Household radiation dosimeter: which one is better, how to choose, rating 2021

Types and types of dosimeters

The dosimeter is designed to ensure the safety of human health. It determines the level of radiation. There are 2 types - professional and household. The first is used at nuclear power plants, factories, and banks. Household products are purchased for use at home and are divided into three types:

• individual;
• pocket;
• portable.

An individual dosimeter is a device the size of a key fob. If the radiation exceeds the norm, it informs the person with a sound or vibration signal. The model is very simple, without a display. Convenient to carry in your pocket. There are several types of personal dosimeter - according to detection method and purpose.

Full information can be obtained when connecting devices to a smartphone

Important! An individual dosimeter measures neutron, photon, beta or gamma radiation.

Pocket models weigh no more than 100 g. They have an LCD display and easily fit in your pocket. They are produced in the form of multifunctional devices and original wristwatches. The scope of application of the device is small. You can diagnose materials and products. Pocket dosimeters can only detect high levels of radiation. They synchronize with gadgets.

It is possible to set limit values

A portable dosimeter registers gamma radiation. It displays information on the display and signals high radiation levels with sound, vibration or light. Often portable models combine a dosimeter and a radiometer. Compact, no need to connect to specialized equipment to obtain all the information. Any gadget or personal computer is enough.

4 detectors are installed, which increases the accuracy and scanning area

There are also non-threshold and threshold dosimeters. The latter are more useful because they show digital background values ​​over a wide range. Threshold ones are more reliable, but non-threshold ones answer pressing questions about the degree of danger.

All models are divided into indicators, signaling devices, spectrometers, search engines and meters. Indicators are the least sensitive; alarms notify with a sound signal about a sharp change in background radiation; spectrometers determine the type of isotope; search engines have the lowest measurement accuracy; meters are more sensitive and equipped with advanced sensors.

Rating TOP 5 best dosimeters: professional and household, indications, reviews, prices

Most people believe that if they have not encountered radiation before, then a similar situation will never happen in the future, however, as practice shows, a person can encounter radiation at any time, and one must be prepared for this.
A dosimeter is a device that measures the level of radiation, useful for those living in areas with very unfavorable environmental conditions. In order to quickly select a device, we recommend that you study our rating of the TOP 5 best dosimeters: professional and household; indications, reviews, prices, as well as characteristics can also be found in the article below.

Dosimeters can be divided into several types:

• Professional. They are used by scientists, workers of industrial and mining enterprises, nuclear power plants, radiation monitoring services, and the military. Professional dosimeters are distinguished by high accuracy and short measurement time, no more than 40 seconds. Their design includes several Geiger counters. They are designed to register and detect alpha, beta, gamma and x-ray radiation, as well as other charged particles.
• Industrial. They are used for work on an ongoing basis, for the purpose of regular measurements of the radiation situation, for example, near nuclear power plants.
• Military. Intended for use in extreme conditions, for example, in the zone of a nuclear explosion.
• Household. Used for approximate determination of radiation levels. These devices are characterized by low cost, compactness, light weight, simplicity, but average accuracy (within 25-30%). Accuracy can be improved by increasing the number of measurements. Household dosimeters are designed to record the background level of radiation; they usually record gamma radiation and x-rays, and very rarely beta and alpha radiation. Low- and mid-range models consist of a single Geiger counter, while high-end models may include several Geiger counters and special scintillation crystals.

Choosing the right dosimeter

Special devices will help reduce the negative impact of nitrates, impurities in water, carbon dioxide, radiation and electromagnetic waves. For example, a dosimeter.

If you are thinking about which model to choose, you should know what criteria you need to pay attention to:

1. Purpose - for industrial or household purposes.
2. Catching block. It is built into the body of the product, but sometimes can be installed separately. The latter are used in professional dosimeters.
3. Measurement time. For active movements, a device that works faster and provides information within 20-40 seconds is suitable. This model will cost more.
4. Accuracy of measurements. The best are professional devices; they measure radiation levels quickly and accurately. The cost is relatively high. Of the household ones, the threshold one is better. He gives specific data.
5. The upper measurement value must be no lower than 10,000 µR/h.
6. Number of sensors. It's good if the model contains 2 or more. This will make it possible to measure different types of radiation.

Attention! The model with pin diodes turned out to be useless in application. It is not recommended to buy it.

