Bruker S1 TRACER User Manual
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Bruker S1 TRACER User Manual

Axs handheld. portable xrf analyzer
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Summary of Contents for Bruker S1 TRACER

  • Page 1 Complimentary Reference Material This PDF has been made available as a complimentary service for you to assist in evaluating this model for your testing requirements. TMG offers a wide range of test equipment solutions, from renting short to long term, buying refurbished and purchasing new. Financing options, such as Financial Rental, and Leasing are also available on application.
  • Page 2 BRUKER HANDHELD S1 TRACER Portable XRF Analyzer User Manual June 2008 415 North Quay • Kennewick, WA 99336 509-783-9850...

  • Page 4: X-Ray Radiation

    Health. Specific safety requirements are provided for any purchased analyzer which uses an X-ray tube. The S1 TRACER does not emit radiation when turned off. It is designed with fail- safe circuitry including switches, lamps, and interlocks to minimize the risk of accidental exposure to the user during operation.
  • Page 5 Important Notes for Bruker AXS Handheld XRF Analyzer Customers The Bruker S1 TRACER is classified as a portable hand held open-beam X-ray tube based analytical X-ray device. It is registered (Accession Number 0191097-01) with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

  • Page 6: Responsibilities Of The Customer

    (PDA), voids the warranty and compromises the integrity of the instrument. Harm or serious injury may result in cases where disassembly or tampering has occurred. • Comply with all instructions and labels provided with the S1 TRACER and do not remove labels. Removal of any label will void the warranty.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Bruker AXS Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS Caution: X-Ray Radiation....................................i Important Notes for Bruker AXS Handheld XRF Analyzer Customers...........................ii Responsibilities of the Customer ......................................iii S1 TRACER Overview......................................1 S1 TRACER Operator Radiation Safety Requirements........................... 4 ? ..................................
  • Page 8 Bruker AXS Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual ................................... 67 IBRARY AINTENANCE ....................................72 YSTEM ETUP Troubleshooting ......................................... 76 ..............................76 EASUREMENT WILL NOT START ’ “S ” ......................76 T FIND THE RUKER PROGRAM ON THE TART MENU “...

  • Page 9: S1 Tracer Overview

    It provides a method for chemical analysis or material identification (sorting) directly for materials of various forms. The S1 TRACER is based on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technology (ED-XRF) and uses an X-ray tube as its excitation source. Tubes may use a bulk Rhodium (Rh) or Silver (Ag) target, depending on the purchased configuration.
  • Page 10 In some cases, it may be more convenient to use the S1 TRACER in a stationary, bench top configuration. Figure 1.2 shows the S1 TRACER in the stand provided. There are grooves in the body and the handle which slide into the stand.
  • Page 11 A/C power. Note that for bench top operation, the instrument can be used with battery or A/C (line voltage) power. An optional PC can also be puchased with the S1 TRACER when it is used for special applications, such as Art & Conservation...

  • Page 12: S1 Tracer Operator Radiation Safety Requirements

    S1 TRACER analyzer. • The user of a S1 TRACER XRF analyzer should study Appendix A to better understand the nature of radiation and how to be safe using handheld XRF analyzers. Appendix A will also provide perspective as to the exposure levels associated with the equipment.

  • Page 13: X-Ray Radiation From The S1 Tracer

    S1 TRACER XRF analyzer. The X-ray tube within the S1 TRACER is used to irradiate a chosen material at very close range with a narrow, collimated beam. The X-rays from the tube excite the atoms of the material, which then produce secondary X-rays that scatter in random directions.

