Abstract:
The present invention provides a continuous flowthrough labyrinth device that has a detector well formed therein in which a radiation detection device may be placed. The continuous flowthough labyrinth device allows a fluid sample to be introduced into the flow path of the device so that the fluid sample evenly surrounds the top and side surfaces of the detector well, which results in the fluid sample being evenly distributed around the radiation detection device. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be connected to any radiation level fluid monitoring system, for example systems used by municipalities and/or industries. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be placed such that fluids entering and/or exiting systems are monitored for radiation, or even placed to determine the radiation levels of fluids within systems.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to detecting radiation in fluids, and more particularly, to a flowthrough labyrinth device configured to receive a fluid to be tested and evenly distribute the fluid to be tested around a radiation detecting device and a method of detecting radiation in fluids using the same. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Radiation detection can be problematic, since potentially harmful radiation may be emitted from sources that appear innocuous. For example, since harmful radiation may be colorless, odorless and/or tasteless it may be difficult to detect and/or even perceive without proper radiation detecting equipment. Furthermore, in order to detect both the presence and quantity of potentially harmful radiation the radiation detecting equipment may need to be exposed to the potential source of the radiation for a prolonged period of time. For example, in the case of detecting potentially harmful radiation in fluids, such as a water source, a fluid sample must be collected and then positioned relative to the radiation detecting equipment. For example, previous devices used in the detection of radiation in fluids were measurement containers, referred to as beakers, which included a container to hold the fluid and a well formed in the container to hold a radiation detection mechanism. These beakers required the fluid sample to be poured into the container, and then the container placed over the radiation detection mechanism for the required amount of time. Upon the expiration of the required amount of time, the container was then emptied, and a new fluid sample was poured into the container. However, a significant amount of labor may be required in the use of such sampling and detecting procedures. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a device that can provide continuous and/or intermittent operation for the detection of potentially harmful radiation in fluids with minimal interaction and/or monitoring. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is designed to overcome the above noted limitations that are attendant upon the use of conventional fluid radiation detecting systems and, toward this end, it contemplates the provision of a novel continuous labyrinth flowthrough device that is configured to evenly distribute a fluid sample at least partially around a radiation detecting device. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous labyrinth flowthrough device that is configured for use as a container, reservoir and/or passageway for a fluid sample that it is desirable to determine whether the fluid sample contains radiation. 
     It is another object of the present invention that the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device provides a uniform volume of the fluid sample surrounding a radiation detecting device. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to maximize the volume of the fluid sample surrounding the radiation detecting device in order to increase detection efficiency. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to surround the radiation detecting device by an even volume of the fluid sample along the outer diameter and at least one face of the radiation detecting device. 
     It is still another object of the present invention that the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device contains a continuous flowpath for the fluid sample that reduces and/or eliminates empty spaces within the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device that do not contain the fluid sample. 
     It is still further another object of the present invention that the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device may be configured to automatically receive another fluid sample, and that the other fluid sample flushes out the first fluid sample thereby avoiding the need to clean out the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device between fluid samples. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention that the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device in combination with the radiation detecting device may be used in a radiation monitoring system in order to detect the presence and/or amount of radiation in the fluid sample or in multiple fluid samples. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention that the flow of fluid through the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device can be adjusted to slow the volume of liquid exchanged or stop the flow intermittently in order to take intermittent counts for the radiation emitted by the fluid. 
