Ludlum Measurements dimension 9DP Operator's Manual

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LUDLUM MODEL 9DP and 9DP*

PRESSURIZED ION CHAMBER

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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Page 1 LUDLUM MODEL 9DP and 9DP* PRESSURIZED ION CHAMBER OPERATOR’S MANUAL...
Page 2 LUDLUM MODEL 9DP and 9DP* PRESSURIZED ION CHAMBER OPERATOR’S MANUAL December 2023 Serial Number 25002500 and Succeeding Firmware: 29307.4.1.2...
Page 3 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP*...
Page 4 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 5 RETURN OF GOODS TO MANUFACTURER If equipment needs to be returned to Ludlum Measurements, Inc. for repair or calibration, please send to the address below. All shipments should include documentation containing return shipping address, customer name, telephone number, description of service requested, and all other necessary information.
Page 6: Table Of Contents
5.1.1 Dimension File System 5.2 Data Logging 5.3 USB Keyboard Connection 5.4 Calibration 6. Keyboard Menu 6.1 Keyboard Controls 6.1.1 Sub Menus 6.1.2 Non-Editable Fields 6.1.3 Editable Fields 6.2 Settings 6.2.1 Product 6.2.2 Language 6.2.3 Calendar Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 7 8.4 Optional Alkaline Battery Pack 9. Operational Test 10. Hazardous Material Shipping Classification 10.1 Depressurization Procedure 10.2 Transportation Special Permit 11. Options 11.1 Dimension Interface Kit 11.2 Audio Jack Output 11.3 Model 9DP Logging Spreadsheet Software Package Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 8 11.4 Alkaline Battery Pack 11.5 Check Source 11.6 Keyboard 12. Safety Considerations and Maintenance 12.1 Environmental Conditions for Normal Use 12.2 Warning Markings and Symbols 12.3 Cleaning and Maintenance Precautions 12.4 Maintenance 13. Certificate of Compliance 14. Recycling Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 9: Introduction
The Model 9DP includes a single USB port located at the front of the instrument that is protected by a cover. This port is used to communicate with the instrument during setup and calibration. Full parameter setup and calibration requires Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 10 The instrument case is constructed from resilient polycarbonate plastic, supported internally by a rigid metal frame. The internal electronics are designed with a solid state and are microprocessor based with low-power circuitry. The operating program is stored in non-volatile, rewritable flash memory. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 11: Specifications
Model 9DP Exposure Energy Response Relative to Cs-137 120.0% 100.0% 80.0% 60.0% Exposure Response 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% 1000 10000 ambient equivalent dose or dose rate, flat within 20% Model 9DP* Energy Response: from 40 keV to 1.3 MeV. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 12 Chamber Volume: 9 atmospheres (117 psig ±5 psig) Chamber Pressure: Density: chamber wall density is 601.7 mg/cm , can wall density is 332.5 mg/cm . Total density of chamber and can combined is 934.2 mg/cm Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 13 The jitter threshold can be changed using the Dimension software. The primary readout (directly under the analog arc) is the Measurement Readouts: radiation rate displayed in units of either Sv/h, R/hr, Gy/h, or rem/h. A secondary Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 14 PC for parameter editing and calibration durable molded plastic with internal metal support Construction: 21.9 x 11.6 x 24.5 cm (8.6 x 4.6 x 9.6 in.) (H x W x L) Size: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb), including batteries Weight: Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 15: Control Panel
The instrument is equipped with a four-button control pad, as shown above. All controls for the instrument are performed via these four control buttons. Each labeled button has set operation(s) it performs. The controls are as follows: ON/OFF Function Audio Ack/Reset Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 16: On/Off
“0.0” reading displayed. This control can also be used in conjunction with resetting any functions utilizing this capability. The Model 9DP incorporates the Integrate and Peak functions, both of which allow resetting their values from the button. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 17 “0.0”. Note that the Peak function will display “0.0” only very briefly before it jumps to the value matching the current displayed value. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 18: Display
Adjustments to the default levels set at the factory are possible through either the USB keyboard connection (see Section 6) or via an optional Dimension Interface Package (see Options, Section 11). Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 19: Startup
Information contained in this display includes: • Instrument Model Number (Model 9DP) • Instrument Serial Number: as assigned by Ludlum Measurements, Inc. • Firmware Version: identifying currently installed firmware. • User ID: This is an optional alpha-numeric field that can be programmed into the unit to identify the owner name/department/company etc.