  • Page 14: Hand Held Xrf Analyzer Safety Design

    The S1 TRACER is a hand held (4 lb.) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer used as an analytical X-ray system. It employs a 4-watt, miniature (<15 mm diameter and <75 mm long) X-ray tube operated with an acceleration voltage range of 6 to 40 kV and a current range of 0.05-20 μA, (the...
  • Page 15 The S1 TRACER analyzer is designed with a Failsafe Safety System to prevent inadvertent operation of the analyzer. The safety system for the S1 TRACER analyzer consists of a key switch, password protection, two (2) failsafe LED indicator lamps, a trigger to activate X- rays, an infrared proximity sensor to verify close proximity of a test sample, and a low count rate detection safety shutoff.
  • Page 16 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual • Software X-ray Radiation Warning – Presuming that the correct password has been entered, the PDA software displays a black and yellow X-ray Radiation Warning symbol and a text warning for 15 seconds. No user input is accepted during the time the X-ray Radiation Warning is displayed.
  • Page 17 XRF Safety Warning Labels XRF Safety Warning Labels The S1 TRACER has safety warning labels to alert the user and/or identify the functions of the controls. These labels are described below. • To the right of the power (key switch) part of the analyzer (Figure 2.2) is a sign as follows: Figure 2.2: Caution radiation sign...
  • Page 18 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual • The vacuum window over the examination window carries a label with an X-ray warning (Figure 2.4) Figure 2.4: Vacuum window and X-ray warning label • An X-ray warning label is located near the nosepiece of the analyzer (Figure 2.5) Figure 2.5: X-ray warning label near nosepiece of analyzer...

  • Page 19: S1 Tracer Radiation Profile

    Figure 2.7: Instrument base caution sign 2.4 S1 TRACER Radiation Profile The radiation profile of the S1 TRACER shown in Figures 2.8 and 2.9 are for normal operating conditions. These readings show the radiation background around the instrument in all directions.
  • Page 20 Figure 2.8 Dose rates for the S1 TRACER normal operation configuration. Readings are in μ rem/hr. All other locations on side, top, bottom and back of the analyzer are background (bkgd). Readings taken with a Bicron Model RSO-50 E low energy ion chamber survey instrument. Reference distances were measured from the effective center of the detector to the surface of the analyzer or sample.
  • Page 21 μ Figure 2.9 Dose rates for the S1 TRACER normal operation configuration. Readings are in rem/hr. All other locations on side, top, bottom and back of the analyzer are background (bkgd). Readings taken with a Bicron Model RSO-50 E low energy ion chamber survey instrument with the beta shield open.
  • Page 22 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Note: dose rates will vary based on current, energy, sample, target, collimator and windows. Issued: 6/08 Supersedes: New...

  • Page 23: Using The S1 Tracer Safely

    When the S1 TRACER is used properly, X-ray radiation from the analyzer poses no potential for harm to the user, nearby persons, or objects. A properly trained user will use the S1 TRACER in a manner that eliminates or minimizes the risk of unnecessary exposure to X-ray radiation.
  • Page 24 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 2.11: Safe use of the S1 TRACER Figure 2.12: Unsafe Use of the S1 TRACER WARNING: Never hold a sample to the X-ray port for analysis by hand. Hold the instrument against the sample.
  • Page 25 Figure 2.15: Safe use of the S1 TRACER Figure 2.16: Unsafe use of the S1 TRACER • Pregnant women who use the S1 TRACER should be aware that improper handling or improper use of the instrument could result in radiation exposure which may be harmful to a developing fetus.

  • Page 26: Correct S1 Tracer Positioning

    Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 2.7 Correct S1 TRACER Positioning Always place the analyzer on the sample, or when testing small parts, place the S1 TRACER in the stand and place the sample onto the nose of the analyzer.

  • Page 27: In Case Of Emergency

    If a person without proper training attempts to operate the S1 TRACER analyzer, resulting X-ray emission from the X-ray tube could be harmful to the operator or others nearby. If an S1 TRACER is lost or stolen, notify the local law enforcement and regulatory authority as soon as possible.

  • Page 28: License/Registration Requirements

    2.12 License/Registration Requirements The owner/operator of a S1 TRACER XRF analyzer may be subject to license and/or registration with the appropriate local agency. The owner/operator should: • Contact the appropriate regulatory agency where the analyzer is to be used regarding specific requirements.

  • Page 29: Transportation Requirements

    No verification is required when returning it to Bruker AXS Handheld, the original manufacturer. Check with your local regulatory agency prior to transporting or shipping a S1 TRACER. For travel or shipment within the U.S., there are no special Department of Transportation (DOT) interstate travel and shipping regulations for the S1 TRACER.

  • Page 30: Principal Components Of The S1 Tracer

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 3. Principal Components of the S1 TRACER 3.1 Principal S1 TRACER Components PDA lock and PDA cradle plunger Control panel Trigger Eyelet for wrist or Remote trigger shoulder strap cable port Figure 3.1: S1 TRACER right side profile...

  • Page 31: Principal Pda Components

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 3.2 Principal PDA Components Stylus storage (on top of PDA) Power button Universal Sync Connector port (on bottom of PDA) Reset Button (on bottom of Figure 3.3: iPAQ PDA PDA) 3.3 Principal Vacuum Pump Components...

