BS EN 62598:2013

What is BS EN 62598 – Requirements of radiometric gauges about? 

BS EN 62598 is a European Standard that discusses nuclear instrumentation. 

BS EN 62598 applies to the manufacture and installation of electrical measuring systems and instruments utilizing radioactive sources (radiometric gauges, hereinafter called gauges). It also applies to source housings intended for use in the aforementioned measuring systems.  

BS EN 62598 applies to equipment, which is not related to power production or to the fuel cycle. 

The purpose of BS EN 62598 is to specify constructional requirements for the design of instruments utilizing radioactive sources in regard of radiation protection.  

BS EN 62598 does not take into account mechanical or electrical hazards. 

Note: BS EN 62598 does not apply to portable gauges which, because of their construction and purposes for use, are intended to be operated as mobile equipment and BS EN 62598 does not apply to gauges operated with X-ray tubes, but it can be analogously applicable to these gauges. 

Who is BS EN 62598 - Requirements of radiometric gauges for? 

BS EN 62598 on radiometric gauges in nuclear instrumentation is useful for: 

• Manufacturers of radiometric gauges 
• Product design engineers 
• Quality control and testing agencies 
• Industries including but not limited to petroleum, plastic, construction, medical, etc 
• Safety authorities 
• Local and national authorities 

• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 62598 - Requirements of radiometric gauges? 

Radiometric gauge is a control and measuring assembly consisting of at least one radioactive source, at least one detector and the mechanical devices required for non-destructive measurement of a process quantity. The measuring effect results from the absorption of radiation by the product to be measured which is caused by level changes. However, since these gauges contain small amounts of radioactive materials, it is essential that they be tested to ensure the exposure to radiation does not pose as a concern. 

BS EN 62598 provides guidance on the classification of radiometric gauge types, general requirements, protection against ionizing radiation, determination of the dose equivalent rate and test methods for radiometric gauges and instruments using radioactive sources. 

If you are a manufacturer of radiometric gauges, compliance with the best industry guidance specified in BS EN 62598 can ensure that your products are safe and reliable to use. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 62598:2013 supersedes BS EN 60405:2007 which is withdrawn. BS EN 62598:2013 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 60405:2007. These include 

• Introduction of Category C for stand-alone source housings intended for fixed radiometric gauges and associated test procedures 
• The system classification code has been amended by one digit indicating the applied revision of EN 62598 and by a second digit indicating the fire test conditions 
• The term dose rate class shall be used instead of radiation protection class. Class 7, or alternatively E, represents the current ICRP regulations 
• Introduction of fire resistance classes 
• Revision of the procedure for dose equivalent measurements