—- 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
Advanced Radiometric Scintillation Detector for Level,
Density, and Weight Measurement in Industrial Applications
New Scintillation Detector Expands Measurement Capabilities
Ronan’s latest precision scintillation detector is engineered for level, density and weight measurement across demanding industrial applications. Introduced in 2025, the detector supports accurate, non-contact measurement in harsh process conditions while helping reduce maintenance and support real-time process monitoring.
Designed for industries including mining, chemical, petrochemical and food processing, the new detector platform expands Ronan’s radiometric measurement capabilities while maintaining the reliability and durability required in extreme operating environments.
Detector Technology
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.