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Protean Instrument MPC-900 Manual

Gas flow detector
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Protean
Instrument
Corporation
MPC-900
Gas Flow Detector
Revision 1.2

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Summary of Contents for Protean Instrument MPC-900

  • Page 1 Protean Instrument Corporation MPC-900 Gas Flow Detector Revision 1.2...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Protean Instrument Corporation Contents  About This Manual  ............................ 8  Installation Overview ............................ 9  MPC 900 Contents ............................ 9  Preliminary Preparations .......................... 9  Visual Inspection ............................ 9  Preliminary Procedures  ........................... 10  Connect the Counting Gas ........................ 11  Printer Testing  ............................ 12  Manually Count a Test Source ........................ 15  Print and Save Factory Plateau ....................... 17  Setting the Calendar/ Clock ........................ 18  Installations Without Attached Printer  .................... 18  Read the Manual  ............................. 18  MPC 900 Overview  ............................ 19  Menu Driven Operation .......................... 19  Pass Code Protection .......................... 19  Count Function  ............................ 19  Calibration Function  .......................... 19  Control Charts ............................ 19  Program Function ........................... 20 ...
  • Page 3 Protean Instrument Corporation Gas Flow Control & Gas‐Pro  ........................ 23  The MPC 900 Console .......................... 23  The Rear Panel ............................ 23  Getting Started  ............................ 24  Count a Sample ............................ 24  Step 1 Define  ............................ 24  Define Counting Routines ........................ 25  Routine Definition Page 1 ........................ 26  Routine Definition Page 2 ........................ 27  Routine Definition Page 3  ........................ 27  Routine Definition Page 6 ........................ 28  Step 2 Calibrate  ............................ 29  Step 3 Count  ............................ 31  Review  .............................. 33  Setup Menu  .............................. 34  Screen Utilities ............................ 34  Calibrating the Touch Screen ........................ 34  Backlight Brightness  .......................... 35  Beep Volume  ............................ 35 ...
  • Page 4 Protean Instrument Corporation Preset Time ............................. 43  Minimum Count Time .......................... 44  Repeats .............................. 44  Preset Counts ............................ 44  Specifying the Counting Mode  ........................ 45  Alpha Only  ............................ 45  Alpha and Beta  ............................ 45  Results Storage............................ 45  Save Results ............................ 45  1 Page per Sample........................... 45  Automatic Print  ............................ 46  Completing Count Routine Definition Page 1 .................. 46  Count Routine Definition Page 2  ...................... 47  Count Routine Definition Page 3  ...................... 52  Count Routine Definition Page 4  ...................... 53  Count Routine Definition Page 5  ...................... 54  Count Routine Definition Page 6  ...................... 55  Calibration Menu ............................ 57  Plateau Determination  .......................... 58 ...
  • Page 5 Protean Instrument Corporation Display Option  ............................ 71  Full Record View ............................. 71  Page Selection  ............................ 72  Delete Count Routine Data ........................ 73  View Control Check Data ........................ 74  Background Control Chart........................ 74  Alpha Control Chart .......................... 76  Beta Control Chart .......................... 78  Export Data ............................. 80  Diagnostics Menu  ............................ 82  Trending .............................. 83  Acquiring Trending Data ......................... 85  Printing Trending Data .......................... 87  Manual Count ............................ 88  The Data Display ............................. 89  Printer Test  .............................. 90  Guarding Against Obsolescence ......................... 91  Plateau Data CSV File Format ........................ 92  Alpha Control Chart Checks Data CSV File Format .................. 93  Beta Control Chart Checks Data CSV File Format .................. 94  Background Control Chart Checks Data CSV File Format................ 95  Sample Data CSV File Format  ........................ 96  Trend Data CSV File Format ........................ 97  Radon Subtraction ............................ 100  Determination of Radon Efficiency Factors .................. 101  Routine Counting with Radon Subtraction ................... 101  External Control ............................ 102 ...
  • Page 6 Protean Instrument Corporation Gas Flow Subsystem  .......................... 104  Gas Tank Precautions  .......................... 104  The CPU Subsystem .......................... 105  General Instructions  .......................... 105  Cover Removal ............................ 106  Cover Installation .......................... 106  Removing the Sample Detector ...................... 106  Installing the Sample Detector  ...................... 107  Power Entry  ............................ 107  Line Voltage Selection  ........................... 107  Checking the Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS)  ................... 108  Removing Low Voltage Power Supply .................... 108  Installing Low Voltage Power Supply .................... 108  Operating Environment ........................ 109  General Electrical Failures  ........................ 109  Blows Main Fuses  .......................... 109  Failure to Initialize on Power‐up  ...................... 110 ...
  • Page 7 Protean Instrument Corporation Concepts of Alpha / Beta Counting  ...................... 119  The Alpha / Beta Counter ........................ 119  Gas Filled Proportional Detectors  ...................... 119  Count Time Requirements ........................ 120  Low Background Material Selection ..................... 120  Background Stability .......................... 120  Absolute Counting Efficiency ........................ 121  Intrinsic Detector Efficiency ........................ 121  Counting Geometry and Efficiency ....................... 121  Sample Self‐Absorption and Counting Efficiency  .................. 122  Calibrated Conversion Factors ...................... 123  The Control Chart  .......................... 123  MPC 900 OPTIONS ............................ 124  MPC 900 SPARES & ACCESSORIES  ...................... 124  LIMITED WARRANTY .......................... 125    Preface MPC 900 ...

