the ROM Geo Explorer User Manual here.
Contents
1. On off switch Analog output Detector port 12 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m How G Explorer Works elektronik Available Functions G Explorer s offers the following operating modes explained in detail below Gross ips Dose rate Set duration Set impulse Gamma spectroscopy optional Access the operating mode menu with the Menu key Push it once to open a submenu on the screen s left a A ARN DER IA eR TR CTS CS V add A T Z o O o da OMR Pushing the CR key next will open the main menu From here you can choose the desired operating mode with the respective number key Main menu 1 Gross ips 2 Dose rate Sv h 3 Set duration 4 Set impulse o Gammaspectr 6 Set up p o Set mode with number keys ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 13 55 om elektronik USING GROSS IPS MODE This is the most frequently used mode in which the total number of impulses determines the measured value Measured value ips Gross impulse rate ips G Explorer s on board computer closely monitors every change in the frequency with which impulses hit the detector and adapts the measuring interval so as to minimize measurement errors The graphic display also shows the null effect natural background radiation Measured values trendline Null effect measured value Pictured Range max 101 ips min 19 ips The null effect background radiation2. elektronik G Explorer Scintillation Counter Gamma Explorer Geo Explorer E n E ajas ajaja ajaja JBE e User Manual V1 0 13 07 2011 ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 1 55 fom elektronik CONTENTS E e o EEA AEAN E EATEN EA TE A A neds Jeuccouseeue vases costeoaheovesdence 4 PP A EE T E A E E A EE E A E E E ENT UAE 4 AA nn A o RU N E A E 4 Pro par ing For PESCU S st O O ino doio 6 Fora tons USE FU eoliano boat corbata 7 PAI OA e o o A 8 How G Explorer A o A E E E Ep dlad odsusad asc sd a ato ttpneta 11 Ae PRE S D40 OSR O O O O O 11 The set measuring range simultaneously acts as the alarm threshold cccoconnnnoooonononnnnnnnnnnnnncnnnonononnnnnnnnnnnnncnnnnnnnnnss 11 G Explorer s operating COMtLOLS z scenaez acdvscznccevasesascuseeccnavastatsdwctenaaanasesanceduasenauastansdscueacnauaaenascuduesenauaseatsdeasencaawanenaede 12 PP PP P P O O O O O O O Oh 13 Ue me Gross los MOd O un tetiah neice ten els jente ancenedsicesedat austen E EEEE 14 A A ETE E E E yesaceesecpeneesasaeeesabne E 15 ON ales am DO rR REE E ne EE E E E ree 15 A o oi E E 16 iy En ee ya TT MN R O e Pe O E e o O O 16 Recording external measure MMMM A ASPRE A AEAEE 17 BG CLM USE ie A E O PO E O ES A E addi NEEDS A 17 Ume ihe n lod 01017 10141 AAA o a ates E E E 17 PUSS OMS AA A e o e nutes gent hidavauehiednecebacee 17 Seine A minimum MAXIMUM rt titi 18 Setting upper and lower MMS va cinsiont
3. 100 cm distance from radioactive walls is enough to markedly reduce incremental radiation exposure Natural radiation exposure in Europe amounts to approx 2 4 millisievert per year 2 4 mSv annum UNESCAR estimate 0 01 mSv a 10 uSv a 1 mrem annum of this derive from nuclear facilities This radiation burden broken down by individual components in the following table can vary greatly from region to region Annual radiation exposure from various sources pp Other 0 1 mSv a e g Chernobyl For example we have measured differences of 75 nSv h to 140 nSv h within a 40 km circle The following chart summarizes the sources of our radiation exposure Radon is noticeably the largest source closely followed by ground and cosmic radiation ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 47 55 f O m Radioactive Radiation elektronik Annual radiation exposure from natural sources mSv a Other e g Chernobyl x Ground radiation Radon ie Cosmic radiation Potassium 40 K 40 The value shown for K 40 also includes our own body s radiation All humans have a certain quantity of potassium in their bodies Part of it is the radioactive nuclide K 40 In a manner of speaking every human glows with about 3 000 5 000 Bq just from potassium Tiles and Flagstones Unlike building materials whose radioactive radiation stems mostly from evaporating radon and its decay products tiles and flagstones emit direct ra
