Development of the intelligent isotope level gauge

Abstract

A /spl gamma/ ray intelligent level gauge intended for accurate and continuous measurement under severe environment has been developed. In the gauge, the nuclear detector is connected to an AT89c51 microcontroller which acquires and processes the incoming signals with a novel measuring algorithm. The measuring algorithm allows to take greater measuring duration to reduce statistical errors when there is a smooth level and to take shorter measuring duration to achieve a fast response when the level changes rapidly. Further, this algorithm automatically compensates the natural decay of the radioactive source. The application results are given to demonstrate the performances of this instrument.