INTERNATIONAL ® S.E. International, Inc. P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483 USA 1.800.293.5759 | 931.964.3561 | Fax: 1.931.964.3564 www.seintl.com | radiationinfo@seintl.
Table of Contents 1 1 Introduction How The Inspector Detects Radiation Precautions 2 2 2 2 Features The Display The Switches The Detector The Input/Output Ports 3 3 4 5 5 3 Operation Units of Measurement Starting The Inspector Autoranging Operating in Dose Rate Modes Taking a Timed Count Using Dose Rate Modes While Timer is On Using The Alert Utility Menu Options Setting the Internal Clock Inter
Chapter 1: Introduction The Inspector is a health and safety instrument that is optimized to detect low levels of radiation. It measures alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation (ionizing radiation only).
Chapter 2: Features The Inspector measures alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation. It is optimized to detect small changes in radiation levels and to have high sensitivity to many common radionuclides. For more information, see Appendix A, “Sensitivity to Common Radionuclides.” This chapter briefly describes The Inspector’s functions. For more information on how to use the Inspector, see Chapter 3: Operation. The Inspector counts ionizing events and displays the results on the liquid crystal display (LCD).
The Switches The Inspector has two switches on the front and three buttons on the end panel. Each switch has three settings which are described below. Mode Switch Figure 2(2) mR/hr µSv/hr. The numeric display shows the current radiation level in milliroentgens per hour or, when SI units are used, in microsieverts per hour. In mR/hr mode, The Inspector displays the radiation level from .001 to 100. In µSv/hr mode, The Inspector displays the radiation level from .01 to 1000.
Set Button Figure 3 (5) The Set button is used to set the Alert or Timer in normal operating mode and to select items in the Utility Menu. See Chapter 3 Using the Alert, Taking a TImed Count, and Utility Menu. + and - Buttons Figure 3 (6) The “+” and “-” buttons are used to adjust the numeric display for timed counts, alert settings, and to make selections in the utility menu. Figure 3 The Detector CAUTION: The mica surface of the Geiger tube is fragile and should be handled with care.
Chapter 3: Operation Starting the Inspector Before starting the Inspector, install a standard 9-volt alkaline battery in the battery compartment located in the lower rear. Note: Place the battery against the bottom wall and make sure the wires are placed along the side of the battery and not under it. To start the Inspector, set the top switch to the mode you want, and set the bottom switch to On or Audio. The Inspector then begins a 6-second system check. All indicators and numbers are displayed.
Autoranging When radiation levels increase in some modes over certain preset levels, The Inspector uses autoranging, automatically changing to the X1000 scale. Whenever X1000 is shown above the numeric display, multiply the displayed reading by 1000 to determine the radiation level. mR/hr, µSv/hr, and CPS are not applicable. Mode CPM 0 to 2,999 CPM Total/Timer 0-9,999 counts Ranges as they are displayed > 2,999 X1000 3.
To take a timed count, follow these steps: 1. With The Inspector operating, set the Mode switch to Total/Timer. The display shows 0 and Total in the upper left portion of the display. 2. Press the SET button on the end panel to set the time for your count. You will see the hourglass, and the most recent timing period used. The first time you use the timer, the setting is 00:10 (ten minutes). 3. Use the + and - buttons to set the timing period.
Utility Menu The Utility Menu allows the user to change default settings for several operating parameters. Once a setting is changed, it remains in effect unless they are changed through the Utility Menu. 1. To activate the Utility Menu, hold down the + button on the end panel while turning the instrument on. The display will show the MENU icon. Release the + button and donE will appear along with the Menu icon. 2. Scroll through the menu by pushing the + or - buttons. 3.
Setting the Internal Clock To set the internal clock, enter into the utility menu, select CLOC, and press set. 1) First, the seconds are displayed. Use the + and - buttons to select the seconds for the clock and press SET to select your choice. 2) Second, the time will be displayed. First select the minutes and press SET. You will then select the hour and press SET again. 3) Third, the date will be displayed. First set the day and press SET. Then select the month and press SET.
Chapter 5: Maintenance The Inspector requires regular calibration and careful handling to assure good measurements. Use the following guidelines to maintain the instrument properly. Calibration The Inspector should be calibrated as often as your regulations require, or in any case, at least once every year or two. The best way to calibrate is using a calibrated source at a calibration lab.
Chapter 6: Basics of Radiation and Its Measurement Ionizing radiation Ionizing radiation changes the structure of individual atoms by ionizing them. The ions produced in turn ionize more atoms. Substances that produce ionizing radiation are called radioactive. Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon. Nuclear reactions take place continuously on the sun and all other stars. The emitted radiation travels through space and a small fraction reaches the Earth.
Chapter 7: Observer USB Software The Observer USB reads in Total Counts, CPM, CPS, µR/hr, mR/hr, µSv/hr and has the ability to collect, log, and perform statistical analysis on the data received. The data is displayed on a graph as well as a digital on-screen meter and can be saved or printed in various ways, including a spreadsheet format. The dwell/count time can be adjusted for each point on the graph. You can also set the length of time for the count.
Observer USB Chart Screen The Observer USB Chart Screen displays a chart of the data currently collected by the attached instrument. The X Axis The X axis consists of the time and date stamp of the reading collected and will adjust automatically to display all of the data collected unless the Scroll checkbox is selected. If the Scroll checkbox is selected, the X axis will display the latest readings collected in the minute(s) time frame selected next to the Scroll checkbox.