  • Page 32: Included Accessories

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 3.4 Included Accessories The following accessories are included with the S1 TRACER. For replacement parts, call Bruker AXS Handheld at (509) 783-9850. S1 TRACER Accessories Power PDA Release Interlock Keys (2) Keys (2)
  • Page 33 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Duplex 2205 AL5083 Calibration Calibration Check Check Standard Standard Clip-on Sample Safety Shield Holder Shipping Case PDA Accessories Compact A/C Power Flashcard Supply Sync Null Modem Cradle/Battery Cable Charger Display Covers Stylus Issued: 6/08...
  • Page 34 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Laptop Accessories PC Download USB to Serial Cable Cable Vacuum Pump Accessories NiMH Battery Universal Smart Pack (2) Battery Charger Vacuum Tubing A/C Power (may be clear Supply and or black) Power Cord...

  • Page 35: Additional Available Accessories

    Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 3.5 Additional Available Accessories These accessories are available to be used with the S1 TRACER. To order these parts, call Bruker AXS Handheld at (509) 783-9850. The wire adaptor attaches to the clip-on window protector...
  • Page 36 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Instrument: 90 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz. iPAQ PDA: 100 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz Charging Line Voltage Charger: 100 – 260 V, 45 – 70 Hz Vacuum Pump Charger: 100 – 240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz...

  • Page 37: Preparing The S1 Tracer For Use

    Batteries harging the Batteries The S1 TRACER uses a Li-ion battery pack that is contained in the handle of the analyzer. Ensure that the analyzer is off prior to removing the battery pack. To change the battery, push the lever on the bottom of the handle, and then pull on the black base to remove.
  • Page 38 To reinstall the battery pack, insert the pack in the handle of the analyzer until a full charge. They click is heard. A new, fully charged battery will operate the S1 TRACER for should be stored with ~50% charge.
  • Page 39 A/C Power A/C Power To operate the S1 TRACER on A/C power, ensure that the analyzer is off and remove the batteries. Plug the A/C power supply into the handle of the S1 TRACER, connect the power cord to the A/C power supply, and then plug the power cord into a standard wall outlet (see Figure 4.3 below).
  • Page 40 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual barrel key to move the plunger downward, and then slide the PDA toward the nosepiece of the analyzer and out of the cradle. The plunger must be extended to remove the PDA release barrel key.
  • Page 41 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 4.6: Charging the PDA with the cradle For more information on the PDA, please refer to the iPAQ user manual. 4.1.2.2 4.1.2.2 A/C Power A/C Power 4.1.2.2 4.1.2.2 A/C Power A/C Power To operate the PDA on A/C power, plug the A/C power supply into the PDA, and then plug the cord into a standard wall outlet.
  • Page 42 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 4.1.3 4.1.3 Vacuum Pump 4.1.3 4.1.3 Vacuum Pump Vacuum Pump Vacuum Pump 4.1.3.1 4.1.3.1 4.1.3.1 4.1.3.1 Battery Power/Charging the Batteries Battery Power/Charging the Batteries Battery Power/Charging the Batteries Battery Power/Charging the Batteries The vacuum pump uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Ensure that the vacuum pump is off prior to removing the batteries.
  • Page 43 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual To charge the vacuum pump battery, first remove the battery from the vacuum pump, if necessary. Connect the battery to the universal smart battery charger. Ensure that the switch is set to 1.8A. Connect the battery charger and the power cord and then plug the power cord into a standard wall outlet.
  • Page 44 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual battery is not used for extended periods of time, recharge about once per year to prevent over discharge. GENERAL BATTERY WARNINGS • Misusing the battery can cause the battery to get hot, ignite, or rupture and cause serious injury.

  • Page 45: Vacuum Configuration

    Connecting the Vacuum Pump To analyze aluminum and titanium alloys, attach the vacuum IMPORTANT ● pump to the S1 TRACER. Connect the vacuum tubing between Before turning off or disconnecting the the vacuum pump and the S1 TRACER, ensuring that the...
  • Page 46 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 4.11: Attaching the vacuum tubing Vacuum release port in open position Vacuum release port in closed position To vacuum pump To TRACER Figure 4.12: Opening/closing the vacuum release valve When analyzing light alloys (such as aluminum or titanium alloys) in vacuum mode, remove the clip-on window protector as illustrated in Figure 4.13.