  • Page 8: About This Manual

    / beta counting application. At the same time, simple counting tasks remain simple, and can be done with the MPC 900 quickly and easily. For additional assistance or information contact us at: Protean Instrument Corporation 231 Sam Rayburn Parkway Lenoir City, TN 37771 Phone: (865) 717-3456...

  • Page 9: Installation Overview

    Protean Instrument Corporation Installation Overview  This section is intended to provide guidelines for unpacking and installing your MPC 900 Alpha/Beta Counting instrument. The installation procedures will introduce many of the diagnostic tools provided by the instrument. The intention is to get all hardware connected and verified before embarking on the setup and calibration of the instrument.

  • Page 10: Preliminary Procedures

    Protean Instrument Corporation Preliminary Procedures  • Attach the power cord to the IEC power entry module on the bottom left of the rear of the instrument. Plug the power cord into the power mains and switch on the power. The power switch is also located in the power entry module above the cord.

  • Page 11: Connect The Counting Gas

    2000 PSI. Check the regulator to tank couplings for leaks using a suitable liquid bubble solution. o The gas fitting used to connect to the rear panel of the MPC-900 has an internal valve. Press and hold the top of this fitting to permit gas flow.

  • Page 12: Printer Testing

    Protean Instrument Corporation Printer Testing  The MPC 900 prints alphanumeric and graphic information. Graphic commands are kept to a minimum for compatibility purposes. The graphic control commands are compatible with printers that support 9P ESC/P or PCL5 printer command language. We do not maintain detailed instructions for all printer models and brands.
  • Page 13 Protean Instrument Corporation • Press the Edit Instrument Parameters button to display the menu seen below. • Press the Printer button to display the Printer Option Menu below. • If connecting a line printer toggle the button to show 9P ESC/P otherwise choose PCL5 for a printer using the PCL5 printer command language.
  • Page 14 Protean Instrument Corporation • Press the Diagnostics button on the Top Menu. • Press the Printer Test button. The printer should begin to print out a test page similar to the one shown below. If the printed test page appears normal then continue to the next phase of the installation.

  • Page 15: Manually Count A Test Source

    Protean Instrument Corporation Manually Count a Test Source  The following items are needed for this test: • Source (choose a common beta source such as Sr/Y-90) • Planchet • Sample Carrier • Carrier Insert Use a planchet and carrier insert that holds the source as close to the top surface of the carrier as possible.
  • Page 16 Protean Instrument Corporation • Press START and the beta counts will begin to accumulate. When the preset time expires, accumulation will terminate and the display will remain static until you press the EXIT key. The Manual Count utility does not provide a printed output.

  • Page 17: Print And Save Factory Plateau

    Protean Instrument Corporation Print and Save Factory Plateau  A detector plateau curve is generated on each MPC 900 during factory tests using Sr/Y- 90 beta source. Alpha only and Alpha and Beta operating voltages have been selected from this plateau and all performance tests completed. The plateau data is retained in battery backed memory and available for your inspection.

  • Page 18: Setting The Calendar/ Clock

    Protean Instrument Corporation Setting the Calendar/ Clock  If the calendar/clock information displayed on the Top Menu is incorrect you should now correct it. • Press the Setup button from the Top Menu. • Press the Program button. • Press Set Calendar / Clock button.

  • Page 19: Mpc 900 Overview

    Protean Instrument Corporation MPC 900 Overview  The MPC 900 has many unique features described in detail in subsequent sections of this manual. This section is provided to give you an overview of some of these features. Menu Driven Operation  The MPC 900 can be operated in a stand-alone mode or from a computer. In the stand- alone mode operation menus are displayed on a touch screen LCD display.

  • Page 20: Program Function

    Protean Instrument Corporation Program Function  All operations of the instrument are initially defined using the program function through the Program button under the Setup Menu. This includes assignments of pass codes as well as defining the specifics of the counting routines and calibration methods.

  • Page 21: Printer

    Limited Warranty  A twelve month limited warranty covers the MPC 900 with the exception of consumable items and accessories not manufactured by Protean Instrument Corp. In the latter case, the original manufacturer’s warranty will prevail. A maintenance program (both on- site and return-to-factory) is available and is highly recommended Overview MPC 900 ...

  • Page 22: Sample Loading

    Protean Instrument Corporation Sample Loading  The sample drawer has a press and slide mechanism which locks positively in the fully closed position. Samples are loaded by placing them (in a planchet) into a carrier. Sample carriers are available in 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 5/16 inch depths to accommodate planchets of the same depths.

  • Page 23: Gas Flow Control & Gas-Pro

    Protean Instrument Corporation Gas Flow Control & Gas­Pro  Gas flow in the MPC 900 is factory set at the proper flow levels. The MPC 900 uses two flow rates, low for rest mode, and high for counting mode. The MPC 900 also contains a gas flow sensor. A counting sequence will be inhibited if the flow rate changes from the preset rate.

  • Page 24: Getting Started

    Protean Instrument Corporation Getting Started  Count a Sample  To count a sample three steps must be taken: 1. Define 2. Calibrate 3. Count Normally the counting routines are defined and calibrated as part of installation of the system, and when new counting routines are required. On a daily basis only Step 3 the count function is used to count a calibration check source or to count a sample.

