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Non-Contact Radiometric Measurement for the Toughest Process Environments
Radiometric, also known as nuclear, measurement provides reliable level, density, weight and mass flow measurement for demanding industrial processes.
Radiometric Measurement for harsh industrial processes
Ronan supplies the process control industry with leading-edge Radiometric Measurement Systems that provide non-contact level, density, weight and mass flow measurement solutions for the harshest industrial process environments. Everything we do is focused on helping you solve your most complex process measurement challenges.
Radiometric measurement, also known as nuclear measurement, uses gamma energy to measure liquids, solids and slurries without contacting the process material. Because the measurement system is mounted outside the vessel, pipe or conveyor, it can provide accurate, dependable measurement without being affected by extreme temperatures, pressure, abrasion, corrosion or other difficult process conditions. Traditional measurement technologies often fail in these environments.
Density Radiometric Measurement System
One Technology. Multiple Measurements.
Ronan radiometric systems can be configured for a wide range of process measurements, including:
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- Continuous Level – Measure changing liquid or solids levels inside vessels.
- Point Level – Detect material at a specific high or low point.
- Interface Level – Identify and track interfaces between materials of different densities.
- Density – Continuously measure liquid, slurry or process density.
- Weight – Measure material on belt and screw conveyors without contacting the conveyor.
- Mass Flow – Combine density measurement with volumetric flow to determine mass flow.
Ronan engineers work directly with your process engineers to design the measurement system around the specific process, vessel configuration, material and measurement requirements.
One Technology. Across Demanding Industries.
Ronan radiometric systems provide reliable, non-contact measurement across industries where harsh process conditions make conventional measurement difficult. Applications include:
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- Mining & Aggregates – Measure abrasive solids, slurries and bulk materials in demanding process environments.
- Power & Coal Handling – Monitor coal, fly ash and other materials throughout storage and conveying processes.
- Chemical, Petrochemical & Refining – Measure corrosive, hazardous and pressurized process materials without contact.
- Metals & Glass – Maintain reliable measurement in dusty, abrasive and extreme-temperature applications.
- Pulp & Paper – Measure pulp stock, liquor, and slurries where density and buildup can challenge conventional instruments.
- Dredging – Monitor slurry density and solids concentration in abrasive dredging applications to help optimize material movement and process efficiency.
- Food & Beverage – Measure powders, bulk ingredients, liquids and viscous materials in challenging processing applications.
Why Non-Contact Measurement?
Unlike instrumentation that must penetrate a vessel or come into direct contact with the process, Ronan radiometric systems operate from outside the process.
That makes radiometric measurement well-suited for applications involving:
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- Extreme process temperatures
- High pressure
- Corrosive or caustic materials
- Abrasive solids and slurries
- High-viscosity materials
- Dust and material buildup
- Toxic or hazardous processes
- Heavy vibration
How Radiometric Measurement Works
A Ronan Radiometric Measurement System includes three primary components: a source and source holder, detector, and transmitter/electronics.
The sealed gamma source is housed inside a shielded source holder mounted outside the vessel, pipe or conveyor. Gamma energy is precisely directed and passes through the process material toward a detector mounted on the opposite side. The amount of energy reaching the detector changes based on the amount or density of material in the measurement path.
The detector sends this information to the transmitter, which processes the signal and converts it into the required level, density, weight or flow measurement.
Because the system is external to the process, installation and maintenance can often be completed without downtime or significant vessel modification.
Engineered for the Application
Ronan offers a wide range of source holders, detector configurations and transmitter options to meet different measurement and installation requirements. Detector geometry and length can be configured for the application, while Ronan transmitters work across detector configurations and can support specialized measurement requirements. With no wetted parts, the measurement components are protected from the process itself, reducing wear and maintenance while providing reliable measurement.
Retrofitting Existing Radiometric Systems
Existing radiometric installations do not always require complete replacement. Ronan systems are also designed to be backward compatible, allowing many existing installations to be upgraded to newer detector or transmitter technology while retaining usable system components. Ronan can retrofit older systems and, where appropriate, retain existing sources while upgrading detectors, electronics and other components. This can extend system life while reducing replacement and source-disposal costs.
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.