Dosimeter: TOP rating of high-quality professional and household devices for measuring radiation levels (60 photos)

What kind of radiation dosimeters measure?

Radiation is divided into different types of radiation, and its effects depend on strength and time. All these nuances are recorded by dosimeters, but in different ways.

Radiation is the process of emission of various elementary particles: protons, neutrons, electrons, photons, which destroy other atoms or molecules.

The type of radiation depends on the types of particles:

• Alpha is the radiation of heavy particles. It has a high degree of damage to biological tissues, but a low possibility of penetration.
• Beta has a high penetrating ability and can harm any living creature even tens or hundreds of meters from the radiation source. However, the level of harm caused will be average.
• Gamma - has high penetrating power and speed; it is difficult to stop even a thick layer of metal or concrete. But it does not cause serious harm to human bodies.
• X-rays - These rays act similar to gamma radiation, but are not as powerful. However, it has high penetrating power.
• Neutron radiation has a high penetrating ability, but can easily be protected from it by any material containing hydrogen. Has a strong damaging effect.

Household dosimeters most often measure radiation with high penetrating power: gamma or beta. There are dosimeters that also record alpha fluxes.

Alpha radiation is the most difficult to measure because it travels only a short distance from the source. It is measured 2-3 cm from the object. Such meters have a separate, additional sensor in the form of a window protected by a curtain.

Important! Alpha, beta and gamma types are the radiations that are most often found in everyday life and nature. Therefore, measuring them is most important.

X-ray radiation is not measured, since it is the least harmful. Professional devices can distinguish all types of radiation and record changes in their intensity.

How to choose the right household dosimeter?

The key element of the dosimeter is a special sensor, with which you can determine the degree of radioactive contamination, and do this in real time. The efficiency of this part directly determines how quickly the result will be obtained and its error. There are two types of sensors - cylindrical and end-face. The first looks like an oblong tube made in the form of a cylinder. The end ones are equipped with a special ionization chamber, and the working surface here is much larger.

The most modern instruments are capable of measuring alpha, beta and gamma radiation. They make it possible to determine the dose rate received in a predetermined period of time, and in this case it should be taken into account that radiation tends to accumulate in organic tissues. There is also a natural background radiation emanating directly from the ground, so measurements taken at ground level will be slightly higher than those made at some height.

In general, household appliances are characterized by compact overall dimensions and reasonable cost. Be sure to pay attention to the measurement limits. Typically, in devices designed for home use, this parameter is in the range from 0.05 to 10 μS/h. There are models that are equipped with both an end-face and a cylindrical sensor, which allows for the highest accuracy in measuring radiation levels. This approach increases the sensitivity of the equipment.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the manufacturer - Chinese companies have not yet learned how to produce dosimeters of acceptable quality, with rare exceptions, but domestic companies produce reliable, durable, high-precision devices. It is advisable to give preference to the most compact models so that they can be put in your pocket if necessary. If the dosimeter can be powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries, this will be an additional advantage. Most users prefer designs equipped with a monochrome liquid crystal display, from which it is convenient to read data. As a rule, it is equipped with backlighting, so the necessary information can be found even in conditions of lack of natural light.

When choosing models for inclusion in our rating of the best household dosimeters, we were mainly based on these indicators. However, user reviews and the price-quality ratio of the products were also taken into account. We tried to select not very expensive devices so that each of our readers could choose the optimal model for themselves, both in terms of cost and functionality.

RADEX RD1008

Domestic products can be used not only in domestic but also in industrial conditions. With its help, you can calculate the level of radiation, find out how dense the flow of radioactive particles is, and calculate the doses of gamma and beta radiation. The device can work even with the heaviest alpha particles, which are usually found in luminous paint, some types of crystal, and so on. The operating principle of this equipment is based on the use of two Geiger-Muller counters. The first of them is aimed at detecting alpha and beta particles. The second reacts exclusively to gamma radiation. The data that comes from these sensors to the central processor is processed using the most advanced mathematical algorithms, and the data is displayed on a liquid crystal display.

