CESTSEN Introduces the ND-16 / ND-16A Neutron Personal Dosimeter

Shenzhen, China — CESTSEN has added the ND-16 and ND-16A to its radiation protection portfolio, giving health physics teams a direct-reading neutron personal dosimeter built around a 6Li coated compound semiconductor detector. The instrument measures the personal dose equivalent generated by neutron, gamma and X-ray radiation and is intended for dose equivalent measurement in radioactive workplaces.

Why Neutron Dose Needs Its Own Instrument

Neutron fields behave very differently from gamma fields. A conventional Geiger counter can respond to neutrons only indirectly, and its reading is heavily influenced by the energy spectrum and by the hydrogen content of the surrounding shielding. For workers around reactors, accelerators, neutron sources and radiography equipment, that gap matters: the neutron contribution to Hp(10) can dominate the total dose even when the gamma reading looks modest.

The ND-16 addresses this directly. A 6Li coated compound semiconductor detector converts incident neutrons through the 6Li(n, α)3H reaction, producing a signal proportional to neutron fluence rather than to gamma ionisation. The result is a dose equivalent reading that follows the neutron field itself, from thermal energies right through to fast neutrons.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Two Models, One Workflow

The ND-16 is the dedicated neutron unit. The ND-16A adds an energy compensated GM compound detector alongside the 6Li semiconductor, so a single instrument logs neutron, gamma and X-ray dose at the same time. For most controlled areas that means one device on the belt instead of two, one charging routine and one dataset when the shift is exported.

Both models share the same operating platform: a low-power single-chip microcomputer handling LCD drive, measurement data storage, parameter setting, detector fault alarm and battery voltage detection. Alarm thresholds for dose rate, cumulative dose and working time are continuously adjustable, and the device signals an over-threshold condition through both an acousto-optic alarm and an on-screen indication.

Typical Applications

• Personal neutron and gamma dose monitoring inside nuclear power plants
• Radiation protection in radiotherapy and nuclear medicine departments
• Industrial non-destructive testing and radioisotope applications
• Occupational disease prevention and regulatory radiation safety inspection
• Dose equivalent measurement for military, civil defence and emergency response teams
• Neutron source handling, transport protection and accelerator shielding surveys

Built for a Full Working Shift

The housing measures 95 x 60 x 27.5 mm and weighs about 190 g with the back clip, which keeps it unobtrusive on a coverall. Working range is -10°C to 45°C at up to 90% relative humidity without condensation, and the built-in lithium battery delivers more than 500 hours of continuous background-mode operation per charge, so a week of shifts rarely needs a recharge.

For teams that already carry a gamma dosimeter, the practical question is not whether neutron dose exists on site, but whether anyone is measuring it. A dedicated neutron channel answers that question every shift instead of once per badge cycle.

Availability and OEM Support

Both the ND-16 and ND-16A are available now for direct purchase, distributor stocking and OEM branding. Minimum order quantity is one piece, standard lead time is 7 to 15 working days, and monthly supply capacity stands at 300 pieces. Units ship in export-grade cartons with shock-proof foam protection, and certification documents can be confirmed with the sales team at the time of order.

To request a quotation, technical datasheet or sample unit of the ND-16 neutron personal dosimeter, contact the CESTSEN export team.