—- Radiometric Measurement Products / Detectors
Detector Configurations Built Around the Measurement
Ronan detectors measure the gamma energy transmitted through the process and convert it into a signal the system electronics can process. Detector technology, active length, geometry, and mounting are selected around the measurement range, process conditions, available space, and required sensitivity.
Why Detector Selection Matters
Detector selection starts with the measurement application. Point-level measurement may require a compact detector positioned at a specific measurement point, while continuous-level applications may use an elongated rigid detector or a flexible detector configured around the shape of the vessel. Detector technology, active length, sensitivity and configuration are selected based on the process, vessel geometry, measurement range and operating conditions.
Ronan engineers work directly with customer engineers to determine the detector best suited to each application. Because radiometric measurement is all we do, we can select from multiple detector technologies and configurations rather than designing every application around a standard detector package.
The high sensitivity of Ronan scintillation detectors also enables reliable measurement at very low radiation fields, supporting Ronan’s Radiation Low Level (RLL) source technology where application conditions allow.
Ronan Radiometric Detector Family
New! Radiometric Rigid Scintillation Detector
The right detector for the toughest industrial processing applications
Rigid Scintillation Detector
The new Ronan Rigid Scintillation Detector delivers outstanding performance for a wide range of challenging measurement applications and process conditions.
Reliable
Upgraded electronics and mechanics improve reliability, delivering accurate and repeatable measurements, even on difficult applications and in the harshest environments. New construction allows the detector to maintain signal-path integrity while operating under vibration and when the detector is mounted inverted. All Ronan detectors are manufactured to the highest quality standards and are backed by a three-year limited warranty.*
Efficient
Improved detector sensitivity allows for use of the lowest level sources in the industry and is optimized to “As Low as Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) standards. This improves safety, is more environmentally friendly and can reduce costs by extending the life of your measurement system because sources do not have to be replaced as frequently.
Robust
The detector utilizes a variety of crystals, the two main types being sodium iodine (NaI) and scintillating plastic (PVT). Both types of crystals can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The PVT crystal can be fitted to the curvature of the vessel shape to, for example, measure the spherical bottom of a tank. Ronan is the only company that manufactures curved crystals and flexible detectors. Ronan also provides detector lengths up to 15 feet and up to 4 detectors can be connected, providing up to 60 total feet of measurement.
Versatile
With a philosophy of designing new products to be backward compatible, our customers have the confidence of an installed base of thousands of systems. Ronan detectors can be retrofitted to older systems without having to replace the source, allowing upgrades to the latest technology while avoiding disposal costs, and can also can be retrofitted to replace other brands.
*Excludes PM Tubes.
The new Rigid Scintillation Detector features a modernized design and operation.
- New integral electronics and mechanics provide enhanced reliability.
- State-of-the-art electronics include a smaller, single-circuit-board construction, making for an overall smaller detector size, allowing the system to be installed within smaller space constraints.
- High electro-magnetic shielding is now standard in all Ronan detectors.
- The detector construction includes fewer components which offers even better vibration resistance and minimizes failure risk.
- Enhanced shielding and new circuit board reduces electrical noise.
- The new design maintains ability for repair and replacement.
Radiometric Scintillation Detector
Ronan offers multiple detector technologies and configurations, each selected to meet the sensitivity, geometry and operating requirements of the application.
Scintillation Detectors
Ronan has decades of experience designing and manufacturing scintillation detectors for industrial radiometric measurement applications.
Scintillation detectors use a material that produces light when exposed to incident radiation. That light is amplified and converted into an electrical signal proportional to the radiation field. Ronan rigid scintillation detectors use plastic scintillation media or sodium iodide, depending on application requirements.
High detection efficiency allows scintillation detectors to operate effectively at lower radiation fields and supports applications requiring long active lengths or specialized detector geometry.
Scintillation detector capabilities include:
- Plastic scintillation media for many industrial process applications
- Sodium iodide options for very low radiation fields
- Rigid detector configurations for standard installations
- Long active measurement lengths
- Multiple detectors combined for extended measurement ranges
- Construction designed for demanding industrial environments
Other Detector Technologies
Ronan also offers specialized detector technologies for applications where vibration, radiation field strength or point detection requirements call for a different approach.
FlexDetector™
Ronan’s FlexDetector™ can contour around horizontal or spherical vessels and can be used where available mounting space is limited. Flexible configurations also support longer active- measurement lengths, up to 90 feet, while reducing the weight and handling requirements associated with some rigid detector installations.
Geiger-Müller Detectors
Geiger-Müller detectors are used in selected point-level applications, particularly where higher radiation fields and rugged point detection are appropriate.
Ion Chamber Detectors
Ronan has also used ion chamber detector technology for demanding applications. An ion chamber uses electrically charged plates within a pressurized chamber; exposure to radiation produces a current proportional to the radiation field strength.
Matching the Detector to the Measurement
Detector technology and configuration are matched to the measurement, process conditions, vessel geometry and installation requirements.
Point Level
Compact detectors are positioned at a defined measurement point to identify the presence or absence of material. Depending on the application and radiation field, Ronan may use scintillation or Geiger-Müller detector technology.
Continuous Level
Elongated detectors span the measurement range to track changing material level. Rigid scintillation detectors are available in long active lengths, and multiple detectors can be electronically combined for larger measurement ranges.
Density
Density measurement uses a detector positioned across a defined section of pipe or vessel to measure changes in transmitted gamma energy as process density changes.
Complex Vessel Geometry
Where space, vessel shape or installation geometry make a rigid detector impractical, flexible detector configurations can follow horizontal, spherical or irregular vessel contours.
Designed for Industrial Conditions
Ronan detectors are engineered for process environments where vibration, temperature, mounting orientation and installation constraints can affect measurement reliability. Current rigid-detector designs use mechanical support and spring tensioning to help maintain the photomultiplier-tube signal path under vibration and varying mounting orientations. Available detector housings and configurations can also be selected around environmental and hazardous-area requirements.
Engineered as Part of the Complete Measurement System
Engineered as Part of the Complete Measurement System Detector selection does not happen in isolation. Ronan considers the detector together with source activity, source-holder configuration, beam geometry, process conditions and system electronics to create a complete radiometric measurement system engineered around the application.
Need help with your measurement application?
Ronan will work closely with you to develop a reliable measurement solution for your most challenging process applications.
If you need immediate assistance, please contact us directly.
About
For more than 60 years, Ronan Engineering has manufactured reliable and leading-edge instrumentation systems. As providers of real-time monitoring and measurements of critical process control points, Ronan has kept some of the world’s largest plants, factories, and facilities running safely and efficiently. Ronan has established manufacturing, sales and service facilities in Kentucky and the United Kingdom.