  • Page 47: Testing Configuration

    Configuration eld Configuration To use the S1 TRACER as a hand held device, be sure to secure the wrist strap. To attach the wrist strap, wind the ring through the eyelet on the back of the analyzer (see Figure 3.1).
  • Page 48 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 4.3.2 4.3.2 Bench Top Configuration 4.3.2 4.3.2 Bench Top Configuration Bench Top Configuration Bench Top Configuration To set up the instrument stand, lift the long side (screw may need to be loosened to lift the side fully) and tighten the screw to hold it in place.
  • Page 49 (see Figure 1.2). Connect the PDA to the port are properly S1 TRACER with the null modem cable and place the PDA in the aligned (the red dot on PDA cradle on the instrument stand.

  • Page 50: Starting The Analyzer

    4.4 Starting the Analyzer If using the analyzer and accessories in battery power mode, be sure to use fully charged batteries in the S1 TRACER, PDA, and vacuum pump. Otherwise, connect them to A/C power. See section 4.1.3.2 for more information.
  • Page 51 • If the unit is to be used in vacuum mode, hook up the vacuum pump pump from the to the S1 TRACER. Start the pump and wait for the readout to display analyzer, open the vacuum release valve.

  • Page 52: Adjusting The Pda Backlight

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 4.5 Adjusting the PDA Backlight Using the bright backlight on the PDA while running on battery power can substantially reduce battery runtime. To adjust the backlight on the PDA, do the following: • Tap on the “Start” icon in the upper left corner of the main screen.

  • Page 53: Operation/General Purpose Measure

    • 5. Operation/General Purpose Measure The S1 TRACER is delivered fully calibrated for a variety of alloys. Therefore, it can be used for normal work without any preparation other than that described in Chapter 4. The analyzer is operated through the BrukerS1 analytical program. This program is located in the PDA’s Start menu.
  • Page 54 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Starting the BrukerS1 program brings up the Login screen as shown in NOTE ● Figure 5.2. After tapping on the “Login” button, a login screen will appear Immediately upon as shown in Figure 5.3. Enter your personal password, and then tap...
  • Page 55 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 5.4: Radiation Warning screen Figure 5.5: Main Mode Selection screen Before beginning testing, the user should note that the PDA memory may “fill up” after a large number of tests have been run. If the PDA memory is full, the operator may continue testing but the results will not be stored.
  • Page 56 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 5.1.1 5.1.1 Metals Mode 5.1.1 5.1.1 Metals Mode Metals Mode Metals Mode Pass/Fail mode enables the user to determine whether or not the material being analyzed matches a specific alloy from the library.

  • Page 57: Sample Preparation

    5.3.1 5.3.1 Analysis Type Analysis Type Analysis Type The S1 TRACER may be configured to analyze a material in one of NOTE ● four different Analysis Types. Make the selection then tap Best results will be obtained if the general “Continue”...
  • Page 58 When testing several different materials, it may be desirable to test each material sample for a fixed amount of time. It may also be convenient to have the S1 TRACER automatically continue to generate X-rays after the trigger is pulled, rather than having to hold down the trigger for the entire duration of the test;...
  • Page 59 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 5.8: Test Parameters screen To toggle between Manual and Auto trigger, tap on the “Trigger Active” button. The Manual trigger setting specifies that the trigger must be held down for the entire duration of the test;...
  • Page 60 In the Method menu, the general category of materials being analyzed may be selected from the menu shown in Figure 5.10. Method settings establish different voltage, current, and filter settings for the S1 TRACER, optimized to provide the most accurate measurement and chemistry calculation for each of the different types of alloys included in the Reference Library.

  • Page 61: Analysis Modes

    If selecting “Al Vacuum Alloys” or “Ti Vacuum Alloys”, you will be prompted to connect the S1 TRACER to the vacuum pump for accurate analysis of light elements. For a full description of how to correctly connect and use the vacuum pump, please see section 4.2.
  • Page 62 For most standard alloy Grades, a value of 8.0 or higher may be expected. NOTE: If a material does not match one of the alloys in the PASS list, the S1 TRACER will still attempt to determine a Grade ID, but display a FAIL indication.
  • Page 63 Upon starting a test, the PDA will alert the user and the calculated material composition will begin to display. If the material is an alloy contained in the S1 TRACER library, the alloy name will be displayed at the top of the screen. As the test progresses, the results will become more precise.

