--- title: "Nuclear Level Measurement: An Overview | TechStar" description: Nuclear level measurement is commonly used for vessels with extremely adhesive or corrosive materials, and more. 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The latest technology allows highly accurate measuring results under extreme conditions.  At TechStar, we offer a wide range of radiation based solutions   for measuring harsh applications  that will meet your requirements.  We carry products from the most trusted company in the industry, Berthold. Let a TechStar expert answer any questions about our nuclear products or any other products TechStar represents. **What is nuclear level measurement?** Nuclear level measurement, also referred to as gamma level measurement is the technique which has been in use for level detection of fluids and solids for over 30 years. Nuclear Level measurement with radiation works on the principle of passing gamma radiation through the material to be measured. As the radiation passes through this material, the level can be determined by the amount of attenuation. The wave attenuates when it passes through materials.  Nuclear level gauges are typically found essentially where processes are highly hazardous, contaminants, corrosive, and volatile.   Nuclear level measurement uses both point and continuous methods   ![IMG\_4642 copy](https://blog.techstar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4642%20copy.jpg?width=333&name=IMG_4642%20copy.jpg)A moving source is a powerful method of combining density profiling and the ability to track a moving interface. This technology is more expensive than conventional systems but appears to provide universal level measurement. Unlike other methods, nucleonic gauges require licensing and periodic surveying services. These services are provided by external agencies or equipment suppliers. Users must also follow licensing and disposal regulations, and dispose of nuclear gauges through a licensed organization. Continuous nuclear level measurement uses the same technique to measure levels in tanks and piping. It is an excellent option for hazardous conditions. Continuous nuclear level measurement uses a source of gamma rays and a detector placed on the other side of the tank. This source can be mounted on the top of the tank and the detector is placed on the other side of the tank. The gamma rays can penetrate through the tank walls. Nucleonic level measurement is commonly used for vessels with extremely adhesive or corrosive materials, as well as in furnaces with high pressures and temperatures. The system must be engineered based on the requirements of the application. Several factors need to be considered, including the type of source, installation possibilities, and the density of the process medium. In addition, ambient temperature needs to be taken into account. These factors are crucial to the process of nucleonic level measurement. ## **Advantages and limitations of nuclear level measurement** Nuclear level measurement is an excellent solution for critical level switch measurements. Its simple technical concept and ability to perform measurements under extreme conditions make it attractive in the process measurement landscape. The measurement technology is suitable for a wide range of industrial processes, including simple levels of storage tanks and critical processes, multi-phase monitoring, and many others. In addition to making process measurements safe and reliable, radiometric level measurement can also save you money. The advantages of nuclear level measurement over other methods are that it is applicable to liquids and solids and does not require physical contact with the processed materials. These systems do have some limitations, though. Generally, these systems require periodic surveying and licensing. External authorities or equipment suppliers can provide these services. These systems also must be disposed of in a regulated manner. As the advantages and limitations of nuclear level measurement are discussed below, these systems are worth considering for your specific application. As with any type of measurement, radiometric measurements have their advantages and disadvantages. - Nucleonic radiations are capable of penetrating through the vessel, no vessel penetration is required in nuclear level gauges. Easily installed outside the vessel or tank for measurement purposes. This enables maintenance actions without causing any alterations or interruptions to the process or tank. - Nuclear devices are capable of withstanding intense levels of pressure and temperature. Besides, they prove helpful in level control of hazardous and corrosive materials contained in the process vessel. - Implementation of the nuclear level detection method initially involves high cost compared to other standard methods. Apart from the initial installation cost, there are costs associated with licensing and regular surveying procedures.   - The nucleonic level sensors after being used must be discarded in an appropriate manner via properly authorized associations meant for this purpose only.    ## **Radiation-based level measurement process** A typical nuclear level measurement system consists of,  in simple terms, a radiometric measurement is system consisting of a source that emits radiation and a detector that can detect that radiation. Gamma radiation is attenuated as it passes through the vessel and its contents. The amount of attenuation depends on the fill level: the higher the fill level, the less radiation reaches the detector. The principle behind this measurement is the attenuation effect. To perform the process, a high-quality source is needed for accurate measurements. A fan beam point source is the most cost-effective arrangement. Another option is a rod detector with a length of 500 to 8000mm. Both the detector and source must cover the measuring range. A fan beam point source is the most common type of arrangement, and a rod detector is paired with it. Rod detectors are more sensitive than a collimated source due to the absence of a collimator. The radiation-based nuclear level measurement process is a highly accurate way to measure levels in a range of applications, from storage tanks to multi-phase monitoring. The simple technical concept makes it a desirable option in the process measurement landscape. It offers a highly reliable and safe solution for measurement tasks ranging from simple level switch measurements to critical processes. Not only will radiometric levels help keep processes running smoothly and efficiently, but they will also save you money. ## **Radiation level measurement products** Berthold has been developing tools and solutions to pursue the most challenging applications.  Expert knowledge and passion characterize their employees and partners worldwide. Berthold has developed a number of solutions for continuous level and density monitoring along with concentration and other application measurements.     Listed below are a couple of offerings from Berthold. Although both are the same technology, each are created for a specific use case: - UNISENS is designed for use in areas where there is a high risk of radioactive contamination from external sources, such as nuclear power plants or nuclear waste storage facilities. It can be used to monitor the levels of radiation exposure around these facilities and alert operators when it reaches unsafe levels. It can also be used to monitor radiation levels inside buildings that have been contaminated by nuclear accidents or other events. - TOWERSENS is designed for use in areas where there is a high risk of radioactive contamination from internal sources (e.g., medical devices), but where it's not necessary to monitor external sources of radiation. For example, hospitals may want to use this device in order to monitor internal sources within their facilities without having to worry about whether they're being exposed to external radiation sources outside those facilities. Berthold has been developing tools and solutions to pursue the most challenging applications for more than 70 years.  With a deep understanding of science and leading-edge technology, Berthold empowers their clients with tools and solutions to pursue the challenging applications with a safer environment and efficient manufacturing processes. Contact TechStar for more information about Radiation Level Measurement Products. 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