Equipment based on isotope techniques for the regulation of heating systems

Flexible and user-friendly equipment has been developed for the measurement of the water flow in heating-system pipes with the help of radioactive tracer elements. The equipment comprises an injection unit, detectors and computer-based registration of data with software for data management. The equipment and method was performance tested and compared with other measuring systems. Safety measures connected with the use of radioactive tracer elements were also evaluated. It was shown that the method could determine the water flow velocity with 1-2% accuracy and the volume flow with plus/minus 10% accuracy in connection with the regulation of the water flow. The injection of the trace element can take place through the existing drain valves and measurement can be undertaken with the detector outside of the pipe insulation. Only one injection is needed to measure the flow. Both the hardware and the software function satisfactorily. Regarding the safety measures, these are easy to follow both for the trained operator and for other persons in the vicinity. The equipment is therefore ready for utilization. (AB)