IMI Inspector Alert Operation Manual

Surface contamination monitor

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Page 2 Surface Contamination Monitor Operation Manual...
Page 4 Contents 1 Introduction ....................1 How the IMI Inspector Alert Detects Radiation ......... 1 Precautions ..................... 1 2 Features ......................3 The Display ..................... 4 The Switches ....................5 The Detector ....................6 The Input/Output Ports ................6 3 Operation ......................7 Units of Measurement ................
Page 6: Introduction
1 Introduction The IMI Inspector Alert is a health and safety instrument that is optimized to detect low levels of radiation. It measures alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Its applications include: • Detecting and measuring surface contamination • Monitoring possible radiation exposure while working with radionuclides •...
Page 7 • Do not put the IMI Inspector Alert in a microwave oven. It cannot measure microwaves, and you may damage it or the oven. • If you expect to not use the IMI Inspector Alert for longer than a few months, remove the battery to avoid damage from battery corrosion.
Page 8: Features
Chapter 3, "Operation." The IMI Inspector Alert counts ionizing events and displays the results on the liquid crystal display (LCD) (4). You control which unit of measurement is shown by using the mode switch.
Page 9: The Display
Whenever the IMI Inspector Alert is operating, the red count light (1) flahses each time a count (an ionizing event) is detected. The Display Indicators on the LCD show information about the mode setting, the current function, and the battery condition.
Page 10: The Switches
• RANGE:Full (L) appears when the radiation level goes beyond the range that can be displayed. The Switches The IMI Inspector Alert has two slide switches on the front and three buttons on the end panel. Each switch has three settings, which are described below.
Page 11: The Detector
(9) indicate the center of the Geiger tube. The Input/Output Ports There are two ports on the left side of the IMI Inspector Alert. The calibration/probe input port (2) is used for calibrating electronically using a pulse generator, or for utilizing an external IMI probe. For more information, see “Calibrating Electronically”...
Page 12: Operation
3 Operation The guidelines in this chapter describe how to use the IMI Inspector Alert. Units of Measurement The IMI Inspector Alert is designed both for users of SI units (microsieverts per hour and counts per second or counts per minute) and for users of conventional units (milliroentgens per hour and counts per minute).
Page 13: Operating In Total/Timer Mode
But over 12 hours, a one-count increase over the 12-hour background average may be statistically significant. The IMI Inspector Alert can give you a total count for a timed period of from one minute to 40 hours. Follow these steps: 1.
Page 14 40 hours. Follow these steps: 1. Place the IMI Inspector Alert in the location where you plan to take the count. 2. Note the time.
Page 15: Operating Ranges And Response Times
(displayed as 10.00–9999 with x1000 indicator) Maximum Level When the maximum level for the current mode is reached, the IMI Inspector Alert beeps for three seconds, pauses for three seconds, and repeats that pattern. The display shows RANGE:Full. The beeping pattern and the Range Full icon continue until the level decreases or the IMI Inspector Alert is turned off.
Page 16: Using The Alert
The +, –, and Set buttons on the end of the IMI Inspector Alert allow you to turn Alert mode on and off and to set the alert levels. You can set the alert level when the Mode switch is set to Dose Rate or Count Rate.
Page 17: The Utility Menu
When a setting is changed, it remains in effect after the IMI Inspector Alert is turned off and until you change it again. • To activate the Utility Menu, hold down the + button on the end panel while you turn on the IMI Inspector Alert.
Page 18: Interfacing To An External Device
9 Revision #. Displays the software version number. Interfacing to an External Device The lower output jack on the left side of the IMI Inspector Alert is a dual miniature jack that provides data output that can be used to drive external devices.
Page 19: Common Pr Ocedures
Normal background radiation levels vary at different locations, even in different areas of the same room. To accurately interpret the readings you get on the IMI Inspector Alert, it is a good idea to establish the normal background radiation level for each area you plan to monitor.
Page 20: Environmental Area Monitoring
Chapter 3. Environmental Area Monitoring You can keep the IMI Inspector Alert in Dose Rate or Count Rate mode whenever you want to monitor the ambient radiation, and look at it from time to time to check for elevated readings. You can also use Alert mode to warn you if the radiation increases above the alert level.
Page 21: Maintenance
5 Maintenance The IMI Inspector Alert should be handled with care and can be calibrated as necessary to comply with regulations. Use the following guidelines to maintain the IMI Inspector Alert properly. Calibration The IMI Inspector Alert’s readings typically remain stable for many years of use.
Page 22 IMI Inspector Alert and the source is correct to produce the appropriate dose rate. Follow these steps: 1. Start with the IMI Inspector Alert turned off and the Mode switch set to Dose Rate. 2. Hold down the – button on the end panel while you turn the On/ Off/Audio switch to On.
Page 23: Troubleshooting And Service
15 seconds, chirping each second. At the end of the 15 seconds, the instrument beeps several times. 4. The IMI Inspector Alert collects data for 30 seconds, beeping as it does so, with CAL and the hourglass indicator flashing. At the end of the 30 seconds, it beeps several times.
Page 24 You can contact IMI at 707-823-0336 or, at customercare@medcom.com. Do not attempt to repair the IMI Inspector Alert; it contains no user-serviceable parts and you could void your warranty. CAUTION: Do not send a contaminated instrument for repair under any circumstances.
Page 25: Basics Of Radiation And Its Measurement
This chapter briefly tells what radiation is and how it is measured. This information is provided for users who are not already familiar with the subject. It is helpful in understanding how the IMI Inspector Alert works and in interpreting your readings.
Page 26 (referred to as daughters or progeny). For example U-238 becomes Th-234, which becomes Pa-234, etc. Notice that the half-life of the radionuclides in the chain range from 164 microseconds to 4.5 billion years. IMI Inspector Alert...
Page 27: Radiation Measurement Units
A rem is the dosage received from exposure to a rad. It is the number of rads multiplied by the quality factor of the particular source of ra- diation. The rem and millirem (one one-thousandth of a rem) are the most commonly-used measurement units of radiation dose in the U.S. IMI Inspector Alert...
Page 28 A becquerel (Bq) is equivalent to one disintegration per second. Higher Than Normal Readings Due to the random nature of radioactivity, the IMI Inspector Alert reading varies at background radiation levels. Normal radiation levels in different locations can vary greatly due to soil composition, altitude, and other factors.
Page 29 390 keV avg. 1.2 MeV max. Sr-90 (Beta) 546 keV and 2.3 MeV 693 P-32 (Beta) keV avg. 1.7 MeV max. Am-241(Alpha) 5.5 MeV ENERGY RESPONSE CURVE Window Side 1.00E+01 1.00E+02 1.00E+03 1.00E+04 Energy (KeV) Accuracy: ±10% typical; ±15% maximum IMI Inspector Alert...
Page 30 Emissions: EN 55011:2009 +A1:2010 (Class B emissions limits); EN 61326-1:2006 (Class B) RF Emissions Immunity: EN 61326-1:2006 (Annex C) Portable Test and Measurement Equipment; EN 61000-4- 2:1995 (ESD); EN 61000-4-3:1997 (EM) RoHS Compliant Meets WEEE standards Specifications subject to change without notice. IMI Inspector Alert...
Page 31: Limited Warranty
The user is responsible for determining the suitability of this product for the intended application. The user assumes all risk and liability connected with such use. IMI is not responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this instrument.