The device reacts to radiation quite quickly - it will take from 1 to 21 seconds to get a result, depending on how strong the dose reaches the sensor. The device can be used by two people at once, and each of them can set the most convenient settings for themselves. The sensitivity of the equipment is significantly higher compared to previous generation devices. The product runs on ordinary AA batteries, energy consumption is insignificant, so the power sources will have to be changed about once a year.

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Advantages:

• Designed and manufactured taking into account current Russian and international standards;
• Can be used by two people;
• High response speed;
• Approved for use in industrial production;
• Works in all radiation ranges.

Flaws:

• For a household appliance it is quite expensive.

RADEX RD1008

RadiaScan-701 A

The unit is able to determine in the shortest possible time how clean the food products are in terms of radiation. This device is easy to use and has an original and elegant appearance. There is a special chamber inside the device where you need to place the product. If harmful radiation is still present, the user will know about it in less than a minute. And to obtain more accurate data, you will need to wait about 3-6 minutes - this factor depends on the mass, density of the product and some other points. The body has an intuitive LED indication, which is displayed in three options: “Clear”, “Attention” and “Danger”. The main element here is ultra-sensitive sensors made on the basis of silicon. With their help, it is possible to reliably determine the presence of dangerous and potentially dangerous radionuclides, the concentration of which is above the maximum permissible values.

By keeping the products in a sealed, insulated chamber, it is possible to get rid of such factors as natural background radiation. The device works optimally with products that are at risk: mushrooms, meat, fish, nuts, berries and mushrooms.

Advantages:

• High measurement accuracy;
• Good speed of calculations;
• Ease of use;
• Safety;
• Insignificant mass;
• Many operating modes;
• It is possible to connect to a personal computer.

Flaws:

• Also a bit expensive;
• The liquid crystal display does not use battery energy economically.

RadiaScan-701 A

SOEKS-01M

The first full-fledged dosimeter in our review, which is capable of not only calculating the existing radiation background, but also determining the accumulated dose. An original search function is provided, with its help you can instantly calculate the location of sources of dangerous radiation. The device body is made of special rubberized plastic that is resistant to scratches and other damage. The interface here is very clear, so using the device is easy and simple. This dosimeter has a latest generation processor, so it loads quickly, and calculations are also performed almost instantly. Immediately after turning on the dosimeter, the measurement mode is activated. If it is possible to set an increased radiation dose, a corresponding text message will be displayed on the display.

The set includes two rechargeable batteries; on one charge the device can work up to 50 hours. They can be charged either via a USB port or using the included adapter. The interface is completely Russified, so the user can quickly understand the state of food or the environment.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Compact overall dimensions - you can always carry this device with you;
• Outwardly it resembles an outdated model of a push-button mobile phone;
• Insignificant mass;
• Quickly performs all necessary calculations;
• The kit includes two rechargeable batteries;
• The rubberized body is resistant to any physical impact.

Flaws:

• Discharges quite quickly if left on all the time.

SOEKS-01M

Sniip-aunis MKS-01CA1

Another model in our review, which can be used for both domestic and professional use. It is characterized by ease of use and low cost. This device detects all types of radiation, calculates the source of radioactivity, and the direction of the particle flow. It can even be used to monitor the contamination of banknotes and quickly assess the situation for ionizing radiation. The device is very convenient to use, largely due to its compact size. The developers were able to create an optimal algorithm for calculating background radiation, which takes a minimum of time. The product is equipped with an easy to read alphanumeric LCD display, which is equipped with LED backlight, and the device is very easy to operate.

There is one original function here - a voice notification about the results obtained during the measurement. There is also a non-volatile memory in which up to 2 thousand measurement results can be stored; they are identified by date and time. Excess data can be saved to a personal computer via a USB port. There are only two buttons on the case, but they are quite enough. The device itself is distinguished by excellent build quality and a long battery life, especially if you install high-quality batteries.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Insignificant mass;
• High measurement accuracy;
• Long battery life;
• Availability of voice notification;
• Informative display.

Flaws:

• It's not very easy to figure out the menu;
• The backlight is dim.

