Radioactive measurement systems are designed for continuous sampling. The radioactive method can theoretically achieve ±0.2% accuracy (100 second averaged sample), which makes it one of the most accurate aeration measurement instruments available.

That said, since the device relies on radiation intensity to measure, it’s accuracy depends on it. Like any radioisotope, the source is continuously decaying and will eventually need to be replaced. Data averaged over shorter periods will lose accuracy as the maximum intensity of the source is reduced over time. This can be mitigated by detecting the signal over a longer period, bringing with it the disadvantage that each measurement will take more time and become insensitive to smaller fluctuations of aeration.

Restrictions

A significant disadvantage of any radionuclide method is that the radiation source is usually a controlled substance, given the inherent danger surrounding radioactive isotopes. At the very least, sourcing and handling the consumable may be a significant inconvenience for test labs. Depending on the jurisdiction, the use may be banned entirely, making test results very difficult to correlate internationally.

Impedance