  • Page 64: Making Measurements

    Peltier cooler and the X-ray tube to stabilize. You will hear a slight whirring sound when the S1 TRACER is ready; this sound is normal and comes from the internal filter wheel. To analyze a material, ensure that the BrukerS1 program is running on the PDA, and then place the S1 Tracer nose on the material and pull the trigger.
  • Page 65 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual safety features are incorporated to prevent accidental X-ray radiation exposure. IR sensor Figure 5.17: The nose of the analyzer There are two indicator lamps on the control panel of the analyzer (see Figure 5.18). The yellow lamp indicates that the power is on, or, if it is blinking, that an error has occurred (see section 7.

  • Page 66: Viewing Results And Spectra

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual 5.6 Viewing Results and Spectra After making a measurement in Analyze mode, the screen will display the finalized results of the test (previously illustrated in Figure 5.16). The same screen display appears when viewing previous test results from View Readings in the Utilities menu (see section 6.1).

  • Page 67: Editing Information

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual • Y-: Compresses the y-axis (count rate) scale. • Y0: Returns the spectrum to the original scale along the y-axis. • Def.: Restores the spectrum back to its default setting; the spectrum is re-centered and the original scale along both axes is restored.

  • Page 68: Saving Results And Spectra

    5.10 5.10 S1 TRACER test results may be viewed using the “Pocket Excel” program on the PDA or by exporting the stored results to a PC. Results can also be viewed individually on the PDA by accessing the View Readings screen in the Utilities menu. See section 6.1.
  • Page 69 Viewing Results using a PC Viewing Results using a PC To view S1 TRACER test data on an external PC, you must first export the test data to the PC Using Microsoft ActiveSync. Transferring data from the PDA will be similar to transferring data from an external disk drive using Microsoft Windows Explorer.
  • Page 70 ActiveSync ActiveSync ActiveSync ActiveSync • Remove the PDA from the S1 TRACER and install it into its NOTE ● cradle. The default file name for data being saved in • Open the “ActiveSync” program on the PC.

  • Page 71: Checking Calibrations

    • A calibration sheet for aluminum 5083 or 7075. • A CD-ROM with a copy of the calibration files. All S1 TRACER XRF analyzers are calibrated with NIST traceable alloy standards unless the client’s application is not intended for alloys.
  • Page 72 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual To verify the calibration of the analyzer, set the analyzer up to operate and run five 30- second tests. Average the chemistry results. The results for each element should be within the tolerance range specified on the corresponding calibration sheet.

  • Page 73: Utilities Menu

    • View a table of line energies for each element. • View the standard library entries, and create and edit custom User Libraries. • View and manage communications port settings used by the Bruker S1 program. • Manage user passwords.

  • Page 74: View Energies

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 6.3: View Readings screen Figure 6.4: View Readings screen with list Highlight a result file and then tap on the button containing the corresponding number; this will display the results screen as seen in Figures 5.12-5.14 or 5.16, depending on the mode in which the test data was taken.

  • Page 75: Library Maintenance

    Tracer S1 unless a custom User Library is being created or used. • The Standard Library contains a list of all alloys (also referred to as “Grade IDs”) which will be identified by the S1 Tracer and the ranges of chemical concentrations for each element associated with a particular alloy.
  • Page 76 The View Standard Library button opens the View Library screen as shown in Figure 6.7. From this screen, the user may view the library of all the standard alloys identified by the S1 TRACER and the allowable range of their composition by weight percent. The following data for each alloy is available: •...
  • Page 77 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 6.7: View Library screen 6.3.2 Maintain User Libraries 6.3.2 Maintain User Libraries 6.3.2 6.3.2 Maintain User Libraries Maintain User Libraries The Maintain User Libraries button (see Figure 6.6) opens the User Library Maintenance screen shown in Figure 6.8.
  • Page 78 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 6.8 illustrates a User Library Maintenance screen before any user libraries have been defined or saved. After a User Library has been created and saved, the User Library Maintenance screen will appear similar to the illustration of Figure 6.9.
  • Page 79 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 6.10: New User Library screen 6.3.4 Material Records 6.3.4 Material Records 6.3.4 6.3.4 Material Records Material Records To add new material records or edit existing material records, the User Grade Entry screen (Figure 6.11) is used.