Sniip-aunis MKS-01CA1

Household radiation dosimeter Mobile

Using this radioactivity indicator, you can quickly assess the surrounding radiation situation and determine the presence of radiation from food, clothing, construction and finishing materials. The device calculates the equivalent dose rate and displays the obtained information on a liquid crystal digital display. If the radiation intensity and power threshold is exceeded, the user is additionally informed about this by an audio signal. There are three buttons on the surface of the case: one for turning the device on/off and resetting measurement results, the second allows you to indicate the dose and select the safe power threshold, the third is responsible for illuminating the indicator. The first key can also turn off the sound notification.

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Using this dosimeter, you can calculate the natural background radiation and take it as an error to the results of basic measurements. The dose reading range in this device is from 0.1 to 999 mR/h. Calculations are carried out in approximately one and a half minutes. The device itself is quite lightweight - without batteries it will weigh only 80 g, so you can carry it with you all the time and take measurements in any convenient place.

Advantages:

• Wide range of operating temperatures – from -10 to +40 degrees;
• Low weight of the dosimeter;
• On one set of batteries without interruption, this device can work for 180 hours or more;
• Reasonable cost;
• Extended dose range;
• Compact overall dimensions;
• Sound alarm for dose exceeding.

Flaws:

• The body is made of weak plastic.

Household radiation dosimeter Mobile

Radex RD1212-VT

We came across another model in our review, produced by a domestic company specializing in the manufacture of household and industrial dosimeters. This unit differs from other models in its ability to periodically store results. If necessary, the user can transfer all this data to a personal computer using a connection via a USB port. The memory can store up to 180 measurement results, and the recording frequency can be from 1 minute to 24 hours. The device is placed in a special case made of durable plastic, which does not allow alpha and beta particles to penetrate under it. The product also has a flashlight, so it is very convenient to use in the dark. It should be noted that the battery compartment is combined with the electronic content of the unit, so it is advisable to buy only the highest quality batteries. The dosimeter has a high-definition liquid crystal display and has an anti-reflective coating, so all measurement results will be clearly visible even in direct sunlight.

To fully connect to a computer, you will have to download a special application, RadexRead, through which the data will be saved in a file with the extension .txt or .csv. The program itself is Russified and quite understandable to users. You will have to register it by entering the original serial number of the dosimeter itself. The radiation threshold can be changed if desired, the same applies to setting the date and time.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• The ergonomic body fits comfortably in the hand;
• Easy to use;
• High measurement accuracy;
• You can store the entire history of measurements in a separate file on a personal computer or laptop.

Flaws:

• If the batteries are discharged, the measurement error increases significantly;
• The battery compartment fits directly to the device's board, which means you only have to use the highest quality batteries.

Radex RD1212-VT

SOEKS "QUANTUM"

An inexpensive but quite effective device for professional use, which has an affordable price and is equipped with two Geiger counters of the SBM 20-1 type. The equipment is very easy to use, so it will be suitable for both an untrained user and a professional who constantly works with sources of ionizing radiation. The product is supplied with a special verification certificate; if necessary, a new one can be made at any metrological center when the old one expires. This device is equipped with a fairly large liquid crystal display with a resolution of 128x160 pixels, and its main background will provide the user with information about the presence of dangerous radiation - green (safe), yellow (high background) and red (significant excess).

As mentioned above, two Geiger-Muller counters are located here, thanks to which the measurement accuracy is higher and the time for obtaining data is significantly reduced. The device is capable of determining not only the current level of radiation contamination of the environment, but also determining the accumulated dose over a given period of time. The last parameter is considered to be the most effective and informative. Data can also be displayed on the screen as a diagram, which is also very convenient - a person receives visual information and is able to determine at what point the background radiation began to increase significantly. If desired, the device can be connected to a computer or laptop. It is quite natural that there is a sound warning system.

Advantages:

• Looks quite stylish;
• Informative liquid crystal display on which information can be displayed in different ways, depending on the user’s requirements and preferences;
• Reasonable cost;
• Small overall dimensions.

Flaws:

• The interface is a little difficult to understand.

