A Purpose-Built Container for Radiometric Measurement
The FQG61 is designed to hold the radioactive source used in radiometric measurement systems. It forms part of systems for point level detection, continuous level measurement and density measurement, keeping the source positioned and shielded while allowing the required radiation path toward the measuring point.
Directional Radiation with Optimized Shielding
The FQG61 is designed so that radiation is emitted almost unattenuated in the intended direction while being damped in other directions. Endress+Hauser describes this arrangement as providing a high level of personnel safety while maintaining the radiation path needed for reliable measurement.
Designed for Higher-Activity Sources
Compared with smaller source-container configurations, the FQG61 supports higher source activities. The official specifications list 137Cs up to 18.5 GBq (500 mCi) and 60Co up to 0.74 GBq (20 mCi), depending on the selected configuration and applicable requirements.
Manual or Pneumatic Switching
One of the defining features of the FQG61 is its flexible source switching arrangement. The source can be switched manually or pneumatically, allowing the container to be adapted to different installation and operating requirements. The switching position can also be secured with a padlock, cylinder lock or locking bolt.
Compact Design for Industrial Installation
The FQG61 uses a lightweight, almost spherical construction designed to provide effective shielding while keeping the container compact and practical to mount. Different radiation emission angles are available to help adapt the source position to the measurement arrangement.
No Direct Process Contact
The FQG61 is installed externally to the process. Endress+Hauser lists the process temperature and pressure as not limited by the source container itself, since it is non-invasive and external to the process. The actual operating conditions of the complete measurement system still depend on the installation and associated components.
Key Features
- Product type: Radiometric source container
- Designed for point level, continuous level and density measurement
- 137Cs: up to 18.5 GBq (500 mCi)
- 60Co: up to 0.74 GBq (20 mCi)
- Directional radiation emission with shielding in other directions
- Manual or pneumatic source switching
- Switching position can be secured with padlock, cylinder lock or locking bolt
- Lightweight, almost spherical construction
- Optimized shielding design
- Various radiation emission angles
- Compact and easy-to-mount construction
- Non-contact with the process
- Source replacement designed for safe and straightforward handling by qualified personnel
- Highest source classification according to DIN 25426 / ISO 2919, typically C66646
Typical Applications
Radiometric Point Level Detection
The FQG61 can serve as the source container in radiometric point level systems where the process conditions make conventional contact-based level switches difficult to install or maintain.
Continuous Level Measurement
For vessels requiring non-contact level measurement, the FQG61 provides the controlled source arrangement required for a radiometric measuring system.
Radiometric Density Measurement
The FQG61 can also be used in density measurement systems, where the radiation source and detector are arranged around the process pipe to determine changes in material density.
High-Activity Radiometric Measurement Systems
With support for Cs-137 up to 18.5 GBq and Co-60 up to 0.74 GBq, the FQG61 can be configured for radiometric applications requiring higher source activity.
Difficult Process Environments
Because the source container remains outside the process, radiometric measurement can be used where high process temperatures, high pressures, corrosive media or other process conditions make direct-contact instrumentation impractical.
Automated Industrial Installations
The pneumatic switching option makes the FQG61 suitable for installations where remote or automated source switching is required as part of the overall radiometric measurement arrangement.
FAQ
What is the Endress+Hauser FQG61?
The FQG61 is a radiometric source container used to house and shield the radioactive source in point level, continuous level and density measurement systems. It is not itself a level transmitter or density transmitter.
What radioactive sources are supported by the FQG61?
The official Endress+Hauser specifications list 137Cs up to 18.5 GBq (500 mCi) and 60Co up to 0.74 GBq (20 mCi). The actual source selection depends on the complete measurement system and applicable regulatory requirements.
What is the difference between FQG60 and FQG61?
Both are Endress+Hauser radiometric source containers, but the FQG61 supports manual or pneumatic switching and higher source activities, including Cs-137 up to 18.5 GBq and Co-60 up to 0.74 GBq. The appropriate model depends on the required source and installation arrangement.
Can the FQG61 be used for density measurement?
Yes. The FQG61 is designed for point level, continuous level and density measurement and can form part of a radiometric density measurement system.
Does the FQG61 contact the process medium?
No. The source container is installed externally and does not come into direct contact with the process medium. Endress+Hauser lists its process temperature and pressure as having no limitation from the source container itself because the device is non-invasive.
Can the FQG61 be switched remotely?
The FQG61 is available with pneumatic switching in addition to manual switching. This allows the source-container configuration to suit installations requiring pneumatic actuation.
How is the switching position secured?
Depending on configuration, the switching position can be fixed using a padlock, cylinder lock or locking bolt. The switch status is also designed to be easily identified.
Can the radiation direction be adapted?
Yes. Endress+Hauser specifies different radiation emission angles so the source container can be adapted to the particular measurement arrangement.
