A Comparison of Beta Backscatter Gauges for Measuring Egg Shells

Abstract

Three beta-backscatter gauges used to determine egg shell properties were compared. One gauge had a large diameter 5.4 cm Geiger-Mueller detector. The second gauge had a small diameter, 2.9 cm Geiger-Mueller detector; whereas, the third gauge had a small diameter, 2.9 cm surface barrier detector. The most consistent measurements were obtained with the large diameter Geiger-Mueller detector gauge. While all gauges were affected by temperature changes, the Geiger-Mueller detectors were affected least. A temperature change of the electronics created a much greater change in counts than a similar temperature change of the detectors. The differences between good and poor egg shells were determined by measuring the backscatter with each gauge. Although the gauge with the large Geiger-Mueller detector showed a smaller difference between good and poor egg shells than the one with a surface barrier detector, its superior reliability and temperature stability make it the preferable gauge.1979 Poultry Sci 58:361-364