  • Page 25: Define Counting Routines

    Protean Instrument Corporation Press the Program button from the Setup Menu. Define Counting Routines  When you press Define Counting Routines the next screen lists twelve routines to edit. Press the Routine 1 button to edit this routine. Getting Started MPC 900 ...

  • Page 26: Routine Definition Page 1

    Protean Instrument Corporation Routine Definition Page 1  Set the following parameters: Preset Time: 1 min Min Count Time: 0 min Repeats: 0 Counting Mode: Alpha and Beta Alpha Preset Counts: 0 Beta Preset Counts: 0 Results Storage: Internal Save Results: Yes 1 Page Per Sample: No Automatic Print: No Now press the NEXT button to go to the next routine definition page.

  • Page 27: Routine Definition Page 2

    Protean Instrument Corporation Routine Definition Page 2  Select the Standard Report Model. Press the NEXT button to go to the next routine definition page. Routine Definition Page 3  Set the following parameters: Input Units: None Activity: dpm Per: None Format: Normal Press NEXT button to go to the next routine definition page. Note during this setup pages 4 and five are skipped.

  • Page 28: Routine Definition Page 6

    Protean Instrument Corporation Routine Definition Page 6  Set the following parameters: Background From: Local Manual Entry Efficiency From: Local Manual Entry Press the DONE button to complete the routine definition. Step 1 Define is now complete Getting Started MPC 900 ...

  • Page 29: Step 2 Calibrate

    Protean Instrument Corporation Step 2 Calibrate  Now press EXIT until the Setup Menu is displayed. Press the Calibration button on the Setup Menu. Press the Manual Background/Efficiency Entry button from the Calibration Menu. Getting Started MPC 900 ...
  • Page 30 Protean Instrument Corporation Press the Routine 1 button to enter the calibration factors for Routine 1. Enter the following calibration factors: Alpha Background: 0.10 cpm Beta Background :45.00 cpm Count Time: 10.00 min Alpha Efficiency: 0.20 Beta Efficiency: 0.45 Now press the EXIT button.

  • Page 31: Step 3 Count

    Protean Instrument Corporation Step 3 Count  Press the EXIT button until the Top Menu is displayed. The next step is to start a count with the routine that was defined and calibrated. On the Top Menu confirm Routine 1 is selected and displayed. If Routine 1 is not selected then press the button to the right of the Batch Count button to display the Select Count Routine menu.
  • Page 32 Protean Instrument Corporation The next screen to appear is the data entry screen. This routine only requires or allows for a Sample ID. To change the Sample ID press the Sample ID field. Type the new Sample ID and press Enter.

  • Page 33: Review

    Protean Instrument Corporation Review  The three most important functions in a counting instrument have just been performed, define a counting routine, calibrate a counting routine, and use a counting routine. With slight variations, the same three steps are taken for every sample counted. Normally the counting routines are defined and calibrated once or as required.

  • Page 34: Setup Menu

    Protean Instrument Corporation Setup Menu  To access the Setup Menu press Setup from the Top Menu. Under the Setup Menu you have the Calibration button where the calibration functions are accessed. The Program button is where you program the count routines and instrument parameters.

  • Page 35: Backlight Brightness

    Protean Instrument Corporation Backlight Brightness  Depending on the lighting of the room you may want to change the brightness of the display. To activate the Backlight Brightness Menu, press the Backlight Brightness button on the Screen Utilities Menu.   Press a location on the slider and the backlight brightness is updated. Press EXIT to save the changes Beep Volume ...

  • Page 36: Program Menu

    Instead of entering count routine settings and instrument parameters through the instrument menus the MPC-900 offers the option of importing these settings from a USB flash drive. This USB flash drive has a CONFIG.XML file located in a folder named with the serial number coordinating with the instrument to be updated.

  • Page 37: Instrument Parameters

    Protean Instrument Corporation The next screen will display Finished to indicate that the settings have been imported successfully. Instrument Parameters    The Edit Instrument Parameters Menu is accessed by pressing the Edit Instrument Parameters button from the Program Menu. Program MPC 900 ...

  • Page 38: Printer

    Protean Instrument Corporation Printer    Activate the Printer Option Menu by pressing the Printer button. Press the button to select the printer driver. PCL5 is the driver for a printer with PCL5 command support. 9P ESC/P is the driver for a printer with 9P ESC/P command support. Press OK to save the setting.

  • Page 39: Gas Flow Option

    Protean Instrument Corporation Gas Flow Option  The Gas Flow option allows for enabling and disabling of the gas flow sensor. The gas flow sensor is connected to the gas outlet of the sample detector. Sensing gas flow at this point insures integrity of the gas flow system. The option to disable the sensor is for the unlikely event that the sensor needs repair or replacement.

  • Page 40: Set Calendar/Clock

    Protean Instrument Corporation Set Calendar/Clock  Activate the Set Calendar/Clock Menu by selecting Set Calendar/Clock from the Edit Instrument Parameters Menu. Press each field to set the time and date. Press OK to save the settings. Program MPC 900 ...

  • Page 41: Setup Pass Codes

    Protean Instrument Corporation Setup Pass Codes  Activate the Setup Pass Codes by selecting Setup Pass Codes from the Edit Instrument Parameters Menu. Press the button to enable and disable pass code protection. Press USERS to access the User Information menu and setup User Name, Pass Code, and Permission Level.

