Radioactive sources - are your employees safe?

May 2001 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

The hidden hazard of ionising radiation emitted by radioactive sources was highlighted in a 20 min documentary recently broadcast on a South African* television paystation programme. Radioactive sources utilised by industry, for various diagnostic or measure and control applications, have different activities or strengths with subsequent variations in potential to cause harm to living beings.

At present, protective measures required by law, other than those specified for non-destructive testing, entail the wearing of passive radiation detection badges referred to as TLDs or film badges. This measuring technology is silent and gives no warning of a prevailing hazardous situation.

Prevention of excessive exposure to ionising radiation is achieved by personnel concerned wearing an active electronic personal dosimeter (EPD) such as the electronic personal dosemeter developed and manufactured by Siemens Environmental System in the UK. This dosimeter incorporates adjustable alarm levels for both dose and dose rate. The audible alarm boasts a sound level in excess of 95 dB and warns the wearer of hazardous radiation levels before the individual receives any significant dose. Siemens Environmental System is represented in South Africa by OEN Enterprises.

OEN Enterprises

(011) 792 2859

[email protected]

www.oenenterprises.co.za

* Readers note that the March issue incorrectly stated 'a foreign TV paystation'. SA I&C apologises for any confusion.

Further reading:

How SCE approaches sensor selection for critical environments
Specialised Climate Engineering Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Specifying the right sensor for a critical climate involves far more than matching a datasheet accuracy figure. As an authorised Vaisala HVAC partner, SCE explains how understanding the environment, the measurement purpose and sensor placement determines effective climate control.

Read more...

---

Changing gas quality calls for smarter combustion control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa prepares for a transition from declining Mozambican natural gas to a proposed methane-rich bridge, LNG, industrial users can no longer assume a constant Wobbe Index and calorific value. The compact RMG RGQ 5 provides fast, plant-level gas-quality data to support approved burner and engine settings.

Read more...

---

Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.

Read more...

---

Why measurement matters in smelting
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.

Read more...

---

Sun tracking with pinpoint precision
Senseca Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.

Read more...

---

AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.

Read more...

---

Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future
ATEQ South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.

Read more...

---

Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African industry.

Read more...

---

Meteorological data logger with up to 32 analogue sensors
Senseca Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced its advanced data acquisition system for environmental monitoring, which has a universal data logger for up to 32 analogue, pulse and smart digital sensors.

Read more...

---

Importance of gas analysis in the petrochemical industry
Elemental Analytics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Gas analysis plays a critical role in petrochemical operations, supporting process optimisation, product quality and plant safety. As an experienced and expert gas analysis supplier, Elemental Analytics can provide the correct analyser and sample system package to meet individual plant requirements.

Read more...

---