SOEKS "QUANTUM"

Ecovisor F3

So we have reached the top three best household radiation dosimeters in our review today. Rounding out the leading positions is a special environmental control device, with which you can not only determine the level of background radiation, but also calculate the amount of nitrates contained in vegetables, as well as some properties of water. The body is made of matte plastic, the side elements are rubberized, so during use the device will not slip out of your hands. The product is equipped with an original full-color touch-type liquid crystal display. Navigation through the menu is very simple, so absolutely anyone can operate the device. You can also control the functions of the device using special buttons; they are also designed to adjust the operation of the display - brightness level, changes in time and date. The kit contains everything you need to fully use the device.

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There is a special probe that allows you to calculate the degree of radiation contamination not only on the surface of food, but also in depth. The same can be said on the topic of nitrates in vegetables. The color of the backlight changes depending on the degree of contamination. Using the device, you can quickly calculate the background radiation in rooms where a large number of household appliances are installed.

Advantages:

• Expanded functionality of the device;
• Small overall dimensions;
• You can make calculations even in food products by immersing the special probe included in the kit.

Flaws:

• Some users note that the device turned out to be somewhat expensive for them.

Ecovisor F3

SOEKS-112

One of the newest dosimeters in our review, moreover, it is characterized by small overall dimensions. These are domestic products and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The size of the device is comparable to the most ordinary stationery marker; without batteries it weighs about 30 grams, so you can carry it with you all the time. The case has good strength indicators and is made of reliable plastic. All measurement data is displayed on a monochrome digital display. The main working element here is the Geiger-Muller counter SBM 201. The sensor is highly sensitive to beta and gamma radiation and captures X-rays of a wide variety of nature.

For continuous operation for one hundred hours, two small batteries are enough, which are popularly called “tablets” - alkaline-type batteries marked LR44. The interface of the device is simple, it is very easy to understand. There is a sound indicator that will inform the user that the maximum permissible background radiation concentration has been exceeded. There are only two buttons on the case. To obtain an accurate measurement result, it is enough to wait only 20 seconds after turning on the device.

Advantages:

• High work efficiency;
• Ease of operation;
• Compact overall dimensions;
• Insignificant mass;
• The result is displayed quite quickly.

Flaws:

• Measures only radiation.

SOEKS-112

Soex Ecovisor F4

The leader in our review of the best household radiation dosimeters was a real full-fledged home laboratory, which combines four useful functions at once. The body is made of velvety plastic, the side elements are rubberized, there is a touch display that makes controlling the product easier, and the interface becomes clearer due to it. Even a user who has not previously encountered similar equipment can handle this device. If necessary, the device can be connected to a personal computer and not only transfer saved data, but also update the firmware. The product comes with batteries and a cord for charging them. Using the device, you can measure the background radiation indoors, locally, emanating from food, find out how much nitrates are contained in vegetables or fruits, determine the quality of water, and also detect areas where increased electromagnetic radiation is observed.

The menu list has a very large list of food products, each of which has its own maximum permissible concentration of nitrates and other chemicals. The unit will instantly calculate whether there is an excess in any of the parameters. The main element is a composite probe, thanks to which measurements are taken at several points of the product at once, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of the final result. The dosimeter allows you to determine both the background radiation and the accumulated dose.

Advantages:

• Excellent workmanship;
• Availability of a large number of different functions;
• Attractive appearance;
• Insignificant mass;
• Possibility of connection to a personal computer.

Flaws:

• A bit pricey;
• Short power cord.

Soex Ecovisor F4

How measurements are made with a dosimeter

In addition to the type of radiation, the impact of radiation on a person depends on three more factors:

• Flow forces
• Duration of exposure
• Natural background

The essence of radioactive exposure is a flow of particles that are unstable and decay. In the process of decay, their remains either damage other particles or combine with it.

In any case, this leads to destabilization of all molecules and larger compounds. These particles are called radionuclides. They can accumulate in the body and cause harm for a long time over several years, even if the person has not been near the source of radiation for a long time.

That is why two parameters are measured at once. That is, if a person has been exposed to weak radioactive radiation, but for a long time, then the harm can be caused to him in the same way as if he had been subjected to strong radiation in a few minutes.

