection rates was replaced.
What do the letters mean at the end of the names of the representatives of the family? If there is A, then this indicates that the control strontium-yttrium source is located on the hinged lid of the device. It is closed by a sliding cover. B is an earlier model. Dosimeters DP-5B and DP-5V are similar in principle of their action. But the second is more perfect, reliable, better. And the letter B indicates that it was originally used to detect beta radiation.
But the military model has everything necessary to work in the right range, so it is better to make a choice in its favor. Especially for those who regularly work with both types of radiation, the DP-5VB was developed. There are still dosimeters that are marked with the letter M. This means that they are medical. This X-ray radiometer is used by doctors to determine the strength of the defeat of personnel.
Range of operation and preparation of equipment
The dosimeter DP-5V can operate in six modes. Depending on the settings, it can pick up radiation factors with a strength of 200 x-rays to 0.05 mR. At the same time, in practice, you should always remember that a section of the scale from zero to the first numerical value is considered inoperative. The time required to take readings on different ranges is also not the same. How to start working with a dosimeter DP-5V?
Instructions for its preparation are as follows:
- Initially, remove the appliance from the packing box.
- Then you need to open the cover of the case.
- We carry out an external inspection for damage and malfunctions.
- Fasten the straps to the case.
- We connect power supplies, observing the polarity.
- We insert the knob of the range switch into the position of the mode control (on the black triangle).
- After all this, the arrow should be in the security sector. If this does not happen, then you can advise checking the power source.
Check performance
So, our dosimeter DP-5V is ready for use. Now you need to check its performance on all ranges (except 200 R / h). For this, a control source is used. It is necessary to set the rotary screen of the probe to position “K”. Then the headphones are connected . The handle of the switch must be sequentially moved to all positions, starting with x1000 and ending with x0.1.
If the device is working properly, then clicks will be heard in the phone. At the same time, on the sixth and fifth ranges (that is, x1 and x0.1), the arrow of the device will simply roll over. On the fourth, its deviation to the right is observed. The readings obtained on the x10 range are checked against the formulary data that were obtained during the last check. If there are no differences between them, the device is ready for use.
How to work with him?
We take in our hands the radiation dosimeter DP-5V. We put the screen of the probe in the "G" position and press the "Reset" button. After that, the arrow of the device returns to the zero mark of the scale. Then set the range knob to the black triangle. The fixed exposure dose of gamma radiation is determined in milli-roentgens per hour for the point in space at which the detection unit is located. Sound indication must be heard using headphones that have previously been connected to a power meter. If radioactive radiation was detected, then clicks are clearly audible in the phones. Moreover, the greater the power of gamma waves, the more often the device signals this.
Information you need to know
Measurements should be carried out in an uninfected area or where the external gamma background is not more than the maximum permissible concentration in three times. If it is necessary to find out the situation with a specific object, then all actions are recommended to be carried out at a distance of 15-20 meters from it. There are a number of exceptions to this. So, in order to find out the degree of radiological infection of the human body, farm animals, vehicles, equipment, water and food by measuring the power of gamma radiation, the device must be kept at a distance of one and a half centimeters from the object. In this case, the probe screen should remain in the “G” position.
But that is not all. During the measurement, the probe should be brought to the object with the side on which there are two stops. It must be slowly moved over its surface in order to find the place of maximum infection. To do this, focus on the frequency of clicks in the head phones (as an alternative, follow the arrow). After it is found, it is necessary to install the probe with stops against the surface at a height of one and a half centimeters. The data obtained are verified with the gamma background value. If they exceed it, then the amount of radioactive infection of the object is calculated by searching for the difference. Before mathematical operations, gamma-background indicators are divided by a certain coefficient, which depends on the type of object being studied. For humans, it is 1.2, for vehicles 1.5, and for armored vehicles - as much as 2. To detect beta infection, the device must be set to position “B”. To prevent contamination when working with liquids and solids, a plastic film cover should be worn on the probe.
Complete set and care of the device
The dosimeter DP-5V consists of:
- Measuring console.
- Probe with flexible cable.
- Extension rod.
- Voltage divider.
- The storage box.
- Spare property kit.
- Head phones.
The device itself with batteries weighs 3.2 kilograms. A complete set in a packing box pulls 8.2 kg. And all this property needs care. So, dosimetric devices should be located in rooms where the temperature is maintained in the range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity ranges from 50 to 60 percent. If the device is stored for more than ten days, it is necessary to disconnect the power sources and remove them. At the same time, they also require a dry, cool and darkened room. The dosimeter itself should not be exposed to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, snow, rain, dirt, shock, dust and shock. It is also forbidden to open control radioactive sources. If you adhere to all these requirements, the device will be able to work quietly for up to forty hours.
Are there any alternative designs?
DP-5V is good, but rather heavy. Therefore, the question arises of devices with similar characteristics, but much more compact. And first of all, you need to remember about the individual dosimeter ID-02. The manufacturer produces such devices in the form of a kit. It includes ten dosimeters in the form of a pencil and a charger for their work. Thanks to this, you can provide them with the whole family (in case of a nuclear accident) or have a sufficient number of reserves.
Who produces the dosimeter ID-02? The manufacturer is located in the Russian Federation, so you can contact him if necessary. The weight of one pencil is only 32 grams, and the entire kit weighs 0.65 kg. True, of the minuses, a relatively small range of operating temperature should be noted. So, it is recommended to use it from -20 to +40 degrees Celsius. But this should be quite enough for the ordinary person to carry out all the necessary manipulations in our latitudes.
And for medicine?
If there are certain tasks in this area, then DRC - a clinical X-ray dosimeter, is suitable. This device is used to determine the radiation doses that patients receive during medical procedures. In addition, it can also be used to evaluate the performance of clinical X-ray equipment.
An indicator of the high quality of this device is the modest fact that in March 2003 it was declared mandatory when acquiring medical equipment that uses radiation in its work. That is, it is more suitable for those occasions when a person receives a small amount of radiation, and it is necessary to find out exactly what it was.
Conclusion
But if we talk about universality and reliability, then there is nothing better than the DP-5V. This device can be used in harsh conditions, it is suitable for measuring the power of gamma radiation in a wide range. In addition, it can work with beta waves.
The scheme of the dosimeter DP-5V is designed in such a way that it is a durable and tenacious equipment, for which, in fact, we love. It provides readings with high accuracy, can easily function in the field, is reliable when working with high temperatures (it can function up to about 500 degrees Celsius), and is also suitable for measuring both the general level of radiation and the degree of infection of objects. The combination of all these factors allows us to forgive him a relatively significant weight and recognize him as one of the best representatives among dosimeters.