Questions? Start Here.

Yes. Radiometric measurement is also commonly called nuclear measurement or nuclear process measurement. Both terms refer to technology that uses a sealed radioactive source and detector to measure process conditions without contacting the process material.

Radiometric technology can be used to measure level, density, weight and mass flow in applications where contact measurement technologies may be difficult or unreliable.

Radiometric measurement is used across a wide range of harsh industrial process industries, particularly for processes where high temperatures, pressure, hazardous materials, changing density or other challenging conditions can make traditional measurement technologies difficult or unreliable.

Ronan systems are used in industries including chemical and petrochemical, refining, mining and minerals, steel and metals, pulp and paper, power generation, food and beverage, and dredging.

Explore Industries to learn how radiometric measurement is used in different process environments.

The amount of source activity required depends on the application, including vessel or pipe dimensions, process density, vessel construction, measurement geometry and detector selection. Ronan engineers each system to use the lowest practical source activity while still providing reliable, repeatable measurement.

 Ronan’s Radiation Low Level (RLL) technology can further reduce the source activity required in qualifying applications by combining highly sensitive detector technology with application-specific system design.

Yes. When properly engineered, installed and operated in accordance with applicable radiation-safety requirements, radiometric measurement can be used safely in industrial environments.

 The radioactive material is contained within a sealed source housed inside a shielded source holder. The source holder is designed to direct radiation toward the detector while shielding the surrounding area and limiting exposure outside the intended measurement path. Source holders also incorporate a shutter mechanism that can block the radiation beam when required for installation, maintenance or service.

 Ronan engineers the source activity, shielding and system geometry for the specific application and operating environment. Read more about Radiometric Measurement safety.

Ronan offers fireproof source holder configurations for applications where additional fire protection is required. The GS-400 Source Holder, for example, is a fireproof external-mount source holder designed to maintain source containment and shielding in demanding industrial environments.

 Ronan can work with your engineering team to determine the appropriate source holder configuration for your application.

Requirements vary based on the radioactive source, source activity, application and applicable federal or state regulations. Depending on the application and license type, facilities may have requirements related to possession and use of radioactive material, employee training, security, documentation and radiation-safety oversight.

Ronan can help customers understand the requirements that apply to their system and provide support with licensing, documentation and radiation-safety training. Read more about licensing.

No. Radiometric systems mount externally to the vessel, pipe or conveyor, allowing them to be installed without cutting into or modifying the process equipment.

Certain applications may require modifications or a planned shutdown based on the measurement geometry, mounting configuration or existing equipment. Ronan defines the system and mounting requirements so your team can plan the installation appropriately.

No. Ronan systems are typically installed by the customer’s plant personnel or a qualified contractor using the mounting and installation requirements provided by Ronan.

Ronan supports the process and can provide assistance during commissioning and startup to help ensure the system is properly configured and performing as intended.

Radiometric measurement systems require minimal routine maintenance because the source and detector do not contact the process and have few moving parts. Once commissioned and calibrated, the system is designed to provide stable, repeatable measurement over long periods.

Service and calibration requirements depend on the application, operating environment and your facility’s maintenance practices. Ronan can help determine an appropriate service and calibration schedule for your system. Contact us.

Radioactive sources used in radiometric measurement commonly remain in service for decades. Source activity gradually decreases at a predictable rate based on the isotope’s half-life, but reaching one half-life does not mean the source automatically needs to be replaced.

Useful service life depends on the original source activity, application requirements and detector technology. Ronan can evaluate the existing source and system to determine whether sufficient source activity remains for reliable measurement. In some applications, upgrading to a newer, more sensitive detector may allow an existing source to remain in service longer.

Contact Ronan when there is a significant change to the process conditions the system was originally engineered to measure. Changes in material composition or density, vessel configuration, insulation, measurement range or other conditions in the radiation path may affect measurement performance.

Ronan can evaluate the new conditions and determine whether the existing system configuration and calibration remain appropriate or should be adjusted. Talk to us about your Process Measurement.

Ronan systems are shipped with a transmittal package that includes typical mechanical and wiring drawings, a suggested spare-parts list and, when required, special as-built drawings. If the package is missing, Ronan can provide a duplicate using the original purchase order number or the Ronan serial/job number.

Ronan charges an evaluation fee to inspect out-of-warranty equipment and prepare a firm repair estimate. If the customer proceeds with the repair, that evaluation fee is applied toward the repair cost.

Contact your local Ronan representative or Ronan Customer Service for order-status and expedite requests. Contact us.

There are two advantages of active isolation barriers: they do not require an intrinsic-safety ground and they can be easier to design into an application because they do not add the same circuit resistance associated with passive Zener barriers.

Yes. Ronan engineers and technicians can provide on-site technical support, troubleshooting and repair. Customers should have equipment mounted and incoming field wiring ready before Ronan personnel arrive so on-site time can be used effectively. On-site support is quoted through Ronan. Contact us to discuss scheduling.

Ronan radiometric measurement systems are engineered for long-term industrial service, and systems can remain in operation for decades.

Because radioactive sources can have a long service life, an older system may not need to be completely replaced as technology advances. Ronan designs newer detector technology with backward compatibility in mind, making it possible in many applications to upgrade the detector while continuing to use the existing source. Ronan supports customers throughout the life of their system, from commissioning and routine service through troubleshooting, detector upgrades and repairs.

In many cases, yes. Ronan can evaluate an existing radiometric system to determine whether Ronan detectors, electronics or other components can be integrated with equipment already in place.

Depending on the application, it may be possible to retain existing components, including the radioactive source, while incorporating Ronan technology. Ronan evaluates the existing equipment, source, measurement geometry and process conditions to determine what can be reused and the best configuration for the application.

Radiometric measurement performs reliably in many process conditions that can be difficult for contact technologies. Vessel walls, insulation, material buildup, foam, vapor and changes in process density can affect the amount of radiation reaching the detector.

Ronan considers these conditions when engineering the system. Ronan electronics include built-in intelligence that can compensate for changing process conditions such as vapor density, foam, gases and process buildup, helping maintain reliable, repeatable measurement as process conditions change. Talk to us about your Process Measurement.

Yes. External radiation from sources such as X-ray inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT) or nearby radiometric equipment can temporarily affect the signal received by the detector.

Ronan can evaluate potential sources of interference and recommend detector placement, shielding, system configuration or other measures to help minimize their effect on the measurement.

Yes, in many cases. When a vessel is too wide for a conventional external source and detector configuration, a dry well can be used to position the sealed source closer to the measurement path, reducing the distance the radiation must travel through the process material.

Vessel width is only one consideration. Process density, vessel construction and measurement geometry also affect system design. Ronan evaluates these factors to determine whether a dry well or another configuration is appropriate.

Ronan has a network of knowledgeable representatives throughout the U.S. and around the world who can provide local support with applications, products, technical questions, pricing and quote requests. Find a Ronan Representative in your area.

Yes. Ronan electronics can be configured and calibrated to display the process measurement in the engineering units appropriate for your application, including units for level, density, weight and mass flow.

This allows operators to view the measurement in units that are meaningful and familiar for their process. Read more about Radiometric Measurement Microprocessor.

Ronan electronics are designed to integrate with plant control and monitoring systems. Available outputs and communication options depend on the electronics and system configuration.

Ronan works with your engineering team to understand your control-system requirements and configure the system to work with your existing plant infrastructure.