Chapter 8: Observer USB Calibration Software General Discussion of Calibration In order to have confidence in the measurements taken with a radiation detection instrument, a calibration must be performed. The calibration compares the response of the instrument to known values and the instrument is adjusted (if needed) to bring all indications within the range of the instrument to within ±10% of the true values. Generally, radiation detection instruments should be calibrated annually.
Efficiency Calibration The Inspector can be used beyond simple detection of contamination and can also be used to determine the activity of beta- or alpha-emitting isotope present. Efficiency is the ratio of events detected by the instrument to the number of decays of the particular isotope. The units are therefore counts per disintegration of c/d. Since efficiencies are generally somewhat less than one, they are often multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage.
Procedure (Metric Units) 1. Attach the Wipe Test Plate and power on the Inspector. Make sure the Inspector is in Total/Timer mode, displaying COUNTS. 2. Place the Inspector in the location where the efficiency calibration will be performed and take a count of at least ten minutes. Multiply the acquisition time by 60 to convert it from minutes to seconds. Divide the total number counts by the acquisition time (in seconds) to calculate the background counting rate (RB) in cps. Record this value.
Exposure Rate Calibration An exposure rate calibration correlates the number of counts in given time to the exposure rate present in that field. This is in many ways similar to efficiency but we refer to it in this case as gamma sensitivity. Although it is possible to express this value in several different units, the Inspector requires the use of cpm per mR/h (counts per minute per milliroentgen per hour).
Chapter 9: Built in Isotope Efficiencies Built in Isotope Efficiencies The Inspector has a number of built in efficiencies for specific isotopes. If you know the isotope being surveyed, then you can select one of the pre-programmed isotope efficiencies to calculate the activity of your known source. The activity (DPM and Bq) is different from the rates of exposure (mR/hr, µSv/hr, CPM, and CPS).
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting The Inspector is a highly reliable instrument. If it does not seem to be working properly, look through the following chart to see if you can identify the problem.
Chapter 11: Basics of Taking Measurements The Inspector will not detect neutron, microwave, RF (radio frequency), laser, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation. All of our instruments are most accurate for Cesium 137 and isotopes of similar energies. Some isotopes detected relatively well by most Geiger counters are Cobalt 60, Technicium 99M, Phosphorous 32, Strontium 90, and many forms of Radium, Plutonium, Uranium, and Thorium.
Geiger counters can detect the four main types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, gamma, and x-rays. Some detect only gamma and x-rays. Our instruments are calibrated to Cesium 137, but also serve as excellent indicators for many other sources of ionizing radiation. Gamma and x-rays are measured in milli-Roentgens per hour (mR/hr), micro-Sieverts (µSv/hr), or milli-Sieverts (mSv/hr). Alpha and beta are measured in counts per minute (CPM) or counts per second (CPS).
Radiation Measurement Units Several different units are used to measure radiation, exposure and dosage. A Roentgen is the amount of X-radiation or gamma radiation that produces one electrostatic unit of charge in one cc of dry air at 0° C and 760 mm of mercury atmospheric pressure. One thousand milliroentgen (1,000 mR)= 1R. The Inspector displays in milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr). A Rad is the unit of exposure to ionizing radiation equal to an energy of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material.
Chapter 12: Glossary of Common Terms Background Radiation Naturally occurring radiation is always present, it includes high energy gamma rays from the sun and outer space and alpha, beta, and gamma radiation emitted from elements in the earth. CPM (counts per minute) The unit of measurement usually used to measure alpha and beta radiation. Ion An atomic particle, atom, or molecule that has acquired an electrical charge, either positive or negative, by gaining or losing electrons.
Chapter 13: Accessories Xtreme Boot The Xtreme boot offers maximum performance in a lightweight rugged solution for using Radiation Alert® products in the field. The Xtreme boot is designed specifically for individuals operating in tough environments, such as 1st Responders, Mining and HAZMAT crews. Made of a RoHS compliant TPE rubber, the case also offers superior grip and drop protection.
Appendix A: Specifications RELATIVE COUNTRATE Detector Internal Halogen-quenched, uncompensated GM tube with thin mica window, 1.4-2.0 mg/cm2 areal density. Effective diameter of window is 45 mm (1.77 in.). Radiation symbol on front label marks the center of the detector. Averaging Periods Display will update every 3 seconds. At low background levels, the update is the moving average for the past 30-second time period. The timed period for the moving average decreases as the radiation level increases.
Appendix B: Limited Warranty WARRANTOR: S.E. International, Inc., P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Road, Summertown, TN 38483-0039, USA, (931) 964-3561 ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: S.E. International, Inc., warrants for 90 days the Geiger-Mueller tube and for one year all materials and craftsmanship in this product to be free from all defects with only the limitations set out below.
Calibration Database Application Please fill out this form and send it back to us if you would like to be notified of the NIST calibration renewal for your instrument to: S.E. International, Inc. P.O. Box 39, 436 Farm Rd. Summertown, TN 38483 1.800.293.5759 | 931.964.3561 | Fax: 1.931.964.3564 www.seintl.com | radiationinfo@seintl.com NAME MODEL NAME COMPANY SERIAL NUMBER ADDRESS DATE PLACED IN SERVICE CITY EMAIL STATE, ZIP, & COUNTRY PHONE NUMBER Or fill out the form online at http://seintl.