Some models are equipped with built-in memory, dust and moisture protection, battery saving mode and Bluetooth. This is an additional functionality that does not affect the operation of the radiation dosimeter, but greatly simplifies the use of the device.

Main types of dosimeters

Devices can be divided into 2 types.

1. Professional . They are used in the field of science, medicine, control services, in the mining industry, the production of medical equipment, and for military purposes. These dosimeters are distinguished by high accuracy, instant operation and registration of all types of radiation.

1. Household . Individual devices for recording radioactive radiation that do not have high accuracy of readings.

Typically, these home gadgets recognize gamma particles and can recognize the X-ray background. The most budget models consist of only one Geiger counter, while more expensive ones are already equipped with scintillation crystals.

If you increase the number of measurements of one object, the accuracy of the readings of a household dosimeter increases.

The best manufacturers of radiation dosimeters

There are quite a lot of manufacturing companies. In order not to make a mistake in your choice and not to acquire a counterfeit device, you should always check the authenticity of the product. There is one way to do this: ask the seller for all the documentation and certificates.

There are many competitors on the global market, but by studying reviews and products, experts managed to select the best manufacturers:

• Anmez;
• Radex;
• Soeks;

They offer good quality models. They sell both professional and household devices.

Leading manufacturers equip household models with additional functionality - a water quality analyzer, a nitrate meter. This makes the model more functional and in demand.

Features of the device and choice of household dosimeters

A radiation measuring device, or dosimeter, is designed to register the following types of hazardous radiation:

• Beta and alpha particles;
• Gamma rays;
• Modifications of alpha and beta particles called “hard” or “soft” radiation.

In the cheapest models used to detect these particles, the sensor function is performed by a special isotope-sensitive diode. And in more “advanced” middle-class dosimeters, a set of several gas-discharge counters is used to detect radiation. The most expensive and prestigious examples of this technology can install scintillators made in the form of a crystalline element.

In order to correctly select a dosimeter model suitable for specific conditions, you should know that the number of recording elements can vary from one to 4 pieces. The configuration features of modern meters and dosimeters should be carefully studied before purchasing them.

Important! Particular attention is usually paid to the presence of a color display, as well as the ability to connect to a personal computer via a USB input connector.

Device with connection to PC

Attention is also drawn to the presence and quality of the sound indicator, the design options of which can be very diverse. This can be a simple speaker, also called a “squeaker,” or a built-in voice simulator that announces measurement results in the selected language.

Rating of the best professional radiation dosimeters

Having compared the 10 top models of radiation dosimeters, we can highlight the best 5 devices. Selected devices quickly analyze the information received and can work for a long time without fear of exposure to the atmosphere.

RADEX MKS-1009

Detects beta and gamma radiation. The radiation dosimeter runs on 1 battery. The user receives all the necessary information in Russian, which is displayed on a backlit screen.

The device provides accurate data and alerts about high levels of radiation. The model instantly assesses dangerous background radiation.

Operates continuously for 950 hours, that is, 40 days on 1 battery

DRGB-01 ECO-1

The radiation dosimeter has three measurement modes - gamma radiation, beta particles and specific radioactivity based on the flux density of beta particles. The portable device has a sensitive surface and a thin mica window. When gamma ray registration is required, the counter window is closed with a special screen.

Includes instruction manual, AC adapter, inspection certificate and storage bag.

Battery powered

Quantum

The innovative model of the SOEKS company is the best device among the dosimeter line. The measurement results appear in 10 seconds. It runs on a battery and can be recharged from any device - PC, laptop.

Advice! You can connect the device to a computer to obtain more detailed information.

There is a built-in calendar, clock and alarm clock.
The peculiarity of Quantum from SOEKS is the presence of 2 sensors and high measurement accuracy. The radiation dosimeter has programmed norms and thresholds for dangerous levels. Thanks to this, there is no need to remember them.

MKS-05 TERRA-P plus

The model measures the level of radiation and assesses the contamination of a living space. The professional device has a backlit digital indicator. Dimensions are small, weight is low.

Measures gamma background level and accumulated dosage, evaluates beta pollution

Operates continuously for 6000 hours, measures radiation levels every 5-10 seconds. Supplied complete with AA batteries and instruction manual.

RADIASKAN-701A

The professional model measures radiation with high accuracy. The improved model contains curtains on the back of the case, by opening which you can get more accurate information.

Color display

The sensitivity of the sensor is 2 times higher than usual ones used in cheap dosimeters for measuring radiation.