In nature, there are also natural, weak sources of radiation: the sun, minerals, gases. Together they should not exceed the norm of 30 microroentgens per hour or 0.3 microsieverts per hour.

Most dosimeters measure the intensity of radiation from some source. There are models that can additionally take into account the accumulated radiation for several people. The natural accumulated dose of radiation is 3-4 microsieverts per year or 300-400 microroentgens.

Dosimeter radex rd 1212

Options	Characteristics
Type	Dosimeter
Time to display the result	10 sec
Type of indicators about exceeding the norm	Sound Vibration Digital value
Error	Where P is the dose rate in μSv/h ± (15 6/P)%
Saving and transferring values ​​to PC	Eat
Dose rate range	From 0.05 to 999 µSv/h
Batteries	Type AAA 2 pcs
Continuous operation time	300 h

Country of origin: Russia. The industrial model from Radex RD 1212 has been added to the rating of the best dosimeters. During the search process, you can independently set the threshold critical background level in the counter. There is also a built-in function for automatically searching for radiation. The received data can be transferred to a PC via a USB port. You can purchase a personal dosimeter for 6,990 rubles.

Dosimeter Radex RD 1212

Advantages:

• Compact and lightweight;
• The industrial meter can be used for domestic purposes;
• You can transfer the received data to a personal computer for the purpose of synchronization and analysis;
• Light, sound and numerical indicators notify that the permissible dose of radiation has been exceeded.

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Disadvantages:

How is radiation measured?

Radiation is measured in different quantities depending on the characteristics of the radiation:

• Coulomb – indicates the power of radiation. 1 coulomb is equal to 3876 roentgens.
• Gray - indicates an absorbed dose of 1 Joule per 1 kg of mass.
• Rad is an international unit that also denotes absorbed radiation. 1 gray is equal to 100 rads.
• Sievert – brings different types of radiation to a common denominator. Since alpha, gamma and other types have different effects, for the convenience of accounting, sieverts bring them to a single denominator in terms of the degree of harm to health. 1 sievert is equal to 1 gray. However, only powerful radiation is measured in grays.
• X-ray shows the strength of radiation, but it cannot show what harm this or that radiation causes to health. Conventionally, 1 sievert is equal to 100 roentgens.

Most dosimeters measure radiation levels in roentgens, which means they indicate the strength of the radiation source. Expensive models display radiation in roentgens and sieverts.

Classification of dosimeters: operating principle and purpose

What types of dosimeters there are and what they measure are the main questions for beginners faced with such a device. A large category consists of household devices. In simple words, they measure the level of radiation, and, depending on their capabilities, last for different types.

Classification of dosimeters according to what type of detector is installed in them:

• Gas-discharge ionizing radiation;
• Scintillation;
• Semiconductor;
• Diamond-based devices;
• Photodiode;
• Integrating – individual dosimeter. It has several subtypes: photographic film, chamber ionization, thermoluminescent, track, electret and radio photoluminescent

Note. The household appliance became widespread after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (1986). Until this moment, it was used in scientific and military fields.

The source of radiation substances can be hidden everywhere: air, water, food, materials, etc. Recently, special devices have been in great demand to identify dangerous areas for living and examine goods for damage by radioactive substances. They are called dosimeters. To understand how radiation affects the human body, the table shows the standards and their interpretation.

Table – “Radiation level, explanation of its meaning”

Dose:	Name:	Explanation:
2.4 mSv/year	background radiation	norm
1 sievert		dangerous changes in the blood
2 sieverts		development of leukemia
3 sieverts		provokes serious changes, which can subsequently cause death

For humanity, radiation enters in two ways: internally - through food, for example, and externally - through the air. You can protect yourself from the second option, but the first option is a controversial issue.