Page 20: Measurement Reading
0-500 µR/hr 0-5 µGy/h 0-50 µSv/h 0-5 mrem/h 0-5 mR/hr 0-50 µGy/h 0-500 µSv/h 0-50 mrem/h 0-50 mR/hr 0-500 µGy/h 0-5 mSv/h 0-500 mrem/h 0-500 mR/hr 0-5 mGy/h 0-50 mSv/h 0-5 rem/h 0-5 R/hr 0-50 mGy/h Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 21: Function Display
Peak readings will not be recorded during the first 30 seconds after the instrument is powered up to allow the instrument time to settle. Note: There may be a delay in Peak Value when switching between detection ranges. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 22: Status Icons
Keyboard Plugged In: Icon appears when keyboard is plugged in and recognized by the instrument. Press F1 to get Menu Mode. Press ESC to get out of Menu Mode. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 23: Messages
• USB Error Messages • “Cannot Enumerate Device” 4.5 Changing the View The Model 9DP is programmed to only have one view. This view may, however, be exchanged for one of four views already pre-programmed into the instrument. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 24 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Exchanging views can be accomplished by connecting a standard USB keyboard to the instrument and selecting the desired view. See Section 5.4 for more detail. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 25: Usb Port
Once the files are loaded onto your portable memory storage device, insert it into the instrument while in the shut-off (power-off) condition. Once the USB is inserted, turn on the instrument, and the instrument will automatically retrieve the new files. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 26: Dimension File System
PC spreadsheet or database program for performing, reporting, and data analysis functions. Also available, is the Model 9DP Logging Spreadsheet Software package (part # 4293-998) , which allows the user to log real-time data from the instrument directly to an Excel spreadsheet. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 27: Usb Keyboard Connection
Complete setup and calibration capability can be accessed by connecting the instrument to a PC via Ludlum’s optional Dimension Interface Kit (part # 4293-763). This kit includes Windows® PC software, plus a special USB cable with a built-in adaptor. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 28: Keyboard Menu
If the selected menu line is a sub-menu heading, a new menu will appear. The user can then navigate through the new menu to select another menu line or select “<-Back” to return to the previous menu. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 29: Non-Editable Fields
Note: If the arrow is pressed and held, the same rules apply as though it were a numeric field. Holding the arrow for more than 10 counts, may result in some unusual behavior but will not cause harm to the instrument. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 30: Settings
9DP is English. As a result, this field is a view only field. 6.2.3 Calendar “Calendar” is a sub-menu which grants access to the Month, Day, and Year associated with the calendar. Month “Month” represents the current calendar month and is a special field. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 31: Clock
The instrument will compare the entered password against each stored password, and if a valid match is found, the user will be granted the appropriate level of access to the keyboard menu. Press enter when the approved level of access is Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 32: System
6.3 Controls “Controls” menu allows the user to set some basic system information regarding the interface hardware used by the instrument. The two primary controls available include the LCD “Backlight” and the “Audio” output. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 33: Backlight
The definitions of the backlight power-up modes are: Default: pre-defined by Ludlum Measurements and is the “Auto” mode. Last: indicates that the instrument will power up in the same backlight “Operating Mode”...
Page 34 60 mA ±5%.. • Medium Level Backlight “Medium Level Backlight” represents the level for the backlight when the instrument detects an average amount of ambient light. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 35: Audio
The definitions of the audio power-up modes are: Default: was pre-defined by Ludlum Measurements and is 40% of the maximum. Last: indicates that the instrument will power up in the same audio “Operating Mode”...
Page 36: Features
The definitions of the integrated dose power-up modes are: Default: was pre-defined by Ludlum Measurements and is “On.” Last: indicates that the instrument will power up in the same “Operating Mode”...
Page 37 “Integrated Dose” function; however, as the integrate value increases, the “Integrated Dose” function will auto range the multiplier while the “Integrate” feature multiplier remains the Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 38: Data Logging
The definitions of the data logging power-up modes are: Default: was pre-defined by Ludlum Measurements and is “Off.” Last: indicates that the instrument will power up in the same “Operating Mode”...
Page 39 “Time” is a special field with valid values of “Off” and “On.” ▪ Chamber Temperature Enabling “Chamber Temperature” will cause the data logging feature to report the temperature currently being recorded by the ion Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 40 Number” settings to be reported by the data logging feature. ▪ Model Enabling “Model” will cause the data logging feature to report the Ludlum Measurements model during each logging event. Otherwise, the “Model” field should be disabled. Model is a special field with valid values of “Off” and “On.”...