  • Page 42: Set Instrument Id

    Protean Instrument Corporation Set Instrument ID  Press the Set Instrument ID button from the Edit Instrument Parameters Menu to set the Instrument ID. Press the Instrument Name field to change the Instrument Name. Press the ID Number field to change the ID Number. Press OK to save the settings.

  • Page 43: Count Routine Definition Page 1

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 1    Naming the Count Routine  The name which will appear in the menus for the Count, Data, and Calibration functions should be defined. This name will identify to the operator the type of samples to be counted using the defined routine. The name will also appear in the printed report.

  • Page 44: Minimum Count Time

    Protean Instrument Corporation Minimum Count Time  The minimum count time should be used only if the user desires to specify preset conditions other than just preset time such as count presets. Otherwise a minimum count time of zero is acceptable. The minimum count time is related to the preset conditions. The preset time is only one condition that may be specified to terminate an acquisition.

  • Page 45: Specifying The Counting Mode

    Protean Instrument Corporation Specifying the Counting Mode  The MPC 900 provides two different methods of alpha/beta activity determination, Alpha Only and Alpha and Beta. These methods dictate how the instrument determines whether a detected event was the result of an alpha particle or a beta particle entering the sample detector.

  • Page 46: Automatic Print

    Protean Instrument Corporation Automatic Print  This field controls whether or not data is automatically printed after each acquisition. To enable or disable the automatic printing toggle the Yes/No button. Completing Count Routine Definition Page 1  Once all settings are properly adjusted, press the NEXT button to proceed to the Second Count Routine Definition Page.

  • Page 47: Count Routine Definition Page 2

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 2  The second Routine Definition page allows you to select the report model to use with the count routine. The report model selection will define the appearance of the final printed report and the calculations to be performed after a sample is counted. The available choices are described below.
  • Page 48 Protean Instrument Corporation Standard Report An example of a Standard Report can be seen below.   Program MPC 900 ...
  • Page 49 Protean Instrument Corporation Flag Concentration An example of a Flag Concentration report can be seen below. Program MPC 900 ...
  • Page 50 Protean Instrument Corporation Standard Report (High Alpha-Only Recount) An example of a Standard Report (High Alpha-Only Recount) can be seen below. Program MPC 900 ...
  • Page 51 Protean Instrument Corporation Flag Concentration (High Alpha-Only Recount) An example of a Flag Concentration (High Alpha-Only Recount) can be seen below. Program MPC 900 ...

  • Page 52: Count Routine Definition Page 3

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 3  Count routine definition page 3 allows for the selection of units for the reported results. Input Units Select the units for the volume of your sample or area or select None if you do not have an input.

  • Page 53: Count Routine Definition Page 4

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 4  This page is not displayed if you have input units of None. This page allows for the setting of a default input. Default Input This field is the default input volume or area depending on the input units from the previous page.

  • Page 54: Count Routine Definition Page 5

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 5  This page will appear only for the following report Models: • Standard Report (High Alpha-Only Recount) • Flag Concentration • Flag Concentration (High Alpha-Only Recount) • Flag Concentration (Radon Subtraction)   This page allows for the ability to set action limits for the alpha only recount and flag concentration reports.

  • Page 55: Count Routine Definition Page 6

    Protean Instrument Corporation Count Routine Definition Page 6  Count Routine Definition page 6 provides the ability to set the source for the background and efficiency values. Background From There are two choices to choose from, Local Manual Entry and External Entry. Local Manual Entry – As its name implies, manual entry relies upon the calibration technician to determine and enter the background values.
  • Page 56 Protean Instrument Corporation • Control Limits Mean – Background values are determined by calculating the mean of all control limit data points. The error in this rate is determined by considering all of the limits data points to be a single acquisition. For example, if the limits data contains forty points at 60 minutes each, the effective count time will be 2400 minutes.

  • Page 57: Calibration Menu

    Protean Instrument Corporation Calibration Menu  The Calibration Menu is accessed by pressing the Calibration button from the Setup Menu. The Calibration Menu is where a plateau can be generated to set operating voltages. Background and efficiency values are entered from the Calibration Menu.

  • Page 58: Plateau Determination

    Protean Instrument Corporation Plateau Determination  The Plateau Determination screen is accessed from the Calibration Menu. This screen allows the user to acquire, view, and print the plateau. Plateau Name – This field allows the user to provide a name for the acquired plateau.

  • Page 59: Acquiring A Plateau

    Protean Instrument Corporation Acquiring a Plateau  The plateau is acquired by specifying a Plateau Name and Preset Time. Once the desired sample is loaded, the ACQUIRE button is used to start the plateau data collection. The Plateau Acquisition screen is shown below. The first column shows the gross and guard counts.

  • Page 60: Viewing A Plateau

    Viewing a Plateau  Pressing VIEW on the Plateau Determination screen displays the screen below. The MPC-900 will automatically generate a plateau curve. Two cursors are displayed. The blue cursor is the alpha-only operating bias. The green cursor is the alpha and beta operating bias. The % slope per 100 volts is displayed for the active cursor. Note the first two points and last two points for the slope are not displayed because the slope is calculated using a five point smoothing technique for accurate slope determination.

