Ionizing radiation is something we live with, this is a type of energy
released by atom when its structure breaks down. We are exposed to this type of
radiation every day of our lives, it can be emitted by soil, rocks, the food we
eat and even our body releases radiation. We can not control this natural
radiation emission sources and neither they are dangerous for our health due
the low level of radiation they release. There are also many others man-made ionizing
radiation sources we are exposed to during our daily activities, these are:
watching TV, having a X-Ray examination in a doctor or dentist checking,
airplane flights, etc. We can control the exposure to these sources of
radiation by limiting the related activities.
These are the main types of Ionizing Radiation:
- Alpha radiation: large atomic particles that some substances emit.
- Beta radiation: fast-moving particles with very low penetrating power.
- Gamma radiation: electromagnetic waves which results from radioactive decay.
- Cosmic radiation: high energy atomic particles from sun and stars.
- Neutron radiation: penetrating atomic particles, commonly used in portable Nuclear Gauges.
- X-rays: electromagnetic waves generated by a machine and able to penetrate human body.
All types of ionizing radiation can be dangerous for human being.
Exposure to a radiation source can affect our cellular structure and tissues,
however, radiation sources can be used safely for many productive purposes,
minimizing and controlling risks involved. This is achieved by implementing
adequate inspection, maintenance and repair programs for related equipment and
instruments.
Nuclear Gauges are widely used in many industries nowdays, they
incorporate a radioactive source and thus, important considerations must be
taken into acount when it comes to safety in their use.
There are two types of Nuclear Gauges:
- Fixed Nuclear Gauges:
Most commonly used in process industries or
plants as a way to monitor and control process parameters and conditions. They
are used when fluids or products can not be measured by using traditional
methods or when a particular technical requirement exists.
A detector is mounted opposite to the source
and measures the radiation that passes through the fluid or product, then a
reading is made for the required information. The flow of a fluid as well as
the level of a product can be measured through this technology.
- Portable Nuclear Gauges:
This type of gauges are used very often in the
agriculture and construction industries, they are very practical since they can
be moved conveniently from one place to another. Portable Nuclear Gauges
measure density and moisture content of soil as well as density of asphalt.
They are two methods for measuring with portable gauges, backscatter and direct
transmission. Depending on the application one method can be more convenient
than the other.
Nuclear Gauges use one or two small radioactive sources which contain
americium-241, americium-241/beryllium, cesium-137, krypton-85, radium-226 or
cobalt-60. The strength of the sources is related to the amount of radioactive energy
they release. Although they are small, they contain a lot of power and
radiation.
Nuclear Gauge operators are protected from receiving radiation by a source
shielding, by applying proper operation and handling techniques and by the fact
that safety evaluation has been performed by an authorized and qualified agency
or company.
As it happens with many other tools and equipment, Nuclear Gauges can be
hazardous if proper safety precautions are not considered when operating these
devices. By following simple rules and procedures, working with your Nuclear
Gauge will not be hazardous at all, posing no threat to your health or safety.
Once a Nuclear Gauge is in operation, regular testing must be performed
to verify that the radioactive source is secure within its capsule and no
leaking exists. This leak test must be performed by an agency of authorized
company. Also, Nuclear gauge calibration, maintenance and humboldt repair are
crucial and important to guarantee a reliable and safe operation in the use of
this equipment.
Phoenix Calibration offers specialized and certified services of
calibration, maintenance and repair of your nuclear density gauges of all
models, including: Troxler, InstroTek, CPN, and Humboldt.
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