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Summary of Contents for ORTEC Fission Meter FM-P3
- Page 1 ORTEC ® Fission Meter (FM-P3) ® Portable Neutron Source Identification System Software v. 1.5.8 User’s Manual ® ORTEC Part No. 931026 060118 Manual Revision D Printed in USA...
- Page 2 Copyright © 2018, Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. ORTEC® is a registered trademark of Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
® ® 931026D / 060118 ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System TABLE OF CONTENTS FIGURES ..............................v SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND SYMBOLS ....................vii CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS ........................vii 1. GETTING STARTED ......................... 1 Inspecting for Shipping Damage ......................1 Unpacking the Fission Meter ...................... - Page 4 ® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 MAINTENANCE ......................23 Maintenance Intervals ........................23 Changing the Battery Tube Cap O-Rings ..................23 Changing the Desiccant Plugs ......................24 Updating or Reinstalling the Fission Meter Software ..............28 SPECIFICATIONS ......................
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Page 5: Figures
® ® 931026D / 060118 ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System FIGURES Figure 1. Fission Meter Panels in Padded Travel Case (l); Empty Case (r)............2 Figure 2. Panel Assembly Features........................3 Figure 3. Hinge Link and Captured Quick-Connect Pins..................4 Figure 4. - Page 6 ® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 [Intentionally blank]...
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Page 7: Safety Instructions And Symbols
® ® 931026D / 060118 ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND SYMBOLS This manual contains up to three levels of safety instructions that must be observed in order to avoid personal injury and/or damage to equipment or other property. These are:... - Page 8 ® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 [Intentionally blank] viii...
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Page 9: Getting Started
1. GETTING STARTED The ORTEC® Fission Meter® is an easy-to-use, portable neutron detection system designed to locate illicitly trafficked special nuclear materials (SNM), particularly shielded sources. It combines software developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with two panels of moderated He neutron detectors, enabling you to collect and communicate crucial data about suspicious neutron sources to the U.S. -
Page 10: Setup And Startup
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 1. Fission Meter Panels in Padded Travel Case (l); Empty Case (r). The bill of materials for your Fission Meter may vary, but at minimum you will receive the following: •... -
Page 11: Connecting And Cabling The Panels Together
1. GETTING STARTED so-called “thick” side of each panel is covered with a polyethylene neutron moderator. Both panels have battery tubes; these are discussed in Section 1.3.2.2. DANGER High voltages are present inside the panel assembly casings. Do not attempt to open the panel housings. -
Page 12: Figure 3. Hinge Link And Captured Quick-Connect Pins
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 3. Hinge Link and Captured Quick-Connect Pins. Figure 4 shows the two panels and Ranger cabled together. Figure 4. Cable the Panels Together and the Master Panel to the Ranger. -
Page 13: Loading /Changing The Panel Batteries
1. GETTING STARTED 1.3.2.2 OADING HANGING THE ANEL ATTERIES Each panel runs on eight (8) D-cell batteries, which are loaded positive terminal down into a removable tube on the top of each panel, on the side of the panel that is not hinged. Each battery tube is sealed with an O-ring-sealed, spring-loaded cap, shown in Figure 5. -
Page 14: Turning The Panel Assembly O N And Off
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 1.3.2.3 URNING THE ANEL SSEMBLY N AND To turn the panel assembly on, press and hold the ON button for approximately 2 seconds. The readout on top of the master panel activates, displaying the current neutron count rate in cps and the voltages for the two battery tubes, as shown in Figure 7. -
Page 15: Shipping The Fission Meter
He Tubes” (Part No. 932722). The required shipping label discussed in the Technical Note is commercially available. If you have any questions or cannot obtain shipping labels, contact your ORTEC Representative or our Global Service Center; see our website for contact details. - Page 16 [Intentionally blank]...