  • Page 80: System Setup

    COM port to use for communication with the S1 TRACER analyzer, and the threshold for Match Quality used in Pass/Fail testing. The user password may also be changed beginning from the “System Setup” screen.
  • Page 81 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual To change the COM port, tap on the down arrow in the dialogue box. Scroll up and down the list until the desired COM port is found. In most cases, the default value, COM1, is applicable.
  • Page 82 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Figure 6.14 Password Management screen When the new password has been successfully changed, a confirmation will appear as illustrated in Figure 6.15. Figure 6.15: Password successfully changed banner Issued: 6/08 Supersedes: New...
  • Page 83 Figure 6.16 Current password entered incorrectly banner NOTE: The password scheme in the BrukerS1 software is case-sensitive. Be sure you record your selected password in a safe place away from the analyzer, as Bruker AXS Handheld cannot recover a lost user password.

  • Page 84: Troubleshooting

    BrukerS1 program. • If a measurement still cannot be started, check that the BrukerS1 software is configured properly for communication with the S1 TRACER analyzer. See section 6.4 and figure 6.13. Ensure that the Instrument Port is set to “Comm 1.”...

  • Page 85: The Brukers1 Program On The Pda Will Not Start Or "Locks Up

    If a “soft reset” does not restore proper operation, the BrukerS1 program may need to be reinstalled. Step 2 To reinstall the BrukerS1 software: • Remove the PDA from the S1 TRACER (or if connected via the null modem cable, disconnect the cable from the PDA). Issued: 6/08 Supersedes: New...

  • Page 86: The Pda Is Displaying An Incorrect Date And/Or Time

    • Remove the Restore Flashcard and keep it in a safe place. • The PDA should be turned off and then may be reconnected to the S1 TRACER. The analyzer is now ready to operate.

  • Page 87: The Vacuum Pump Will Not Reach 10 Torr Or Less

    X-rays will not be generated when the trigger is pulled and no results will be displayed. DO NOT attempt to look into the nose of the analyzer to see if X-rays are being generated. Contact a Bruker AXS Handheld representative for more information. Issued: 6/08...

  • Page 88: Appendix A: Basic Radiation Safety Information

    This should help in preventing unnecessary radiation exposure to S1 TRACER users and persons nearby. The concepts have been simplified to give a basic picture of what radiation is and how it applies to operators of the Bruker XRF Analyzer.

  • Page 89: The Composition Of Matter

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The Composition of Matter • To help understand radiation, we’ll start by briefly discussing the composition of matter. • The physical world is composed of key materials called elements. The basic unit of every element is the atom.
  • Page 90 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Neutrons • Are found in the nucleus of the atom. • Have no electrical charge. • Help determine the stability of the nucleus. • Are in the nucleus of every atom except Hydrogen (H-1).

  • Page 91: Electrical Charge Of The Atom

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Electron Shells • Circle the nucleus of an atom in a prescribed orbit. • Have a specific number of electrons. • Produce a negative electrical field. • Are the principle controls in chemical reactions.

  • Page 92: The Stability Of The Atom

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The Stability of the Atom The concept of stability of an atom is related to the structure and the behavior of the nucleus: • Every stable atom has a nucleus with a specific combination of neutrons and protons.

  • Page 93: Types Of Radiation

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Normal Operation: Operation under conditions suitable for collecting data as recommended by manufacturer, including shielding and barriers. Primary Beam: Ionizing radiation from an X-ray tube that is directed through an aperture in the radiation source housing for use in conducting X-ray fluorescence measurements.
  • Page 94 (Figure A-7). • Alpha Particles • Beta Particles • Gamma rays or X-rays • Neutron Particles Note: S1 TRACER XRF devices only emit X-rays Gamma Ray 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.4 Neutron Particle 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5 Figure A-7: Types of Ionizing Radiation...
  • Page 95 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The penetrating power for each of the four basic radiations varies significantly (see Figure A-8). or x - Figure A-8: The Penetrating Power of Various Types of Radiation Alpha particles • Have a large mass, consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
  • Page 96 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Beta Particles • Have a small mass and a negative charge (-), similar to an electron. • Are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. • Ionize other atoms by stripping electrons out of their orbits with their negative charge.

