What is BS IEC 61322 about?
BS IEC 61322 discusses radiation protection instrumentation. BS IEC 61322 applies to installed dose equivalent rate meters, warning assemblies and monitors. BS IEC 61322 covers equipment intended to measure neutron radiation in dose equivalent rates in the energy region between thermal and 20 MeV for the purposes of radiation protection.
The assemblies considered in BS IEC 61322 comprise at least a detector assembly, which may, for example, consist of a detector probe (for thermal neutrons such as BF3 proportional counter, 3He proportional counter, 6LiI(Tl) scintillation detector, etc.), and a moderating and absorbing medium surrounding the detector.
These assemblies also need to comprise of at least a processing assembly, which may be fitted into a centralized panel, which, in the case of warning assemblies and monitors provide signal outputs and contacts capable of activating an alarm or other trip circuits.
Alternatively, the case when all the processing electronics are placed within the detection unit (so-called "smart blocks") may be considered. In this case the functions of the processing assembly will be composed of only the indication, the providing signal outputs and contacts.
Note 1: BS IEC 61322 is not applicable to criticality monitors covered by IEC 60860, or to assemblies intended to give information about operational parameters of nuclear plants for control.
Note 2: BS IEC 61322 is not applicable to the operating characteristics of indicating or recording instruments as such (for instance, indicating meters, recorders, etc.). The characteristics of such instruments are in conformity with the general requirements appropriate to them.
Note 3: BS IEC 61322 does not cover hand-held neutron dose (rate) meters and instruments that are covered in IEC 61005 purpose.
Note 4: No tests are specified in BS IEC 61322 for performance requirements in pulsed radiation fields. It is understood that an assembly designed to meet BS IEC 61322 may not be suitable for use in these fields.
Who is BS IEC 61322 for?
BS IEC 61322 on radiation protection instrumentation is useful for:
- Nuclear power plants
- High-activity laboratories
- Fuel reprocessing plants
- Radiation meter manufacturers
Why should you use BS IEC 61322?
Assemblies that are employed to constantly monitor the radiological situation in working areas in which the radiation field may change with time are called radiation monitors. These assemblies consist of installed dose equivalent rate meters, warning assemblies, and monitors that are designed to detect and monitor deviations usually with the help of a probe.
BS IEC 61322 specifies general characteristics, general test procedures, radiation characteristics, as well as electrical, mechanical, safety, and environmental characteristics, as well as the identification certificate for the assemblies.
BS IEC 61322 helps you with specifications for radiation protection instrumentation and alarms so that you can work in a relatively safe environment, and immediately detect any change in radiation levels.