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Page 17: Modes Of Operation
2. MODES OF OPERATION Data Acquisition Modes The Fission Meter has three data collection modes: Mobile Search, Static Search, and Characterization Data Collect (“Reachback”). 2.1.1 Mobile Search Mode Mobile Search Mode is a survey mode that allows you to monitor total neutron count rate and the Feynman variance moment, Y2F. -
Page 18: Characterization Data Collect ("Triage") Mode
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 To perform a static search, place the instrument in the area where the alarm occurred, or where there is an otherwise suspected source, and start the Static Search Mode. Static Search Mode relies on a static count rate. -
Page 19: Software Guide
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE Startup Sequence • Set up the Fission Meter panels and connect the Ranger to the panel assembly according to Section 1.3.2. • Press and hold the Ranger’s lower-left, green power button ( ) until the PDA boots and Windows Mobile starts. -
Page 20: Figure 10. Mobile Search Mode - Searching
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 — Blue = 0–40 cps — Yellow = 40–100 cps — Red = >100 cps. • Sigma Y2F (Feynman variance) strip chart and barometer — The strip chart tracks the value of Y2F, which is zero for cosmic neutrons and non-zero for correlated (non-cosmic) neutrons. -
Page 21: Figure 12. Adjust The Alarm Thresholds And Fix The Background Or Allow It To Auto-Update
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE Figure 12. Adjust the Alarm Thresholds and Fix the Background or Allow It to Auto-Update. The auto-calculated background is determined based on a 20 second acquisition. Once a value is calculated, it is used until either the program is restarted or the background is recalculated. If you tap the Calc button, the software sets a fixed background based on a 20 second data acquisition. -
Page 22: Static Search Mode
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 When you start the next mobile search, its data are added to the previous search data. Each time you go back to the main screen, the previous search data are cleared. -
Page 23: Counting In Static Search Mode
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE Figure 15. Static Search Mode. The Neutron Partition bar shows the instantaneous ratio of non-cosmic (yellow) to cosmic (green) neutrons. The corresponding, color-coded message bar shows additional data and statistics on the measurements. 3.3.2 Counting in Static Search Mode To count in this mode, unfold the panels, turn the thin sides toward the object, and “clamshell”... -
Page 24: Figure 16. Unfold Panels And "Clamshell" Thin Sides Around Object
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 The universal background setting can be used when high accuracy is not needed in the cosmic/non-cosmic partitioning function. To specify a local background, select the Local Background radio button which will open a file selection screen. -
Page 25: Advanced Static Search
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE 3.3.3 Advanced Static Search Figure 19 shows the Advanced Static Search Screen. In this expert mode, the screen auto-rotates to landscape orientation and, in addition to the Static Search displays, adds count-rate and Y2F scrolling charts similar to those on the Mobile Search screen. -
Page 26: Advanced Characterization Mode
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Unlike the other two modes, Characterization Mode allows you to Stop and ReStart counting without clearing the data buffer. If you have downloaded and evaluated a data set and need more count time, tap ReStart. -
Page 27: Emailing Data From The Ranger
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE Figure 22. Advanced Characterization Screens. 3.4.2 Emailing Data from the Ranger You can use the Settings screen to preconfigure your emails or you can configure each message individually. When you tap E-mail Data, the dialog shown in Figure 23 will be displayed. If you have pre-configured the emailing information and do not wish to add further information, tap No. -
Page 28: Graphing The Data
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 24. Email with 2A.log File Attached. 3.4.3 Graphing the Data Once you have downloaded the Characterization Mode data, it can be displayed on the instrument in two very informative ways. -
Page 29: Triage: Reachback To The U.s. Department Of Energy
