A radiation dosimeter (both household and professional) is needed when it is necessary to measure and know the level of radiation constantly or periodically. How to choose a radiation dosimeter and what functions to pay attention to? Consider the main characteristics, types and types of devices.
The main characteristics of radiation dosimeters
Before choosing a radiation dosimeter, you should familiarize yourself with its features that may be needed in the process of using the device:
- radiation parameters (it can be gamma and beta rays, household appliances do not pick up alpha radiation);
- options (the fewer functions in the device, the easier it is to use it, which is important for household options);
- error (household appliances with an error of up to 15% belong to the class that measure radiation level well, professional devices are more accurate, but difficult to control);
- measurement time (from 20 to 40 seconds, depending on the modification of the device and its price);
- work at minus temperatures (many dosimeters at low temperatures show the wrong result, this must be taken into account when choosing a device);
- moisture and dust resistant (these are special models of devices, but are not very popular, as they are in a high price category).
Scope of application
Before choosing a radiation dosimeter and determining its modification, you need to know the features and scope of these devices.
In everyday life, they can be used to measure the level of radiation of any objects. Most often they are used to measure the amount of radiation in the workplace or in those objects that can be characterized as radioactive. Such items include jewelry, children's toys or things of dubious origin, building materials, metal products. Also, when buying land or real estate, it is often required to establish the level of possible radiation in a given place, with which the device will help.
Therefore, before choosing the right dosimeter, it is worth deciding what, how and when it will be measured. In everyday life, compact devices are most often used, which can be easily taken with you, but at the same time it should perform its function qualitatively.
In industry or when passing customs control, large devices are used, often with an audible signal.
Types of instruments for measuring radiation
Before choosing a radiation dosimeter, the price of which depends on the product modification, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the types or types of this measuring device.
Dosimeter classification:
- professional (they have a wide measuring range, which takes place in a short time, a sensitive detector with less error, most often used in large enterprises);
- household (compact, portable, but show results with an error of up to 30%, although they are best suited for home use);
- stationary installations (more often used in the place of constant radiation of radiation).
There are also direct and indirect results. Among households, there are many modifications that differ not only in size and price, but also in type of radiation and sensor model. There are also sound and soundless models of radiation dosimeters.
Features of choice
In order to know how to choose a radiation dosimeter, several factors must be taken into account.
- Functionality (if the device is selected for home use, it should contain a minimum of complex functions and options so that the operation of this device is easier for the simple consumer; if this is a professional option, then it is worth considering the nature of the radiation and those characteristics that are necessary directly for measuring radiation in a specific case).
- Dimensions (this can be a portable and compact option for use in different areas or a large stationary installation).
- Result (a household appliance should clearly show numbers while a professional version can show various measurement parameters)
- Price (depends on the sensitivity of the device and the spectrum of radiation capture)
Often people who live nearby nuclear reactors or nuclear power plants use these measuring instruments. To know how to choose a radiation dosimeter, one must take into account the nature of the use of the device. Household options or radiometers are used only in exceptional cases, and not constantly. Stationary models operating in 24/7 mode are often equipped with a sound signal that notifies employees of the enterprise in case of exceeding the radiation standard.
For domestic use, the model with the least number of options is selected. The process of measuring and displaying the results takes no more than 45 seconds. There are also household dosimeters in the form of watches, which are equipped with an additional sound signal. Using such devices is quite easy.
Dosimeter Overview
Many people wonder how to choose a radiation dosimeter from so many options on the market. Consider several modifications of dosimeters that are most in demand among consumers.
- MKS-05 TERRA-P (household appliance or radiometer, in the middle price category, equipped with an audible signal, while the sensitivity threshold is set by the user himself, the error level is up to 25%).
- MKS-05 TERRA-P + (has a wide measurement range, it is used more often to measure the level of radiation of terrain, building materials, food or household appliances).
- MKS-05 TERRA (semi-professional device, used both at home and in the enterprise, the error is up to 20%).
- MKS-05 TERRA-N (great functionality, you can transfer data via the Bluetooth channel, equipped with sound and vibration when the norm is exceeded, built-in memory for 1200 measurements).
How to measure with a household appliance?
Knowing the features of how to choose a household radiation dosimeter, you can begin to study the measurement process directly. It is not complicated, although you should first read the instructions for the device. Perhaps, depending on the modification, the measurement process may vary.
As a rule, all dosimeters are placed next to a place or object, the radiation of which must be measured. The measurement process depends on the type of instrument, but it should not take more than 45 seconds or one minute. To get a more correct and reliable result, it is worthwhile to re-measure. If the readings are the same, then the dosimeter correctly measured the level of radiation. All additional options of the device should be described in detail in the product manual.