  • Page 61: Manual Background/Efficiency Entry

    Protean Instrument Corporation Manual Background/Efficiency Entry  Pressing the Manual Background/Efficiency Entry button from the Calibration Menu displays the following screen. Press the button corresponding to the routine that you wish to add background and efficiency values. Note that efficiency values are entered as factors and not as percentages.
  • Page 62 Protean Instrument Corporation Pressing the Alpha Efficiency field or Beta Efficiency field displays the following screen. From this screen the user can either enter the efficiency factor and press the Enter button or acquire the efficiency by pressing the Acquire Eff. button.

  • Page 63: Radon Efficiency Factors

    Protean Instrument Corporation Radon Efficiency Factors  Pressing the Radon Calibration Factors button from the Calibration Menu displays the following screen. Press the button corresponding to the routine you wish to edit radon factor values. Press EXIT to return to the Calibration Menu.

  • Page 64: Import Control Chart Limits

    Protean Instrument Corporation Import Control Chart Limits  Pressing the Import Control Chart Limits button from the Calibration Menu displays the following screen. Insert a USB flash drive into the front USB port and then press the IMPORT button. The control chart limits which are set on the USB flash drive from the companion software will be imported.

  • Page 65: Control Charts

    Protean Instrument Corporation Control Charts  Three control charts can be used with the MPC 900, one chart for tracking alpha and beta background and two charts for tracking alpha and beta efficiency. The specifics of the control chart are defined in the companion software. Control chart limits are established through the companion software and are sent to the USB flash drive.

  • Page 66: Acquiring Control Checks

    Protean Instrument Corporation Acquiring Control Checks  From the Top Menu press the button beside Start QC Count to select the control chart. The screen below will be displayed. Select the control chart to count by pressing the appropriate button. The control chart that was selected will now appear on the Top Menu.
  • Page 67 Protean Instrument Corporation Press the Start QC Count button from the Top Menu and the following screen will appear. Press the appropriate button for the number of repeats. Pressing the button 0 only one control check count will be performed. Pressing the button 1 two control check counts will be performed.

  • Page 68: Data Menu

    Protean Instrument Corporation Data Menu  The Data Menu provides a means of examining, editing, printing and exporting data collected. This data is divided into two main categories, count routine data and control check data. Control check points that were acquired in error may also be deleted using the Data Menu.

  • Page 69: View Count Routine Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation View Count Routine Data  Pressing the View Count Routine Data button from the Data Menu displays the following screen. The data is organized under each count routine. For instance pressing Routine 1 displays all of the data that was acquired using count routine 1.

  • Page 70: Routine Data View

    Protean Instrument Corporation Routine Data View  After selecting a count routine the following screen is displayed. The Routine Name is displayed at the top. The + and – buttons are used to select records. A record can also be selected by simply touching it. The currently selected record is highlighted in white.

  • Page 71: Display Option

    Protean Instrument Corporation Display Option  The following screen is displayed when pressing one of the four display option button on the routine data view screen. Press one of the buttons and the column on the routine data view is updated to reflect the new heading.

  • Page 72: Page Selection

    Protean Instrument Corporation Page Selection  The following screen is displayed when pressing the PAGE button on the routine data view screen. Pressing the PRINT button prints all data records for this routine. Twenty page buttons each with the record range for that page on the button. Simply press the button coresponding to the record range desired.

  • Page 73: Delete Count Routine Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation Delete Count Routine Data  The following screen appears if you press Delete Count Routine Data on the Data Menu screen. To delete the routine data press the routine buttons to select the desired count routines. The buttons will turn red. To unselect, press the button again and the button will turn back to grey.

  • Page 74: View Control Check Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation View Control Check Data  Background Control Chart   The background control chart settings are defined using the companion software. However once you have imported the settings through the Program function then the current settings can be viewed. To view the background control chart settings from the Top Menu press Data. The next screen will be the Data Menu.
  • Page 75 Protean Instrument Corporation The top left button allows you to toggle between viewing the alpha and beta background. The + and – buttons allow fine control of the cursor to look at various points. The vertical green bar is your cursor. Pressing the vertical blue bars causes the cursor to snap to that line if there are points at that location otherwise the button presses are ignored.

  • Page 76: Alpha Control Chart

    Protean Instrument Corporation Alpha Control Chart  To view the alpha control chart settings from the Top Menu press Data. The next screen will be the Data Menu. Press View Control Check Data. Now select a control chart to view. The names of the control charts are defined by the companion software.
  • Page 77 Protean Instrument Corporation The top left button allows you to toggle between viewing the alpha cpm and efficiency. The + and – buttons allow fine control of the cursor (the vertical green bar) to look at various points. Pressing the vertical blue bars causes the cursor to snap to that line if there are points at that location, otherwise the button presses are ignored.

  • Page 78: Beta Control Chart

    Protean Instrument Corporation Beta Control Chart  To view the beta control chart settings from the Top Menu press Data. The next screen will be the Data Menu. Press View Control Check Data. Now select a control chart to view. The names of the control charts are defined by the companion software.
  • Page 79 Protean Instrument Corporation The top left button allows you to toggle between viewing the beta cpm and efficiency. The + and – buttons allow fine control of the cursor (vertical green bar) to look at various points. Pressing the vertical blue bars causes the cursor to snap to that line if there are points at that location, otherwise the button presses are ignored.