3. SOFTWARE GUIDE Figure 26. Y2F Distribution Compared to Poisson Curve for Current or Previously Collected Data. Tap File|Exit to return to the previous screen. Triage: Reachback to the U.S. Department of Energy The Fission Meter software guides you through the process of locating and collecting the data necessary for expert analysis of suspect sources, and transmitting it to the proper authorities. -
Page 30: Figure 27. List Of Triage Authorities
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 27. List of Triage Authorities. -
Page 31: Maintenance
Maintenance/spare parts storage conditions: • Temperature 15–30°C. • Relative Humidity 30–60% (non-condensing). • Parts must be kept in ORTEC supplied packaging. Changing the Battery Tube Cap O-Rings The O-rings should be changed every 6 months. 1) From the Fission Meter Spare Parts Kit (P/N 1109403), retrieve the following: •... -
Page 32: Changing The Desiccant Plugs
The frequency with which you replace the desiccant will depend on your work environment. Replacement desiccant is included in the supplied spare parts kit, and replacement indicator cartridges are available from ORTEC. Figure 29. Humidity Indicator; blue — OK, lavender/pink — replace. -
Page 33: Figure 30. Humidity Indicator Removal Tool
APPENDIX A. MAINTENANCE 1) From the Fission Meter Spare Parts Kit (P/N 1109403), retrieve the following: • Latex gloves (P/N 803974). • Humidity indicator removal tool (P/N 1109255). • Desiccant (P/N 1109406). • Replacement cap washer (P/N 1109444) as needed. •... -
Page 34: Figure 32. Remove The Indicator Cap, Exposing The Spent Desiccant
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 32. Remove the Indicator Cap, Exposing the Spent Desiccant. 6) Empty the spent desiccant from the cartridge and discard as regular sanitary trash. 7) Remove one packet of desiccant from the resealable plastic bag in which it was shipped. Reseal the plastic bag after removing the packet. -
Page 35: Figure 35. Replace The Washer And Clean The Cap Seat
APPENDIX A. MAINTENANCE 10) Before replacing the cap, make sure the washer is still in it and the top edge of the cartridge is dust-free (Figure 35). Figure 35. Replace the Washer and Clean the Cap Seat. 11) Orient the cap as shown in Figure 36, then screw it clockwise onto the cartridge. Torque to hand-tight. There must be a small amount of compression between the cap and the cartridge to compress a hidden O-ring and form the seal. -
Page 36: Updating Or Reinstalling The Fission Meter Software
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Figure 37. Reinstall the Indicator and Torque to Hand-Tight. Updating or Reinstalling the Fission Meter Software This section tells how to install a Fission Meter software update or reinstall the original Fission Meter software on the Trimble Ranger. -
Page 37: Figure 39. Install The New Software To "Device
APPENDIX A. MAINTENANCE Figure 39. Install the New Software to “Device.”... - Page 38 [Intentionally blank]...
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Page 39: Specifications
• With case, folded 48.3 cm W × 67.3 cm H × 15.9 cm D (19 in. W × 26.5 in. H × 6.3 in. D) With case, unfolded 100.3 cm W × 67.3 cm H × 7.9 cm D (39.5 in. W × 26.5 in. H × 3.1 in. D) ORTEC and Trimble Ranger specifications subject to change without notice. -
Page 40: Serial Cable Pinouts
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Weight • Each panel: 20 kg (45 lbs) • Total weight: 40 kg (90 lbs) • Shipping weight in crate 55 kg (121 lbs) Ambient Operating Environment 0°C to +40°C at relative humidity <90%, 35°C non-condensing. -
Page 41: Firmware Commands
FIRMWARE COMMANDS Fission Meter Command Summary All communications take place via RS232 running at 115.2 Kbaud. All commands consist of a header and command. The header is the same for all commands and is the byte sequence 124 (decimal), 38 (decimal). The third byte is the command, which can be one of the following (in decimal): Start Acquisition Send Parameters... -
Page 42: Multiplicity Counter Data Record Formats Ver. Vi (Six Acq. Modes)
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Byte Data(hex) Description 65–68 Channel 15 For Command 15, the header information is the same but Bytes 5–8 are a numerical version number for the FPGA. - Page 43 APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS Byte # Data (hex) Description Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2 Data Byte 3 (msb) 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0xFF Channel separator 0x02 Data Location # (lsb) (2) 0x00 Data Location # (msb) Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2...