  • Page 97: Units For Measuring Radiation

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Neutron Particles Neutron radiation consists of neutrons that are ejected from the nucleus of an atom. Neutron particles: • Are produced during the normal operation of a nuclear reactor or particle accelerator, as well as the natural decay process of some radioactive elements.
  • Page 98 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual • Applied to all types of radiation. • Not related to biological effects of radiation in the body. • 1 rad = 1000 millirad (mrad) • The Gray (Gy) is the System International (SI) unit for absorbed energy.

  • Page 99: Sources Of Radiation

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Sources of Radiation We live in an environment which is and has always been subject to radiation. As human beings, we have evolved in the presence of ionizing radiation from natural background radiation.
  • Page 100 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The average dose received by the general public from cosmic radiation is approximately 280 μSv (28 mrem) per year. Terrestrial Radiation There are natural sources of radiation in the soil, rocks, building materials, and drinking water.
  • Page 101 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Examples of Internal Exposure: 1) Inhalation of radon or dust from other radioactive materials 2) Potassium-40 in bananas 3) Water containing traces of uranium, radium, or thorium 4) Handling of a specified radioactive material without protective gear or with an...
  • Page 102 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Radioactive sources used in medicine for diagnosis and therapy result in an annual average dose to the general population of 14 mrem, or 140 μSv. The average dose received by the general public from all medical procedures is about 53 mrem, or 530 μSv, per year.
  • Page 103 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Table A-1: Example of Annual Radiation Doses from Selected Sources* μSv Exposure mrem Cigarette Smoking 13000 1300 Radon in homes 2000 Medical exposures Terrestrial radiation Cosmic radiation Round trip US by air Building materials World wide fallout <10...

  • Page 104: Biological Effects Of Radiation

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual • People who have received radiation therapy for cancer. This is the largest group of people to receive significant doses of radiation. Biological Effects of Radiation A.9.1 Cell Sensitivity Cell Sensitivity Cell Sensitivity Cell Sensitivity The human body is composed of billions of living cells.
  • Page 105 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Example: 30 firefighters at the Chernobyl facility lost their lives as a result of severe burns and acute radiation doses exceeding 8 Sv (800 rem.) Only extreme cases (as mentioned above) result in doses so high that recovery is unlikely.
  • Page 106 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual This effect applies to the offspring of the individual exposed, where damage has occurred to genetic material that doesn't affect the person exposed, but will be passed on to offspring. To date, only plants and animals have exhibited signs of heritable effects from radiation.
  • Page 107 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Some of the children from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, exposed to radiation while in the womb, were born with low birth weights and mental retardation. While it has been suggested that such exposures may also increase the risk of childhood cancer, this has not yet been proven.

  • Page 108: Radiation Dose Limits

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Table A3: Average Lifetime Estimated Days Lost Due to Daily Activities Activity* Estimated Days Lost Cigarette smoking 2250 25% Overweight 1100 Accidents (all types) Alcohol consumption Driving a motor vehicle Medical X-rays 10 mSv (1 rem) Occupational Exposure...
  • Page 109 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The limits described below have been developed based on information and guidance from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP-1990), the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) Committee, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA} and the National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP).

  • Page 110: Measuring Radiation

    These devices are commonly referred to as dosimeters, and the use of them for monitoring is called dosimetry. The following information may apply to personnel using the S1 TRACER XRF analyzers in jurisdictions where dosimetry is required: • Wear an appropriate dosimeter that can record low energy photon radiation.
  • Page 111 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual The Ionization Chamber is the simplest type of detector for measuring radiation. It consists of a cylindrical chamber filled with air and an insulated wire running through its center length with a voltage applied between the wire and outside cylinder. When radiation passes through the chamber, ion pairs are extracted and build up a charge.

  • Page 112: Reducing Exposure (Alara Concept)

    Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Extremity An extremity is a TLD in the shape of a ring, which is worn by workers to measure the radiation exposure to the extremities. The measured dose recorded by this device may be used as the worker's legal occupational extremity exposure.
  • Page 113 Bruker Handheld Inc S1 TRACER User Manual Example: If 1 hour of time in an area results in 1 mSv (100 mrem) of radiation, then 1/2 an hour results in 0.5 mSv (50 mrem), 1/4 an hour would result in 0.25 mSv (25 mrem), and so A.12...
  • Page 114 Although shielding may provide the best protection from radiation exposure, there are still several precautions to keep in mind when using S1 TRACER XRF devices: • Persons outside the shadow cast by the shield are not necessarily 100% protected.

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