4. from elektronik SETUP Setup is for managing basic settings such as screen contrast and the G Explorer s factory settings Default restores the G Explorer to its factory settings and returns it to its as delivered state Setting screen conirast Menu item 1 lets you adjust the screen contrast use keys F1 and F2 to fine tune it to your individual preference To exit the menu press CR das Men verlassen LCD Contrast _ A 5 v nd a Hey I lt gt Pong F da gt i A E Accessing Services This function is likely to be used most often to synchronize clocks with a connected PC ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 23 55 rom elektronik Setting the time G Explorer has a built in real time clock so that measurement data can be written to a memory card with the current date and time To set the clock G Explorer must be connected to the PC via USB cable When the PC is turned on the G Explorer s blue indicator light comes on Select Services on the menu A utility software package is available for the G Explorer on an SD card CD ROM or from our web site www rom elektronik com Before using the software first correctly install the interface driver As the install procedure varies for the different operating systems we do not go into it here Please consult the documentation for the relevant driver software Once the software is running you must select the co
5. if present GPS data decimal delimiter A data file can look like this for example 1 44 9 N 48 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 2 39 1 N 48 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 3 30 1 N 48 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 4 29 1 N 48 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 ra 19 32 9 N 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 a Beginning on the next page we show how to import data to EXCEL ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 27 55 O mn Working with Data elektronik In the Open Excel dialog box choose the file containing the measurement data and open it oon rep gt fps CD Z New Folder Q DEVICES ACCESSED FOLDER ACCESS LOCATIONS 18182544 1X1 3 07 PM SEARCH MEDIA Show All files 84 Open Original Find file Came C Click the Open button to start the Text Assistant for help with importing the file Check that DOS or OS 2 PC 8 shows as the file source The Text Wizard has determined that your data is Delimited If this is correct choose Next or choose the data type that best describes your data Original data type Choose the file type that best describes your data Delimited Characters such as commas or tabs separate each field M Fixed width Fields are aligned in columns with spaces between each field Start import at row 1 4 File origin IM Preview of file Macintosh HD Users robert Deskt 23222545 TXT Back Next gt Finish 28 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH
6. is constantly being calculated from the long term constant part of the measurement values and conformed as necessary This makes it easy to recognize variations in measured values vs the background radiation in the graphic display When consistently high readings are being recorded the graph line displayed in the screen s upper region will be relatively flat In that event variations from the null effect will barely register or not at all Keys F1 and F2 adjust the limits of the measuring range being displayed Pressing F1 lowers the upper limit while F2 raises it Keeping the key depressed for a time will accelerate the setting change incrementally making it possible to make large adjustments rapidly It is also possible to enter the desired range directly via the numeric key pad after pressing F1 or F2 The G Explorer waits about 5 seconds before accepting the entered values If this seems too long the user can return instantly to operating mode by pressing the CR key If the measured value registers above the set measuring range an audible tone is generated and the screen will blink Setting the measurement range simultaneously sets the alarm threshold To deactivate the signal adjust the lower display range limit from the menu 14 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m Using Gross IPS Mode elektronik 2 0119 3 Mir an 4 ULD 4695 SLLD 1 6 ipm CR Main Offset Pressing the M
7. 100 rd 1 rd 0 01 Gy 1 rem 0 01 Sv Conversions Energy dose Speed of transformation Equivalent dose amount of energy delivered activity to tissue divided by the irradiated tissue s mass Radioactive substance undergo and deliver energy to matter with the strength of radiation Process eE transformation e g to the human body varying by the type of radiation 40 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH energy dose times a weighted factor om elektronik Half life Radioactive Radiation By way of example here is the currently prevailing natural radiation dose external radiation exposure that humans are exposed to that is only to B radiation accompanied by y radiation since a radiation only has a range of a few centimeters and can be shielded off relatively easily a radiation only causes severe damage if it is incorporated The genetically significant dose per BGA averages 0 9 1 6mSv year with regional variations We can convert this equivalent dose as described above into Sievert hour Q factor 1 8 760 hours per year 160022 mSv nSv S760h O 182 07 162 and so obtain a dose rate of between 100 190 nSv h nanosievert per hour 100 75 50 25 I X 180 90 120 n 60 30 years Today Decay behavior of Cs 137 in years Another distinctive characteristic of radionuclides is their half life It is defined as the initial time required fo