Page 41 “Reading Units” will represent the integrated dose units if enabled. If the reading units are not to be reported, the field should be disabled. “Reading Units” is a special field with valid values of “Off” and “On.” Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 42: Display
View” associated with the measurement view of the 9DP. Power Up Mode “Power Up Mode” represents the state in which the measurement view will operate when power is applied to the instrument. “Power Up Mode” is a special field. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 43: View 1:R/Hr
MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* The definitions of the display power-up modes are: Default: was pre-defined by Ludlum Measurements and is “View 1.” Last: indicates that the instrument will power up in the same “Operating Mode” the instrument was using at the time the instrument was last powered down.
Page 44 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* “Cyan,” “Green,” “Blue,” “Bright Yellow,” “Bright Magenta,” “Bright Red,” “Bright Cyan,” “Bright Green,” “Bright Blue,” “Black,” and seven shades of gray. Functions “Functions” is a sub-menu allowing the user to set up the four functions that may be accessed via the function key on the instrument keypad while in View Each instrument can store up to four functions.
Page 45 • FCN 3: Enable “FCN 3: Enable” represents the ability to enable the current function for the current view. If the function is disabled, the function will no longer Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 46 If the alert is enabled, the instrument will generate an alert message and tone when the current view radiation rate is equal to the value represented by the “Value,” “Multiplier,” and “Units” associated with the alert. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 47 As a result, an alert value of 200 uR may appear to generate an alert when the integrated dose is between 199.9 and 200.1 uR; however, the actual detected integrated dose was 200.0 uR. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 48 As a result, an alarm value of 20mR/hr may appear to generate an alarm when the radiation rate displayed is between 19.9 and 20.1 mR/hr; however, the detected radiation rate was 20.0 mR/hr. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 49 199.9 and 200.1 uR; however, the actual detected integrated dose was 200.0 uR. ▪ Enable “Enable” represents the ability to enable the integrated dose alarm for the current view. “Enable” is a special field and valid values include “Off” and “On.” Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 50: View 2:Sv/H
“View 4: rem/h” is a sub-menu allowing access to the “Appearance,” “Functions,” “Alerts,” and “Alarms” associated with “View 4: rem/h”. The menu features are identical to the menu features for View 1 (see section 6.5.2). Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 51: Functions
“FCN 4” represents the function associated with instrument Function 4. The 9DP does not have a Function 4 pre-configured. Additional functions that may be loaded into the unused function spot will be available soon. “FCN 4” is a non- editable field. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 52: Data Logging
“Time” is a text value which indicates the instrument stored time when the event occurred. “Time” is in the format HH:MM:SS and is reported in 24- hour mode. To set the time, see Section 6.2.4. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 53 Measurements. “Model” may contain up to 16 alpha-numeric characters. Serial Number “Serial Number” is a text value which indicates the serial number defined by Ludlum Measurements before the instrument left the manufacturing facility. “Serial Number” may contain up to 16 alpha-numeric characters. User ID Number “User ID Number”...