Dosimeter working tool

Another tip on how to choose a household radiation dosimeter for performing simple measurements. The type of built-in sensor matters:

Scintillation crystals: endowed with high sensitivity. Installed in alarms, meters, search engines;

Geiger-Muller counter: highly sensitive to beta radiation, slightly less sensitive to alpha rays. More often found in meters;

SBM type tube: work on gamma radiation, less on beta radiation. The alpha range and soft beta are not recognized.

For those who do not want to understand the topic of measuring equipment, we suggest using the rating of the best radiation dosimeters and buying one of the five devices presented in it.

SOEKS 01M Prime

It was included in the list of the best radiation dosimeters 2021 due to its high measurement speed. From the moment of switching on until the result appears on the screen, no more than 1 second passes. You can take the device with you for work on the road in places where there is no electrical power source. One charge lasts for 1000 hours. Other benefits:

Light indication with color change: the glow turns red if the permissible measurement threshold is exceeded;

The results are stored in the built-in memory. You can compare previous and present parameters;

The kit includes a network adapter. When the device is plugged in, the batteries are charged automatically.

Soeks Quantum

One of the best dosimeters of 2021 in terms of accuracy. The device contains not one, but two Geiger-Muller counters. The device produces results within 10 seconds after switching on and can operate autonomously for up to 700 hours. The recorded parameters are stored in the dosimeter’s memory for at least a year. Software updates occur without specialist intervention. To control the dosimeter, just study the simple menu. Manual setting of threshold radiation doses is provided. Information about exceeding the permissible level is carried out using sound and light indication.

A battery charger is included in the package.

RadiaScan-701 A

Which radiation dosimeter is best to buy if there is a need to measure all three types of radiation? RadiaScan-701 A is a device that displays results for alpha, beta and gamma backgrounds - together and separately. One of the few household devices that can effectively detect contaminated food. The dosimeter owes its high technical capabilities to a 32-bit microcontroller, which increases the speed of measurements and performs calculations using complex mathematical algorithms.

Tested by European laboratory. Has CE certificate.

ECOLOGIST FORA

During the work process, the result is continuously refined. The current error statistics are displayed on the screen. Data appears in audio, digital, text format.

For non-specialists, there is a built-in function to display prompts on the screen with an assessment of the radiation level “Dangerous”, “Normal”, “A lot”.

Household dosimeter EcoLifePro 1

Which radiation dosimeter is better to buy when the emphasis is on the reliability of the result. We recommend the EcoLifePro 1 model. Built-in algorithm for double checking of parameters. Significant advantages include high measurement speed (no more than 10 s), receiving data in sieverts and roentgens, instant data output on a color OLED screen in the form of text, digital values, and graphic symbols.

Menu in Russian. Convenient push-button navigation.

Sources:

https://expertology.ru/7-luchshikh-dozimetrov/ https://markakachestva.ru/rating-of/4172-luchshie-dozimetry.html https://www.exeza.ru/blog/luchshiy-dozimetr-radiatsii -2019/

Rating of the best household radiation dosimeters

The demand for household dosimeters is high in industrial cities. Using devices with sufficient functionality, you can detect dangerous products and identify bad water.

A review of radiation dosimeters will allow you to choose the most optimal and suitable option.

Greentest Eco 5, KIT FB0136

The model combines three functions - testing for nitrates, measuring water hardness and monitoring radiation in a residential area or outdoors. Considered the best radiation dosimeter of 2021 among household models. This device is a pocket mini-laboratory, with which you can find out the level of nitrates or radiation in a few seconds.

Made in China

Soex Ecovisor F4

The most functional device that combines 4 functions at once. The model measures the level of background radiation. The ability to measure nitric acid salts in vegetables and fruits, determine the quality of drinking liquid and search for areas with an increased number of electromagnetic waves is provided.

The device works quickly. To find out the quality of the products, just select it from the list provided and plug the device inside. The standards for the amount of nitrates are already in the device’s memory.

Measurement occurs at several points at once, which significantly increases accuracy

DO-RA VDR-IRQ1801-w

The gadget of this line is designed to indicate ionizing radiation at analysis sites. The results are immediately displayed; you can check the weekly total when connected to a computer.

Generates a graph of the state of the device owner’s organs depending on the received radiation dose

Haak Elektronik SMG-2

Measures radiation levels in 20 seconds. The display is color, there is no built-in Bluetooth. It is not necessary to follow the readings. You can set a sound alarm.