8. 240 liter trash can It will have a volume of about 400 liters in this intended use Using a plastic sealer device as used for freezer bags weld the opening shut leaving only a smallish hole in the middle but large enough to accommodate the filter with filter holder Place a filter on the holder Attach the holder to the vacuum cleaner s suction tube then insert the holder with filter into the trash bag Wrap a small amount of bag at the Opening around the suction tube and fasten it tightly by slipping a rubber band over it Remove the vacuum hose from the vacuum cleaner then turn it on Now hold the hose end loosely in front of the exhaust opening until the bag is fully inflated Turn off the vacuum and remount the hose on the intake opening No need to rush with the bag more or less airtight For the measurement set the bag upright Its shape should be nearly cylindrical Measure its height and the diameter or circumference with a string Write down all measurements in decimeters 1dm 10cm Lay the trash bag on its side again Turn on the vacuum cleaner and at the same moment start your stopwatch Now as the bag starts to shrink carefully roll up its bottom end loosely to keep the top from collapsing and prematurely blocking the filter Push your stopwatch again when the bag is empty CALCULATE THE AIR FLOW IN M MIN You have measured the bag s diameter or circumference and its height in decimeters dm and the time in se
9. 49 15 5666 010 19 7199 38 33 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 39 34 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 40 END 41 23 01 2011 42 12 26 32 43 Coordinates will only appear if a GPS receiver was used If a faulty GPS signal was received the spreadsheet will also contain measurement data without linked coordinates The measurement data can be used to create various kinds of graphs 30 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik ROM Elektronik GmbH Working with Data Various kinds of graphs can be created from the measurement data Note The text import procedure described above is for an Apple Macintosh running Mac OS X 1 6 7 and Microsoft Excel X It may not work quite the same when using other versions of Excel other operating platforms or other spreadsheet programs such as Open Office Numbers etc In that case please rely on the relevant documentation and user manuals used in your work context The procedure will be roughly similar to the one illustrated here If you find yourself stymied look up how to import CSV delimited data in your spreadsheet program s user manual G Explorer_Manual 31 55 om elektronik GPS RECEIVER OPTION You can connect a GPS receiver to your G Explorer and record measurement data linked to GPS coordinates GPS GPS Receiver Connecting itto the GrExplorer it to the Connecting itto the GrExplorer Explorer y GPS receiver we offer for the G Explore
10. Preface om elektronik G Explorer technical data Readout Range 0 10 000 ips or ipm impulses per second or per minute 0 10 000 nSv h Graphic liquid crystal display LEDs for On USB indicators Operating temp 5 C to 40 C 185 mm x 135 mm x 35 mm LxWxH Interfaces Serial port USB SMA analog output 0 2 5 V multi function interface GPS etc detector port SD card Power supply 4 AA 1 5 V batteries or rechargeable battery pack Max battery life 8 10 hours Technical data We reserve the right to change technical specifications Safety precautions 1 Connect and disconnect the detector only while the G Explorer is turned off 2 Caution When the instrument is on the detector port carries a high voltage charge 3 The housing should only be opened by qualified technicians ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 5 55 om elektronik PREPARING FOR FIRST USE Prior to using G Explorer for the first time you must mount the delicate Nal scintillation detector in the lead collimator To do so first unscrew the lead collimator s cover On its underside you will see a socket where the prongs of the Nal detector s photomultiplier plug in Make sure to position it correctly The detector base has a nub on it that fits into the a slot on the socket The nub on the detector s base 6 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O mn Prepar