Page 54 Integrate feature. “Integrate Reading” is in the format XXX.X. For more information, see Section 6.4.1.6.1. Integrate Multiplier “Integrate Multiplier” is a numerical value representing the multiplier associated with the Integrate feature. “Integrate Multiplier” is in the format X.XXEX. For more information, see Section 6.4.1.6.2. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 55: Setup
“Power Up Mode” to determine if the data logging will be enabled or disabled. If the value of “Operating Mode” is “Last,” the instrument will resume operation based on the previously stored value of “Operating Mode.” See Section 6.4.2.1 for more details. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 56: Operation
“output.txt”. The file may be opened as a text file or it may be imported into a spreadsheet. Below is an example report. Event,Type,Date,Time,Model,Serial #,Reading,Multiplier,Units 1,Dose,02/24/2012,13:05:54,9DP,25001859,137.4,1E-06,R 3,Log,02/24/2012,13:05:54,9DP,25001859,34.2,1E-06,R/hr 4,Log,02/24/2012,13:06:09,9DP,25001859,16.1,1E-06,R/hr 5,Log,02/24/2012,13:06:24,9DP,25001859,13.3,1E-06,R/hr 6,Log,02/24/2012,13:06:39,9DP,25001859,13.6,1E-06,R/hr 7,Log,02/24/2012,13:06:54,9DP,25001859,15.9,1E-06,R/hr 8,Dose,02/24/2012,13:07:08,9DP,25001859,137.6,1E-06,R Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 57: Battery Power
The adaptor is easily changed out by pressing the button labeled “PUSH” on the charger below the plug adaptor, which releases it to be slid out. Then one can slide in the adaptor until it snaps for the style needed. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 58 This battery pack facilitates exchanging AA alkaline as often as required. With this battery pack inserted, charging is prevented even when the charger is plugged into the instrument power receptacle. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 59: Battery Installation
Even when the instrument is turned off, it continues to draw a very miniscule amount of power in order to continually monitor the control panel while waiting for the power-on command and supplying wall voltage to the ion chamber. When Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 60 In this final state, once the power level goes below the necessary voltage, the instrument will alert the operator and then automatically shut itself down. This precautionary measure ensures all measurement data and operating parameters are stored properly prior to losing power. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 61: Removing Battery Pack
Do not attempt to replace the NiMh batteries in the rechargeable battery pack with alkaline batteries. An explosion could occur if the instrument is plugged into the wall charger. A non- rechargeable battery pack is available from Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Ludlum Measurements, Inc.
Page 62: Operational Test
Cs source should result in a reading in or near the mR scale range. To verify operation, turn on the instrument and allow it to stabilize for approximately 30 seconds. Once this procedure has been completed, the instrument is ready for use. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 63: Hazardous Material Shipping Classification
Model 9DP. As long as a worker complies with other provisions in this regulation, such as packaging precautions stated above, the worker is allowed to transport the Ludlum Model 9DP as a material of trade, without following the normal requirements for hazardous goods. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 64: Depressurization Procedure
It is best to utilize safety goggles or safety glasses while performing this procedure. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 65: Transportation Special Permit
Re-insert all six screws making certain to not over-tighten them. Finally, insert the battery and battery cover. 10.2 Transportation Special Permit See following pages for Department of Transportation Special Permit. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 66 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 67 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 68 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 69 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 70 Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 71: Options
This option works well whenever the ambient noise levels are too loud or when radioactive clicking sounds may not be desired, such as in an office type environment. This option is factory installed only. Part Number: 4293-891 Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 72: Model 9Dp Logging Spreadsheet Software Package
Do not attempt to replace the NiMh batteries in the rechargeable battery pack with alkaline batteries. An explosion could occur if the instrument is plugged into the wall charger. A non- rechargeable battery pack is available from Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Ludlum Measurements, Inc.
Page 73: Check Source
Part Number: 2312289 Note: See Section 6 of this manual for details on how to use the keyboard with the Model 9DP. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 74: Safety Considerations And Maintenance
While Ludlum Measurements has been able to mitigate the majority of the issues through product design, we still require the user to follow special care instructions to help protect the instrument and ensure a long life.
Page 75 (typically a range or two higher than expected). How does Ludlum Measurements deal with instruments reporting high background? If a customer returns an instrument for service due to high background issues, our service department will perform a "vent and bake"...
Page 76: Warning Markings And Symbols
How can this be prevented? While Ludlum Measurements continues to research possible solutions to mitigate the humidity issue including new chamber coatings and plastics, we ask that our customers continue to store the instrument in a low humidity environment when not in use.
Page 77 11.2 m (37 ft). Tests have also shown that the Model 9DP or 9DP* instrument housing will likely contain the explosion. Users are however cautioned to take adequate precautions to avoid these kinds of impacts or temperatures. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 78: Cleaning And Maintenance Precautions
7. Use a low-pressure air source or a non-static brush to gently clear away any contamination. 12.4 Maintenance RECALIBRATION Recalibration should be accomplished after maintenance or adjustments have been performed on the instrument. Recalibration is not normally required following instrument cleaning or battery replacement. Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 79 9 atm (117 psig ±5 psig) with an ultra- high purity nitrogen and argon gas mixture. Due to the unique chamber design, Ludlum Measurements is bound to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for Hazardous Material related to shipping requirements of a non-DOT specified pressure vessel.
Page 80: Certificate Of Compliance
Operator’s Manual MODEL 9DP and Model 9DP* Section Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2023...
Page 81: Recycling
To this end, Ludlum Measurements, Inc. strives to supply the consumer of its goods with information regarding reuse and recycling of the many different types of materials used in its products.