A good MicroRmeter Recommendation

[tabai]

I need to buy a good microRmeter. I am looking for sometning preferably with stable reading. Ludlum lists models 19A and 192 with 0 to 5000 MicroR range on various scales.

I would like some feedback and your experiences with MicroRmeters; your favorites, the pro's and con's, recommandations, etc ...

This is for use at a RadioPharmaceutical manufacturing site.

Thank You.

Seyed

[halflifer]

I am currently working at a site that uses the Bicro Micro R and the Ludlum M-19. I like both of them with my choice on any given day being dependent on the task at hand.
The Bicron's greater range makes it a more versitile instrument, but if you don't expect to see dose rates >5mr/hr, the Model 19's audible response makes it handy when you're doing a 'quickee' survey or multi-tasking.

[stormgoalie]

Bicron also makes their Micro Analyst meter that has variable response times as well as the audio coupled with the higher range of their standard MicroR meter.  Another option is to look at the FAG FH40 F4 meters.  There is also the Automess meter available on the market.  Both the FAG and Automess have an LCD display with autoranging standard. 

Cheers,

Jim Rodgers
RP Lead tech.
Ontario Power Generation
WWMF

[cincinnatinuke]

Another one of note is the Eberline E-600 and a SSPA-3 scintillation probe.  The meter has a digital interface and also autoranges and digital display of analog output.  You can use it as a ratemeter, scaler, or even to integrate, or for peak values.  I also have the software for it, and its pretty straight forward.  I would not recommend letting a novice use this since you can easily tap a button or change form rate to integrate.

[stownsend]

You should look into the energy ranges of the isotopes you want.The Bicron we use for tissue equivalent dose rates and I used them very effiently(sp) for radwaste shipments.I was surveying landscape soils packaged in gondolas with predominently cs137 and saw the lud 19 respond higher.We also have a low energy Bicron with a mylar window for surveying RGD's(x-ray type)machines.I perfer the Bicron as an all around meter(200 mr/hr max),the low scale up to 20 micro r/hr is ok.The lud 19 we use for release of potentially activated material.At the isotope production facility I work in we use ro20's due to the higher rad levels of the product.

[SloGlo]

if your doing environmental work, and the other points that have been brought up are satisfied, then i'd go with the m19.  it is extremely durable 'n will withstand alot of abuse.  eye herd it makes a good pillow iffen yer under a willow tree.