  • Page 80: Export Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation Export Data  The following screen appears if you press Export Data from the Data Menu. To export data to the USB flash drive insert a USB flash drive into the front USB port and press the blue box beside the data you which to export. Selected data will have a check in the box.
  • Page 81 Protean Instrument Corporation Once data export begins the serial number directory is checked to verify that the selected data for export does not overwrite previous data. As displayed on the screen below, a warning message showing the Alpha Control Check data already exists on the USB flash drive.

  • Page 82: Diagnostics Menu

    Protean Instrument Corporation Diagnostics Menu  The Diagnostics Menu is reached by pressing Diagnostics from the Top Menu. The Diagnostics Menu provides access to a group of diagnostic routines for basic data collection and peripheral testing. Trending – allows sequential counting of a sample or standard to verify proper performance of the electronics and/or detector.

  • Page 83: Trending

    Protean Instrument Corporation Trending  There are occasions when it is desirable to collect a series of counts on a standard or background blank. If erratic counting is suspected, or some short term drifting trend needs checking, the Trending routine provides a convenient multiple count testing format.
  • Page 84 Protean Instrument Corporation The Trending Screen The Data Trending routine is accessed from the Diagnostics Menu. This routine displays the screen below which allows the user to acquire, view, and print the trending data. Counting Mode – Select between “Alpha Only”, “Beta Only”, and “Alpha and Beta” by pressing the blue box to select which counting mode new trending data may be acquired.

  • Page 85: Acquiring Trending Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation Acquiring Trending Data  Trending data is acquired by using the Counting Mode, Preset Time , and Repeats fields to specify how the new trending data is to be acquired. Once the desired sample is loaded, the ACQUIRE button is used to start the trending data collection.
  • Page 86 Protean Instrument Corporation The screen below indicates that all five trend steps have been completed and that the acquisition is complete. It is now safe to press EXIT without aborting the trend acquisition. Pressing VIEW will display the trending graph screen seen below. The top left button allows the user to toggle between Alpha, Beta, Guard, and PCE data.

  • Page 87: Printing Trending Data

    Protean Instrument Corporation Printing Trending Data  Pressing PRINT on the Data Trending screen displays the print selection screen below. Select between CPM or Counts and select the desired data by pressing the blue boxes. Press the box again to deselect data to print. Selected data has a check beside it. The number of pages that will be printed with the current selection is also indicated.

  • Page 88: Manual Count

    Protean Instrument Corporation Manual Count  A no frills count routine is provided for quick checks. This routine is useful if adjustments are necessary for discriminators. There is no report generated from the Manual Count routine other than the data displayed on the screen.

  • Page 89: The Data Display

    Protean Instrument Corporation The Data Display  Once the Start button is selected the detector bias voltage is then applied. A short delay will occur in waiting for the bias to stabilize. Once the bias supply is stable, counting will commence. Count data is displayed during and after data acquisition on a screen similar to the one shown below.

  • Page 90: Printer Test

    Protean Instrument Corporation Printer Test  The Printer Test routine sends out five lines of alphanumeric data and one line of graphics to insure compatibility between the instrument and the printer. This is also helpful when setting up printers which have their own configuration switches. The test page will appear slightly different depending if it was printed with a line printer or laser printer.

  • Page 91: Guarding Against Obsolescence

    Protean Instrument Corporation Guarding Against Obsolescence  Computer technology and software is probably the most rapidly changing industry on the planet. Whatever you are using today will be obsolete in a few months. Our task is to integrate an instrument designed to last a decade into an environment which changes daily and guard against obsolescence.

  • Page 92: Plateau Data Csv File Format

    PLATEAU_TITLE PLATEAU_DATE COUNT_TIME COUNT_TIME_UNITS PLATEAU.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 Detector Plateau Data Fixed Test Instrument ID Name QET 18 Characters Instrument ID Number Integer Value Operator Name QET 18 Characters Plateau Generation Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Count Time...

  • Page 93: Alpha Control Chart Checks Data Csv File Format

    DESCRIPTOR ID_NAME ID_NUMBER CHART_TITLE ACHECK.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 Alpha Control Checks Fixed Test Instrument ID Name QET 18 Characters Max Instrument ID Number Integer Value Chart Title QET 18 Characters Max ACHECK.CSV Record 3...

  • Page 94: Beta Control Chart Checks Data Csv File Format

    DESCRIPTOR ID_NAME ID_NUMBER CHART_TITLE BCHECK.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 Beta Control Checks Fixed Test Instrument ID Name QET 18 Characters Instrument ID Number Integer Value Chart Title QET 18 Characters BCHECK.CSV Record 3 Header 2...

  • Page 95: Background Control Chart Checks Data Csv File Format

    DESCRIPTOR ID_NAME ID_NUMBER CHART_TITLE BKGCHECK.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 Background Control Checks Fixed Test Instrument ID Name QET 18 Characters Instrument ID Number Integer Value Chart Title QET 18 Characters BKGCHECK.CSV Record 3 Header 2...

  • Page 96: Sample Data Csv File Format

    Protean Instrument Corporation Sample Data CSV File Format     RXDATA.CSV Record 1 Header 1 Field Name DESCRIPTOR ID_NAME ID_NUMBER RXDATA.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 RXDATA Fixed Test Instrument ID Name QET 18 Characters Instrument ID Number QET 18 Characters RXDATA.CSV...