11. Recording via an external clock signal for example from a surveyor s wheel with pulse generator 4 Entering a distance e g 10 meters 5 Start a new data file for example for a new survey or location Automatic Recording Recording measurements automatically is the most convenient method Menu item 1 lets you choose the time interval at which recording 1s to take place each time for example every second or every 2 seconds and so on S File NEW M Options Autosv Light Tone Choosing 0 seconds causes every measuring cycle to be recorded so that every calculated measurement value is recorded Press the Menu key twice to return to the measuring operation F ange EM Pause Stop The recording mode appears in the screen s upper left corner Aut for automatic and is activated by pressing F3 Start Once started the unit 1ps blinks to indicate that measurements are being recorded F3 pauses recording Pause and F4 Stop ends it Manual recording Each push on the CR key records a measurement manually The procedure is similar to that for automatic recording The recording mode Man for Manual is shown in the upper left corner of the screen and is invoked by pushing F3 Start Once started the unit ips blinks to indicate readiness to record however only when depressing CR will a measurement data point be recorded F3 pauses r
12. f O mn Working with Data elektronik Confirm the choice by clicking Next and on the screen that opens now check the semi colon box C Text As nt Step 2of3 This screen lets you set the delimiters your data contains You can see how your text is affected in the preview below Delimiters IV Semicolon Treat consecutive delimiters as one NA Text qualifier T Space F Other Data preview C Cancel lt Back NIE Finish Once more click Next to confirm and open the next window Click Advanced This screen lets you select each column and set the Data Format Column data format General General converts numeric values to numbers date values to dates and all remaining Iex values to text Date MDY Advanced D Do not import column skip Data preview Cancel lt Back Next gt ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 29 55 Working with Data om elektronik 66 99 In the dialog that opens next enter a period as the decimal separator to ensure that the spreadsheet calculations will interpret all and not just some of the data as numbers Advanced Text Import Settings Settings used to recognize numeric data Decimal separator M Thousands separator M Note Numbers will be displayed using the numeric settings specified in the Regional Settings control panel Trailing minus for negative numb
13. regard A large part of radiation emanates from the ground Our construction materials too come from the ground A trivial observation perhaps but it does have great significance for our health because every building material contains radioactive additives especially the naturally occurring nuclides radium 226 Ra 226 thorium 232 Th 232 and Potassium 40 K 40 as well as the radioactive derivatives decay products of the first two The largest number of naturally radioactive substances derives from one of three decay series whose beginning nuclides have a long half life relative to the time since the formation of the elements age of the solar system is about 10 billion years 10 years These are e the uranium radium series starting from uranium 238 half life 4 5 billion years e the actinium series starting from uranium 235 half life 0 7 billion years e the thorium series starting from thorium 232 half life 14 billion years Besides the 47 radionuclides belonging to one of the three decay series there are 18 other radionuclides some with extremely long half lives that have existed since the earth s formation Table 4 gives an overview of resulting additional radiation exposure The negative value shown for wood is no aberration it signifies shielding against environmental radiation 42 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m Radioactive Radiation elektronik Contribution of construction mat
14. scheiden die Radioaktivitat zu 99 ab Kaffee oder Staubsaugerfilter lassen in der Regel zu viel Staub und damit Aktivitat hindurch Anmerkung Radongas wird nicht gesammelt es geht vollstandig durch das Filter durch Andere Filter sind vielfach dicht genug lassen aber zu wenig Luft hindurch ROM Elektronik sells a suitable filter holder and filter NOT included in the G Explorer package MEASURE THE BACKGROUND RADIATION All scintillation detectors pick up ambient or background radiation including during the measurement phase with filter It must be measured first so that 1t can be subtracted later on The lower the background radiation the more accurate the ensuing measurement with filter will be Look for a place with the least possible background radiation where to set up the detector Support the filter while the measurement is in progress to keep it from tearing This can be done by means of a filter holder like the dust catcher mounting VACUUMING This is when you run the risk of having your vacuum cleaner burn out Don t let it happen The lower the volume of air moving through a vacuum cleaner is the lower is the load on it and the faster the motor runs The air stream simultaneously cools the motor that is what led to the invention of the 1 000 watt vacuum cleaner The motor overheats if not enough air flows through it It suffers thermal overload even though it is working less The key is to find a practical comp