     It is still another object of the present invention that the flow of fluid through the continuous labyrinth flowthrough device may be stopped in order to take longer counts for isoptic identification or longer sample count to compensate for radiation detecting device sensitivity. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, such as a continuous flowthrough labyrinth device, that has a detector well formed therein in which a radiation detection device may be placed is provided. The continuous flowthough labyrinth device allows a fluid sample to be introduced into a flow path of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device so that the fluid sample evenly surrounds the top and side surfaces of the detector well, which results in the fluid sample being evenly distributed around the radiation detection device. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be connected to any radiation level fluid monitoring system, for example systems used by municipalities and/or industries. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be placed such that fluids entering and/or exiting systems are monitored for radiation, or even placed to determine the radiation levels of fluids within systems. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is configured for use in detecting radiation in a fluid. The apparatus, which may be in the form of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device, may include a cylindrical side wall having a first end and a second end, a circular face positioned at the first end of the cylindrical side wall, a first helical ramp extending around the cylindrical side wall at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall, and a second helical ramp positioned substantially parallel with the first helical ramp and extending around the cylindrical side wall at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical side wall and the circular face of the apparatus define a well formed within the apparatus, and the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp define a pair of substantially parallel channels extending around the cylindrical side wall of the apparatus at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall. The pair of substantially parallel channels includes a first channel and a second channel. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may also include a first spiral wall extending from the circular face, and a second spiral wall extending from the circular face and positioned substantially parallel to the first spiral wall. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first spiral wall and the second spiral wall define a path on the circular face, and the path may include a first end connected to the first channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels, and a second end connected to the second channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels, the path and the second channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels define a continuous labyrinth extending around at least a portion of the well formed within the apparatus. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may also include a radiation detecting device positioned within the well, and an outer shell covering at least a portion of the cylindrical side wall and at least a portion of the circular face. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell may include a cylindrical body portion formed from a continuous wall configured to surround the cylindrical side wall, and a surface positioned substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical body portion configured to cover the circular face of the apparatus. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical body portion of the outer shell contacts the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp, and the surface of the outer shell contacts the first spiral wall and the second spiral wall so as to form an enclosed continuous flow passage following and extending from the first channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels, through the path and through the second channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels. The enclosed continuous flow passage is formed by the continuous labyrinth being enclosed within the outer shell. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the enclosed continuous flow passage has a rectangular or square cross-section. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell also includes a first port and a second port, the first port is positioned at a first end of the enclosed continuous flow passage, and the second port is positioned at a second end of the enclosed continuous flow passage. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell also includes a first conduit coupled to the first port, and a second conduit coupled to the second port. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to receive an amount of a fluid in the first conduit coupled to the first port, and configured to release at least a portion of the amount of the first fluid out of the second conduit coupled to the second port. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is further configured to retain at least a portion of the amount of the fluid in the enclosed continuous flow passage. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is configured to transfer the amount of fluid through the first conduit to the first port, from the first port to the first end of the enclosed continuous flow passage, through the enclosed continuous flow passage to the second end of the enclosed continuous flow passage, from the second end to the second port and from the second port through the second conduit. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the radiation detecting device may include a detector to detect radiation. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the radiation detecting device is coupled to a processing device configured read a signal generated by the radiation detecting device, and the signal includes an indication regarding presence of radiation. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the enclosed continuous flow passage surrounds at least a portion of the radiation detecting device, and the radiation detecting device is configured to detect radiation emitted from the portion of the amount of the fluid within the enclosed continuous flow passage. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of detecting radiation in a fluid that may include providing an apparatus configured to retain an amount of the fluid, where the apparatus includes a flowthrough labyrinth device, and an outer shell positioned over at least a portion of the flowthrough labyrinth device. The method also includes providing a radiation detecting device positioned within the flowthrough labyrinth device and configured to detect radiation emitted from the amount of fluid retained within the apparatus, and generating a signal from the radiation detecting device indicating the presence of radiation. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flowthrough labyrinth device may include a cylindrical side wall having a first end and a second end, a circular face positioned at the first end of the cylindrical side wall, a first helical ramp extending around the cylindrical side wall at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall, and a second helical ramp positioned substantially parallel with the first helical ramp and extending around the cylindrical side wall at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical side wall and the circular face define a well formed within the flowthrough labyrinth device, and the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp define a pair of substantially parallel channels extending around the cylindrical side wall at least part of the way from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical side wall. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flowthrough labyrinth device may also include a first spiral wall extending from the circular face, and a second spiral wall extending from the circular face and positioned substantially parallel to the first spiral wall, the first spiral wall and the second spiral wall define a path on the circular face, and the path may include a first end connected to a first channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels, and a second end connected to a second channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell may include a cylindrical body portion formed from a continuous wall surrounding the cylindrical side wall, and a surface positioned substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical body portion covering the circular face. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical body portion contacts the first helical ramp and the second helical ramp, and the surface contacts the first spiral wall and the second spiral wall so as to form an enclosed continuous flow passage following the first channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels, the path and the second channel of the pair of substantially parallel channels. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell may also include a first port and a second port, the first port is positioned at a first end of the enclosed continuous flow passage, and the second port is positioned at a second end of the enclosed continuous flow passage. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell may also include a first conduit coupled to the first port, and a second conduit coupled to the second port. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method may also include introducing the amount of fluid into the first conduit, continuing to provide the amount of fluid into the first conduit so that the amount of fluid enters the first end of the enclosed continuous flow passage and at least a portion of the amount of fluid exits from the second end of the enclosed continuous flow passage into the second port, and retaining the amount of fluid in the enclosed continuous flow passage for a period of time so that the radiation detecting device is at least partially surrounded by the amount of fluid. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method may also include transmitting the signal from the radiation detecting device to a processing device configured to read the signal for the indication of the presence of radiation, and generating a perceptible indication as to the presence of radiation within the fluid. 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the radiation detecting device may include a detector to detect radiation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  of the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2  of the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view showing how the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device in combination may be combined with an outer shell and a radiation detecting device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the combination of the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device, outer shell and radiation detecting device according to the present invention with the outer shell represented in a cut-away view; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective and schematic view of an exemplary radiation detection system using the combination of the exemplary continuous flowthrough labyrinth device, outer shell and radiation detecting device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-4 , therein illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of a continuous flowthrough labyrinth device, generally indicated by reference numeral  10 , of the present invention. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  includes a substantially cylindrical side wall  12  that forms a detector well  14  within the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  also includes substantially circular face  16  positioned at one end of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12 , and an opening  18  positioned at the opposite end of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12  leading into the detector well  14 . 