  • Page 97: Trend Data Csv File Format

    Protean Instrument Corporation Trend Data CSV File Format    TREND.CSV Record 1 Header Field Name DESCRIPTOR ID_NAME ID_NUMBER COUNT_MODE COUNT_VOLTAGE COUNT_TIME COUNT_TIME_UNITS REPEATS MEAN_CTS_ALPHA MEAN_CPM_ALPHA SIGMA_CTS_ALPHA SIGMA_CPM_ALPHA CHI-SQUARED_ALPHA MEAN_CTS_BETA MEAN_CPM_BETA SIGMA_CTS_BETA SIGMA_CPM_BETA CHI_SQUARED_BETA MEAN_CTS_GUARD MEAN_CPM_GUARD SIGMA_CTS_GUARD SIGMA_CPM_GUARD CHI_SQUARED_GUARD MEAN_CTS_PCE MEAN_CPM_PCE SIGMA_CTS_PCE SIGMA_CPM_PCE CHI_SQUARED_PCE Export Format...
  • Page 98 Protean Instrument Corporation TREND.CSV Record 2 Data Values Field Field Value Description MPC-900 Trend Data Fixed Text ID Name QET 18 Characters Max ID Number Integer Count Mode Text Count Voltage Integer Count Time Non-integer Count Time Units Text Repeats...
  • Page 99 Protean Instrument Corporation TREND.CSV Record 3 Header Field Name Description POINT Sequence Number Integer ALPHA_COUNTS Integer ALPHA_CPM Non-integer BETA_COUNTS Integer BETA_CPM Non-integer GUARD_COUNTS Integer GUARD_CPM Non-integer PCE_COUNTS Integer PCE_CPM Non-integer TREND_DATE mm/dd/yyyy TREND_TIME hh:mm:ss 24 Hour Format ALPHA_RESULT Text (OK, >2S, >3S) BETA_RESULT Text (OK, >2S, >3S)

  • Page 100: Radon Subtraction

    Protean Instrument Corporation Radon Subtraction  The MPC 900 utilizes a Pseudo-Coincidence method to compensate for Radon progeny interference when the report model (Standard Report (Radon Subtraction) or Flag Concentration (Radon Subtraction)) are selected in the count routine definition. This method is based upon a unique feature of the radon and thoron decay schemes.

  • Page 101: Determination Of Radon Efficiency Factors

    Protean Instrument Corporation Determination of Radon Efficiency Factors    The user should use the provided radon source to prepare a radon standard. Without delay insert the prepared source and use the diagnostic trending routine to count the source in Alpha and Beta counting mode with a Preset Time of 1 min and repeats of 120.

  • Page 102: External Control

    Protean Instrument Corporation External Control  In order for the instrument to connect to a Protean Instrument Corporation application for external control the display should be on the Top Menu. External control is disabled when not on the Top Menu so that any active routine counting cannot be interrupted by an outside application.

  • Page 103: Service Guide Introduction

    Protean Instrument Corporation Service Guide Introduction  The MPC 900 is designed to be serviced by modular replacement. Isolating faults to a specific module requires a basic understanding of the functions of each module or assembly inside the instrument. The instrument subsystems fall into one of four categories. These are the power supply, the detector subsystem, the linear electronics, and the CPU or central processing unit.

  • Page 104: Gas Flow Subsystem

    Protean Instrument Corporation Gas Flow Subsystem  The recommended counting gas is P-10 nuclear counting gas (90% Argon, 10% Methane). Standard tank sizes are 300ft (Size T) and 220 ft (Size K 220). The secondary regulator pressure should be adjusted for 10 PSI. The flow rate is factory set at the correct flow rate of 60/150 cc/min.

  • Page 105: The Cpu Subsystem

    Protean Instrument Corporation The CPU Subsystem  All functions of the MPC 900 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is a single board computer with an extensive program retained in read only memory. Transient data is collected in static random access memory backed by a lithium battery.

  • Page 106: Cover Removal

    Protean Instrument Corporation Cover Removal  To remove the cover remove the four thumb screws located on the top of the instrument cover. Then gently pull the cover up and off of the chassis. Cover Installation  To replace the cover, slide the cover over the chassis and line up the four holes on the top of the instrument cover with the mounting holes.

  • Page 107: Installing The Sample Detector

    Protean Instrument Corporation Installing the Sample Detector  Line up the holes on the detector housing with the four mounting holes and tighten the four screws. Connect the coax cable located at the top of the detector. Power Entry  The MPC 900 is equipped with a power entry module located on the rear of the instrument.

  • Page 108: Checking The Low Voltage Power Supply (Lvps)

    Protean Instrument Corporation Checking the Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS)  The Low Voltage Power Supply or LVPS provides +12VDC, -12VDC and +5VDC for the instruments subassemblies. The LVPS is modular and can be replaced if necessary. It includes test points which can be used to check for proper voltages.

  • Page 109: Operating Environment

    Protean Instrument Corporation Operating Environment  The MPC 900 is operable within 10-40 degrees C, and 20-90% humidity (non- condensing). The MPC 900 is classed as: Over-Voltage Category II, and Pollution Category II. General Electrical Failures  Certain circumstances may result in a totally nonfunctional instrument. We will refer to these types of faults as general failures.