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Page 44: Acquisition Mode 2A & 2C Format (Drm = 2 Or 3)
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Byte # Data (hex) Description 30734 0x00 Null-byte 30735 0x00 Null-byte — END OF RECORD — 30736 Check Sum (lsb) 30737 Check Sum (msb) C.2.2 Acquisition Mode 2A & 2C Format (DRM = 2 or 3) - Page 45 APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS Byte # Data (hex) Description Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2 Data Byte 3 (msb) 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0xFF Channel separator 0x02 Data Location # (lsb) (2) 0x00 Data Location # (msb) Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2...
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Page 46: Acquisition Mode 1B And 2B Format (Drm = 4 Or 5)
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Byte # Data (hex) Description 5124 0x00 Null-byte 5125 0x00 Null-byte — END OF RECORD — 5126 Check Sum (lsb) 5127 Check Sum (msb) C.2.3 Acquisition Mode 1B and 2B Format (DRM = 4 or 5) - Page 47 APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS Byte # Data (hex) Description Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2 Data Byte 3 (msb) 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0x00 Null-byte 0xFF Channel separator 0x02 Data Location # (lsb) (2) 0x00 Data Location # (msb) Data Byte 0 (lsb) Data Byte 1 Data Byte 2...
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Page 48: Total Cycle Count Format (Drm = 6)
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 Byte # Data (hex) Description 10244 0x00 Null-byte 10245 0x00 Null-byte — END OF RECORD — 10246 Check Sum (lsb) 10247 Check Sum (msb) C.2.4 Total Cycle Count Format (DRM = 6) -
Page 49: Real-Time Reporting Mode
APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS C.2.5 REAL-TIME REPORTING MODE Byte # Data (hex) Description 0xAA Beginning of new record Header 1 0x55 Header 2 0x14 Real Time Data Reporting Mode 0xFF Separator DB0a Multiplet Sum (0–7) (lsb) DB0b Multiplet Sum (8–15) DB0c Multiplet Sum (16–23) (msb) 0x00... -
Page 50: Instrument Parameters Format
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 C.2.6 Instrument Parameters Format Byte # Data (hex) Description 0xAA Header 1 0x55 Header 2 Status Word A Status Word B (Bits 0–3) Acq. Cycles n0–9 Status Word B (Bits 4–7) ACQ. -
Page 51: Status Word - B Format
APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS Status Word — B Format C.2.8 Bit 0 Bit 1 Bit 2 Bit 3 Bit 4 Bit 5 Bit 6 Bit 7 C.2.9 Valid Command Response NOTE This is embedded in the header for the DATA and PARAMETER type transfers. Byte # Data (hex) Description... -
Page 52: Data Flow Control
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 • 8 data bits • No parity or parity bit = space (a FPGA compile option) • 2 stop bits C.3.2 Data Flow Control Function Code Description xon —... -
Page 53: Request Instrument Parameters
APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS C.3.5 Request Instrument Parameters Function Code Description Char + ‘|’ 0x7C Header 1 Char + ‘&’ 0x26 Header 2 CTRL + ‘E’ 0x05 Send the counter’s parameter list. C.3.6 Set Instrument Parameters (Ignored if in an Acquisition Cycle) Function Byte Code... -
Page 54: Cnt_Stop And Acq_Mode Word Format
® ® ORTEC Fission Meter (FM-P3) Portable Neutron Source Identification System 931026D / 060118 C.3.7 Cnt_stop and Acq_mode Word Format Bit 0 Bit 1 Bit 2 Bit 3 Bit 4 Bit 5 Bit 6 Bit 7 *Default state. C.3.8 Start Data Acquisition... -
Page 55: C.3.11 Set Real Time Data Recording Mode On/Off
APPENDIX C. FIRMWARE COMMANDS C.3.11 Set Real Time Data Recording Mode On/Off NOTE Sends a 20 byte data packet every 250 ms. Function Code Description Char + ‘|’ 0x7C Header 1 Char + ‘&’ 0x26 Header 2 CTRL + ‘T’ 0x14 Set the Real Time Data Reporting Mode ON/OFF C.3.12 Operational Notes... - Page 56 [Intentionally blank]...
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