A modern home device can simultaneously measure several radiations in various substances (objects):

• The soil is measured for radiation by gardeners, gardeners and agricultural organizations. In this case, it is better to use universal dosimeters - they measure more than one radiation.
• For health (the medical field), “pulmonary meters” are used, which are located on the lower floors of the premises. They are protected from background gamma and neutron radiation. Such systems measure and count radioactive radiation from gases and aerosols (which do not dissolve in human tissues) that a person inhales. Such substances can leave the lungs over several days, months or years.
• In construction, such devices are used both indoors and outdoors, so that the building is located in an ecological location and is made of clean materials.
• The device is used to detect bad water. This even applies to bodies of water where swimming may be prohibited for one reason or another.
• In trade, a dosimeter is used to check food products, which shows the excess of nitrates. They can check things and other items purchased for the home.

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Tips for choosing: if you plan to purchase a meter for your apartment, then it is better to buy a professional one. It has a wide measurement range. A specialized dosimeter is suitable for a specific measurement of background radiation.

Picture - Dosimeter in operation.

How to choose a dosimeter? There are different selection criteria in this matter:

1. Purpose;
2. Technical properties;
3. The material from which the device is made;
4. Price segment;
5. Which company is better?

The main criterion when choosing a dosimeter, which you should immediately pay attention to, is the measurement range: the higher the numerical value, the better. Modern devices can work independently, in conjunction with a personal computer or smartphone.

The easiest way to acquire these tools is to place an order in one of the virtual stores. According to buyers, products from AliExpress are popular for their budget prices and good quality of goods. The only drawback of the trading platform is the long wait for the parcel and the possibility of mechanical damage during transportation.

Where to buy a radiation device, in fact, is not so important. The main thing is that instructions are included in Russian, and the capabilities of the dosimeter satisfy the buyer’s needs.

Customer reviews, consultations with sellers and recommendations of people who have purchased the same model as you would like will help you avoid mistakes when choosing. The manufacturer plays a minor role in this matter.

Types of dosimeters

Dosimeters are differentiated by the degree of complexity of the device. Some simply measure radiation levels, others can even analyze it.

Types of dosimeters:

• Indicators. These are simple devices that report a certain level of radiation. It is usually measured in microroentgens per hour. This is quite enough to check an object or area for increased levels of radiation. Of these devices, it is worth choosing dosimeters with the highest radiation measurement limit, since simple devices with a low measurement limit level, when it is reached, reset the counter to zero and show a zero level. Model options: Radiascan-701A, Radex 1706, household DKG-04D Grach.
• Alarms. They work the same way as indicators, but here you can set the upper radiation level at which a sound signal will sound. Such devices are usually used by stalkers or members of search teams. Product options: Terra, SIG-RM1208M device, Polimaster DKG-RM1621 meter.
• Meters. These are high-tech models with gas-discharge sensors that can measure changes in intensity and dose accumulated over time. Such models cost several hundred dollars. They are capable of detecting gamma, any types of beta and alpha radiation, for which they are equipped with different sensors. They show precise measurements in different radiations and units: roentgens and sieverts. Model options: Radex RD1008, Radex RD1009, MKS01SA1, MKS03SA1, MKS-08P.
• Search engines. These are the most sensitive models used by employees in radiation-related fields. These products are practically not needed in everyday life. These devices primarily detect gamma or beta radiation. Their feature is high sensitivity even to weak sources.

What to look for when choosing

When asked how to choose a dosimeter, several important nuances should be taken into account:

• Type of sensor. The most accurate and at the same time popular option is a gas-discharge Geiger-Muller counter. Cheap and insensitive detectors are based on semiconductors.
• Types of radiation. It is better if the device captures the most common types: alpha, beta and gamma. It is important to clarify how the measurements will be displayed. For example, Radex models display beta and gamma rays simultaneously on the display, and to measure alpha radiation you need to switch the mode.
• Measurement error. For household appliances it is acceptable at 25-30%. Industrial devices allow an error of no more than 7%.
• Range of values. The minimum level must be at least 0.05 microsieverts/hour. The maximum should not be lower than 10,000 microroentgen/hour or 100 microsievert/hour.
• Mark on checking the device. It is carried out at the manufacturing plant, which is indicated in the passport. This indicates that the device is working properly. There is no other way to check the functionality of the device, since the radiation is invisible.

Even simple household dosimeters will help determine the level of radiation from building materials, old watches or other devices with radioactive components and protect yourself.

Photos of popular dosimeter models