  • Page 110: Failure To Initialize On Power-Up

    Protean Instrument Corporation Failure to Initialize on Power­up  If the sign-on screen does not appear or if it does appear but the clock does not update, a more permanent problem is indicated. You should first check the levels of the Low Voltage Power Supply as described earlier.

  • Page 111: Apa-10-D And Hv-20-D Status Indicators

    Protean Instrument Corporation APA­10­D and HV­20­D Status Indicators  HV-20-D Sensor Green LED indicates adequate gas flow through the sample detector. APA-10-D LLD/ULD Sensor Bi-color LED flashes green when an event exceeds the Lower Level Discriminator (LLD) and red when the Upper Level Discriminator is exceeded.

  • Page 112: Contamination

    Protean Instrument Corporation Contamination  Background counts may increase abruptly or gradually over a long term due to contamination. In either case, it will be necessary to decontaminate the instrument. The following items may be source and should be cleaned: • Sample Carriers – Use the recommended liquid detergent and dry thoroughly.

  • Page 113: Plateau Settings

    Protean Instrument Corporation Plateau Settings  Insure that the proper sample detector voltage is selected for both “Alpha Only” and “Alpha and Beta” counting modes. The “Alpha and Beta” operating point is typically set 30 volts above the knee of the beta plateau curve. The knee is defined as the point at which the slope first drops to 5% per 100 volts.

  • Page 114: Variable Definitions And Equations

    Protean Instrument Corporation Variable Definitions and Equations  Variable Definition A_CTS Gross Alpha Counts A_CTS_SD Gross Alpha Counts Standard Deviation A_CPM Gross Alpha Counts per Minute A_CPM_SD Gross Alpha Counts per Minute Standard Deviation A_BG Alpha Background Counts A_BG_CPM Alpha Background Counts per Minute...
  • Page 115 Protean Instrument Corporation Variable Definition B_EFF_SD Beta Efficiency Percent Standard Deviation B_EFF Beta Efficiency Percent B_DPM Net Beta Disintegrations per Minute B_DPM_SD Beta Disintegrations per Minute Standard Deviation B_LLD_DPM Beta Lower Limits of Detection in DPM A_PCE_EFF Alpha PCE Efficiency Factor...
  • Page 116 Protean Instrument Corporation – _ Radon compensated in bold. – _ – 2.71 3.29 /100 Calculations MPC 900 ...
  • Page 117 Protean Instrument Corporation Activity Reports The MPC 900 provides an extensive selection of report units from which to select. Selections are made using the Define Counting Routines under the Program Menu. Activity Volume Area µCi 100 cm Variable Definition A_ACT Alpha Activity expressed in units of activity per volume or area.
  • Page 118 Protean Instrument Corporation Input Volume Conversion Factors Output Vol Units Input Vol Units 1.00 1.00 x 10 1.00 x 10 2.83 x 10 1.00 x 10 1.00 1.00 x 10 2.83 x 10 1.00 x 10 1.00 x 10 1.00 2.83 x 10...

  • Page 119: Concepts Of Alpha / Beta Counting

    Protean Instrument offers instruments with windowless detectors and ultra thin windowed detectors. The MPC-900 GF may be configured with both detectors. Concepts MPC 900 ...

  • Page 120: Count Time Requirements

    Low Background Material Selection  Construction material used in the MPC-900 is carefully selected for low inherent activity. The sample media used should also be selected carefully , if the lowest background performance is desired. Stainless steel planchets are preferable to aluminum for this reason.

  • Page 121: Absolute Counting Efficiency

    Protean Instrument Corporation Absolute Counting Efficiency  The absolute counting efficiency, usually expressed as a percentage, represents the ratio of the measured count rate and the actual count rate (total disintegrations per minute) emitted by the sample. The absolute counting efficiency is influenced by the intrinsic detector efficiency, counting geometry effects, and sample self absorption.

  • Page 122: Sample Self-Absorption And Counting Efficiency

    Protean Instrument Corporation Sample Self­Absorption and Counting Efficiency    The effect energy absorption has on counting efficiency is apparent from the discussion on counting geometry. Absorption also occurs within the sample itself. An alpha particle ejected by a decaying nuclide surrounded by a mass of inert molecules will not escape the mass without losing some energy through collisions.

  • Page 123: Calibrated Conversion Factors

    Protean Instrument Corporation Calibrated Conversion Factors  In order to report accumulated counts in terms of activity, several conversion factors must be determined and applied. Determination of these conversion factors constitutes the instrument calibration. Once determined, conversion factors must be revalidated on a routine basis to insure instrument stability.

  • Page 124: Mpc 900 Options

    Protean Instrument Corporation MPC 900 OPTIONS  Line Printer 9P ESC/P with USB Port Interface Laser Printer HP PCL5 with USB Port Interface MPC 900 SPARES & ACCESSORIES  APA-10 Amplifier / Preamplifier HV-20 High Voltage Power Supply, 2kV 110-0013 Power Supply, +5V, ±12V 120-0008 80µg/cm2 Window 140-0278-1/4 Sample Holder ¼”...

  • Page 125: Limited Warranty

    Protean Instrument Corporation LIMITED WARRANTY  Protean Instrument warrants that the products or components manufactured by it shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of delivery to purchaser. If such product...

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