Vernier DRM-BTD Quick Start Manual

Digital Radiation Monitor
(Order Code DRM-BTD)
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2
How the DRM Detects Radiation ................................................................. 2
2 Features ................................................................................................................... 3
The Display................................................................................................... 3
The Switches ................................................................................................ 4
The Detector.................................................................................................. 5
The Ports ....................................................................................................... 5
3 Operation................................................................................................................. 6
Units of Measurement................................................................................... 6
Starting the Digital Radiation Monitor.......................................................... 6
Operating Modes........................................................................................... 6
Taking a Timed Total Count ......................................................................... 6
Operating Ranges and Response Times ........................................................ 7
The Utility Menu........................................................................................... 8
Interfacing to an External Device ................................................................. 9
4 Common Procedures ............................................................................................... 9
Establishing the Background Count.............................................................. 9
Environmental Area Monitoring ................................................................. 10
Checking an Object..................................................................................... 10
5 Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 10
Calibration................................................................................................... 11
Precautions.................................................................................................. 11
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 11
6 Basics of Radiation and Its Measurement ............................................................. 12
Ionizing Radiation....................................................................................... 12
Measuring Radiation ................................................................................... 14
Radiation Measurement Units..................................................................... 14
Higher Than Normal Readings ................................................................... 15
Appendix A Technical Specifications ....................................................................... 16
Warranty.................................................................................................................... 17
1 Introduction
The Digital Radiation Monitor is a health and safety instrument that measures alpha,
beta, and gamma radiation. With the Digital Radiation Monitor, you can:
•
Monitor possible radiation exposure while working near radionuclides
•
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards
•
Check for leakage from X-ray machines and other sources
•
Screen for environmental contamination or environmental sources of
radioactivity
•
Connect the Digital Radiation Monitor to a computer or data logger to record
and tabulate your data
This manual gives complete instructions for using the Digital Radiation Monitor and
procedures for common applications.
How the Digital Radiation Monitor Detects Radiation
The Digital Radiation Monitor uses a Geiger-Mueller tube to detect radiation. The
Geiger tube generates a pulse of electrical current each time radiation passes through
the tube and causes ionization. Each pulse is electronically detected and registers as
a count. The Digital Radiation Monitor displays the counts in the mode you choose:
counts per minute (CPM), milliroentgens per hour (mR/hr), or total counts for a
timed period. In SI units, counts per second (CPS) and microsieverts per hour
(μSv/hr) are used.
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