     The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  also includes a first helical ramp  20  and a second helical ramp  22  extending from an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12  opposite the detector well  14  so that the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22  extend from the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . Each of the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22  wind around at least a portion of the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12  and each may extend from the end of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12  having the opening positioned  18  therein to the end having the substantially circular face  16  positioned thereon. It is understood that the each of the first helical ramp  20  and/or the second helical ramp  22  may be either right-handed or left-handed, and the present invention is not limited by such property of the first helical ramp  20  and or the second helical ramp  22 . It is also understood that each turn of the first helical ramp  20  may be equally spaced from each turn of the second helical ramp  22  so that the equal spacing between each of the turns forms a pair of flow channels  24  around the outer surface of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12  between the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22 . Each of the pair of flow channels  24  terminates at a walled end  26  positioned substantially adjacent to the opening  18  at one of the ends of the substantially cylindrical side wall  12 . Furthermore, each of the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22  includes an opening  27  in the ends of each of the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22  positioned substantially adjacent to the substantially circular face  16 . In this manner, as discussed further below, it is understood that a fluid may be introduced into one of the pair of flow channels  24  at the walled end  26 , and the fluid may travel along the flow channel  24  until the fluid reaches the opening  27  formed in the corresponding first helical ramp  20  or second helical ramp  22 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  also includes a spiral channel  28  positioned on the substantially circular face  16 , and formed from a pair spiral extension walls  30  extending from the substantially circular face  16 . The pair of spiral extension walls  30  may be positioned substantially parallel to each other over at least a portion of each of the spiral extension walls  30 , however it is understood that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration and other configurations are also contemplated and included in aspects of the present invention. The spiral channel  28  is positioned to connect each of the pair of flow channels  24  with each other by having each of the openings  27  in the first helical ramp  20  and the second helical ramp  22  positioned so that each of the pair of flow channels  24  has a connection to one end of the spiral channel  28 . The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  may also include a ring flange  32  positioned so as to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the opening  18  of the detector well  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  may be used in combination with an outer shell  50  and a radiation detecting device  53 . The outer shell  50  may be substantially cylindrical and dimensioned so as to fit over the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . The outer shell  50  includes a substantially cylindrical body portion  55  formed from a continuous wall  57  that is configured to wrap around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  when the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  is inserted into the outer shell  50 . The outer shell  50  also includes a surface  59  enclosing one end of the cylindrical body portion  55  and an aperture  61  positioned at the other end of the cylindrical body portion  55 . The surface  59  is configured so that the surface  59  and the continuous wall  57  are positioned to enclose the pair of flow channels  24  and spiral channel  28  of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  when the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  is inserted through the aperture  61  into the outer shell  50  in the manner shown in  FIG. 5 . The outer shell  50  also includes a pair of bores  63  formed in the continuous wall  57 , and each of the bores  63  is connected to a conduit  65  in the continuous wall  57  and running substantially parallel along the continuous wall  57 . Each of the conduits  65  are connected with a port  67  forming an opening in the continuous wall  57  towards the interior region of the outer shell  50 . Each of the ports  67  are positioned so as to align with the walled end  26  of one of the pair of flow channels  24  when the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  is inserted through the aperture  61  into the outer shell  50 , so that each of the pair of flow channels  24  is coupled to one of the ports  67 . While the outer shell  50  is shown having the pair of conduits  65  running through the continuous wall  57  it is understood that the pair of conduits  65  may be formed and/or positioned on the outside of the outer wall  50 , and the pair of ports  67  extended an appropriate distance through the continuous wall  57  in order to be coupled to the conduits  65 . It is further understood that the ring flange  32  may be configured so as to form a sealed connection with the outer shell  50 . The sealed connection may include a washer (not shown), O-ring (not shown), which may be made of an appropriate material such as plastic or rubber, or be ultrasonically welded. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the radiation detecting device  53  includes a body  70  and a detector crystal  72  positioned within the body  70 . The detector crystal  72  is configured to detect radiation by generating an output whenever radiation is detected by the detector crystal  72 . For example, the detector crystal  72  may be a scintillator material, such as a sodium iodide crystal, that exhibits luminescence whenever radiation comes into contact with the detector crystal  72 . This luminescence may then be read by appropriate devices (not shown) within the body  70  of the radiation detecting device  53 , and the reading of the radiation may be transmitted as a signal from the radiation detecting device  53  through the one or more detector connectors  74 , which may be positioned at an end of the body  70 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the radiation detecting device  53  is configured and dimensioned to fit within the detector well  14  of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  so that the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  surrounds at least the detector crystal  72  of the radiation detecting device  53 . It is understood that the exemplary embodiment of the radiation detecting device  53  shown in  FIG. 5  is merely provided as an example of a radiation detecting device  53  that may be used with the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  according to the present invention. However, it is understood that any suitable radiation detecting device  53  may be used with the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  may be made from any suitable plastic or similar composition or metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel). The outer shell may preferably be made from a plastic or metal, and may be made from the same material as the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . While it may be preferable to make the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  from a single component, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to such construction, and that the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  may be made from multiple components suitably bonded or affixed together to form the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . As mentioned above, the radiation detecting device  53  may include a detector crystal  72  formed from a sodium iodide crystal or any other material which exhibits luminescence when contacted by radiation. The radiation detecting device  53  may also be any other known device or material that is capable of detecting and reporting the presence of radiation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the operation and use of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in combination with the outer shell  50  and the radiation detecting device  53  will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the outer shell  50  is dimensioned to fit snuggly over the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  so that the continuous wall  57  forming the substantially cylindrical body portion  55  forms a isolated flowpath with both of the pair of flow channels  24  running around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . Likewise, the outer shell  50  is also dimensioned so that the surface  59  fits snuggly with the pair of spiral extension walls  30  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) in order to form an isolated spiral flowpath (not shown) on the substantially circular face  16  of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . In this manner, a continuous isolated flowpath is formed when the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  is inserted into and fit with the outer shell  50 . One of the walled ends  26  is positioned so as to be aligned with one of the ports  67  formed in the outer shell  50 , and the other walled end  26  is likewise aligned with the other port  67  formed in the outer shell  50 . Therefore, it is understood that the continuous isolated flowpath may begin at one of the walled ends  26  aligned with one of the ports  67 , coil around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in a direction towards the substantially circular face  16  of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 , extend through the spiral channel  28 , coil around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in a direction back towards the other walled end  26  and come to a conclusion at the other walled end aligned with the other port  67 . The continuous isolated flowpath formed in this manner may have a substantially rectangular or square cross-section. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an inlet tube  80 , which may be formed from a tube or hose, may be inserted into one of the bores  63  of the outer shell  50  and/or coupled to one of the pair of conduits  65  running through the cylindrical body portion  55  of the outer shell  50 . The inlet tube  80  is configured to provide a fluid (not shown) in the direction shown by arrow I so that the fluid travels down the conduit  65  coupled to the inlet tube  80  through the port  67  and enters the continuous isolated flowpath at the port  67 . The fluid may be from any source or sample from which it is desirable to test and/or monitor the presence and/or level of radiation. As the fluid enters the continuous isolated flowpath, the fluid travels around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in the manner shown by the arrows in  FIG. 6 . It is understood that the alternating loops of the continuous isolated flowpath carry the fluid in opposite directions around the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  so that the fluid evenly surrounds the radiation detecting device  53  inserted into the detector well  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , one set of the alternating loops of the continuous isolated flowpath carry the fluid towards the spiral channel  28 , which forms a part of the continuous isolated flowpath, and the other set of the alternating loops carries the fluid away from the spiral channel  28  and towards the other port  67 , which is coupled to an outlet tube  82 , which may be formed from a tube or hose, that may be inserted into the other bore  63  of the outer shell  50  and/or coupled to the other conduit  65  running through the cylindrical body portion  55  of the outer shell  50 . The outlet tube  82  is configured to provide the fluid in the direction shown by arrow O so that the fluid travels away from the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53 . The fluid may travel through the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in a continuous manner and/or may be introduced into the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  at intermittent and/or predetermined time intervals and remain in the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  for a predetermined amount of time in order to expose the radiation detecting device  53  to the fluid so as to be able to detect the presence and/or amount of any radiation in the fluid. It is understood that a pump (not shown) or other mechanism may be used to cause the fluid to travel to, through and away from the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . The pump (not shown) may be of any suitable design as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. It is also understood that the fluid may be forced through the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  through the use of a pressure differential between the fluid on the inlet tube  80  side and the fluid on the outlet tube  82  side. 