Dimensions are small. Convenient to carry in your purse

SOEKS (Soeks) Ecovisor F3

Using this environmental monitoring device, you can determine not only the level of radiation, but also the amount of nitrates contained in vegetables and fruits. The model is made of high-quality matte plastic, the side elements are rubberized.

The display is liquid crystal, touch type. Easy to use.

Important! The device is controlled using buttons, which are also designed to adjust the brightness level, change the time and date.

The device is expensive.
The dimensions of the device are small, but it is inconvenient to carry in your pocket.
The kit includes a probe for checking the calculations in the products.

How to choose a dosimeter

Purpose.

Depending on the tasks assigned to the device, there are professional and household models.

1. Professional models help identify different types of radiation. They have the widest measurement range (0.05-999 µS/h). In addition, for professional use, the dosimeter must be entered in the state register.
2. Household gadgets are valued for their versatility. The device is not required to have a wide range of radiation measurements (up to 10 μS/h); it is more important to provide the user with information about a safe or unsafe level. In addition, multifunctional devices that record not only radiation, but the level of nitrates in vegetables and fruits, water hardness, and the amount of magnetic radiation are valued in everyday life.

Type of signals.

Most dosimeters have several options for informing the user.

1. The numerical data on the display is difficult for the average person to identify. It is necessary to know the threshold limit and compare it with the obtained data. But professionals need accurate numerical values.
2. It makes working with the dosimeter easier for the average person when there is a built-in sound or vibration signal. It is triggered when a threshold of radiation or other hazardous factors is exceeded. This is enough for an ordinary user to know whether it is safe for him to be in a particular place or whether the object being examined is safe.

PC connection type.

Many modern dosimeters can be connected to a smartphone or computer. This is done to systematize data and analyze safety over a certain period of time.

1. The simplest option for transferring data from the dosimeter to an external device is the Bluetooth option. Such devices are especially convenient in everyday life.
2. If the device is not equipped with a wireless connection, then the USB connector is used. In this case, you will need the appropriate cable.

Dimensions.

To ensure that the dosimeter is always at hand, it must be compact and lightweight. First of all, this applies to household models. For example, a device weighing 80-100 g will not weigh down your handbag or organizer. The weight of the dosimeter is also important to professionals, because they have to use the device for several hours. But serious devices will be heavier (250-500 g).

We have selected the 7 best dosimeters for review. All of them are widely represented in the Russian trading network. When compiling the rating, the opinions of experts and consumer reviews were taken into account.

How to use the dosimeter

Milliammeter

To properly handle devices such as dosimeters and radiometers, it is enough to read the instructions for their use, which describe in detail the procedure for working with a specific model. Let us briefly consider the main points of these recommendations, which in general can be reduced to the following points:

• Regardless of the model you have to work with, first of all, new batteries should be installed in its power compartment;
• After turning on the device, use the “Menu” button to select the required operating mode: “Dosimeter” or “Radiometer”;
• Following this, in this mode, you need to switch the device to the range corresponding to the measurements being taken.

Additional Information. If even the approximate level of radioactive radiation is not known, it is recommended to set the maximum measurement limit.

Upon completion of all these preparatory operations, you should bring the device to the intended source of dangerous radiation and press the “Start” or “Start” button on the control panel. Immediately after this, the device will record the level of detected infection on the display and echo this information with an audio signal.

Measurement procedure

In the final part of the article, we note that when choosing a dosimeter or radiometer for home needs, it is not recommended to try to choose the cheapest of all models offered on the market. To solve such an important issue as the health of a person and the people around him, it is preferable to spend significant sums on purchasing a reliable and practice-tested dosimetric device.

Checking dosimeters

In everyday life, it is extremely difficult for the average person to check dosimeters-radiometers due to the lack of a standard, which only licensed organizations can have. Among the available tools, experts recommend using:

• granite - its natural radiation background is approximately 30-90 μR/h;
• potassium chloride – 18-40 µR/h;
• tungsten-thorium welding electrodes – 40-250 µR/h.

Natural crystal also gives a slight, but noticeable deviation from the natural radiation background on the dosimeter. The indicated ranges of probable radiation of the proposed materials will not allow us to determine the sensitivity of the device with a high degree of accuracy, but this is quite sufficient to test its functionality.