     As shown schematically in  FIG. 7 , the radiation detecting device  53  is configured to be coupled to a device  85  configured to read and/or interpret the output from the radiation detecting device  53 . The device  85  may for example be a computer or other appropriate processing device. The device  85  may be coupled to the connectors  74  of the radiation detecting device  53  by one or more leads  87  that are configured to transmit signals to and/or from the device  85 . It is understood that while wired leads  87  may be shown in  FIG. 7 , the present invention also contemplates the use of wireless communication from the radiation detecting device  53  to the device  85 . The device  85  may be configured to record any data received from the radiation detecting device  53 , and either generate a continuous report or a report on the data received at predetermined intervals. In addition, the device  85  may be coupled to one or more alarms, for example a visual alarm  89  and/or an audio alarm  91  that are configured to generate an indication when a predetermined level of radioactivity is detected in the fluid sample currently present in the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 . 
     It is understood that the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  in combination with the radiation detecting device  53  may be connected to any radiation level fluid monitoring system, including, but not limited to, systems used by municipalities or industries. For example, the combination of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53  may be installed in a municipal water system in order to detect the presence and/or amount of radiation in the drinking water that is treated and/or supplied by the municipal water system. The combination may also be used in an industrial manufacturing plant that produces fluid based products in order to either detect the presence and/or amount of radiation in the fluids that are used in the formation of the products, the presence and/or amount of radiation in the finished products or both. Furthermore, the combination of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53  may also be used in an industrial facility that handles and/or products radioactive materials in order to test for and/or monitor the presence and/or amount of radiation in fluids within and/or exiting the facility. 
     It is further understood that the combination of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53  may be positioned along any portion of the systems used by municipalities or industries. For example, one of the combinations may be placed so as to monitor fluids entering the system, and another combination may be placed so as to monitor fluids exiting from the system. However, the present invention is not limited to the number of combinations used and/or the positioning of the combinations within and/or adjacent to the systems. It may be desirable, that a plurality of the combinations of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53  may be used in parallel in order to enable more than one reading of radiation levels within the system containing, producing and/or receiving fluids. It may also be desirable, that a plurality of the combinations of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the radiation detecting device  53  may be used in series in order to facilitate in the identification of the radiation that may be present in the tested fluid samples. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it is understood that the combination of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10 , the radiation detecting device  53  and the outer shell  50  may be configured to receive a continuous flow of fluid for monitoring and/or testing through the inlet tube  80  and out of the outlet tube  82 . It is also understood that the combination may be used to receive a fluid sample of a predetermined volume, and retain the fluid sample within the continuous isolated flowpath formed by the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the outer shell  50  for a predetermined amount of time in order to allow testing of the fluid sample by the radiation detecting device  53 . Preferably, the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  is configured so that the fluid sample retained within the continuous isolated flowpath is spaced substantially equally around the radiation detecting device  53 , and equally surrounds the radiation detecting device  53 . It is understood that the configuration of the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be such that a uniform volume of the fluid sample is maintained around the faces of the radiation detecting device  53 , and that dead zones that may be created by tubular flowpaths are minimized by the use of a rectangular or square cross-sectional flowpath. It is further understood that in order to introduce a new fluid sample, the new fluid sample is introduced into the inlet tube  80  and travels through one of the conduits  65  coupled to the inlet tube  80  in the outer shell  50  until the new fluid sample reaches the continuous isolated flowpath formed by the continuous flowthrough labyrinth device  10  and the outer shell  50 . Due to the configuration of the continuous isolated flowpath the new fluid sample will substantially push the previous fluid sample out of the continuous isolated flowpath so that the previous fluid sample is substantially cleaned out of the continuous isolated flowpath. In this manner one the new fluid sample begins to exit from the outlet tube  82 , the new fluid sample is known to substantially surround the top and sides of the detector well  14 , and as a result the radiation detecting device  53  as well. As a result, minimal interaction is required to introduce new fluid samples into the continuous isolated flowpath, since the previous fluid sample will be flushed out by the new fluid sample. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of this invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted, as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is to be understood that all of the present figures, and the accompanying narrative discussions of corresponding embodiments, do not purport to be completely rigorous treatments of the invention under consideration. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.