15. the measurement range simultaneously sets the alarm threshold Submenu The sub menu lets you access the following additional options 1 Storing measurements on an SD card if available and plugged in 2 Setting the Offsets for the measurement value display 3 Activating a minimum maximum display ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 19 55 f O m Dose Rate Function elektronik 20 55 G Explorer Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik SET DURATION MODE The duration setting lets you take measurements such as those that Geiger M ller counters were used for It is still useful today for measuring samples of for example paper filters food stuffs etc Set duration Tot meas time in secs 600 Numeric keys enter time F3 Del Enter the measurement duration either with F1 or F2 or directly on the key pad then enter it by pressing the CR key Conduct stationary measurement of a surface to be checked in step wise fashion that is measure it segment by segment press F3 to start the next measurement as you position the detector on each new segment Set duration _ Tot duration 600 Act duration Y Tot impulses A Act ips 83 Once the preselected duration has expired the measurement will be presented on the screen You will get the current measuring duration impulse count and current measured value in Ips This measuring mode does not provide for any
16. 8 200 1000 200 2000 Finished Building Materials and Binders Brickfelinker f S 10 200 e 12 200 700 100 2000 pre L A 78 A 0 00 iii gt Lightweight concrete lt 20 90 lt 20 80 1100 700 1600 non specific Lightweight concrete mixed with Z IE NC E KC om NN BK RECI IT E sw AN ee Excelsior light weight 19 25 11 14 50 360 sheets a om pa dum em pe O OH 4 L 4 gt A 1 m l LAA A s CARO 2 2 PE AY AN ic A IES HEEE E M A EE 2 93 Ready mix mortar lt 20 100 lt 20 100 lt 40 500 finishing plaster 44 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH rom Radioactive Radiation elektronik Raw m m Cu slag old production 1500 __ 18 78 300 730 Cu slag new production 770 490 940 is M M C Ta A T p CALLA ee im CAS 4 nn daa Ao Y ee Sn slag 1100 1000 300 230 340 330 1200 DN m n CC E JON P Ace 1000 980 286 260 310 1100 E A a Blast furnace slag 100 40 200 100 30 300 200 1000 Process residues non 70 9 31 0 84 3 E 250 1 280 uranium industry Fly ash non specific 200 26 1110 100 14 300 170 E AREA LA Phosphorite 50 300 lt 20 lt 4 160 110 lt 40 1100 300 M m mm m KN EK B EL 1 TA 1 Feldspar 40 100 100 70 200 3000 2000 4000 pm a 9 7 A A A EE pavete Guayera A 9 DA ROM
17. Both the SSK and the ICRP assume the ratio is 2 5 times t SSK Strahlungs Sicherheits Kommission Germany s Radiation Safety Commission ICRP International Commission on Radiological Protection ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 53 55 om Measuring Radon elektronik Analysis examples EXAMPLE 1 Calibr 3 5 Bg ips fixed calibration factor Airflow 0 5 m min typical for certain filters and vacuums Collection time 4 min 30 seconds 4 5 minutes measured Background 19 5 ips measured Gross 83 ips measured Result 3 Volume 0 5 x 4 5 min 2 25m min Net 83ips 19 5ips 63 5ips Bq 3 9 ps x 63 5ips E 99 B4 2 25m3 m REMARKS This value is not to be compared with the upper value of the normal range for radon gas according to the German SSK 250 Bg m3 but instead with the ICRP s more precise specification 100 Bg m3 radon decay products from which the German value is derived with certain assumptions So it seems we have landed on the borderline between normal and elevated radioactivity Meaning measure it again If a comparison with SSK recommendations must absolutely be made the calculated result will do The calculation method is identical to the one used by the SSK EXAMPLE 2 Calibr 3 5 Bg ips fixed calibration factor Airflow 0 2 m min a smaller vacuum cleaner than in Ex 1 Collection time 5 min pre determined Background 25 ips m
18. Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 45 55 al Radioactive Radiation Bauxite red mud 200 lt 20 800 400 50 1000 400 lt 20 1000 A A OOO a tr L A 2 2 specific oj L A m A 7 rre A A A AAA LC 3 52 Magnetite Erz 44 Mountains Microlite concentrate 120000 11000 n g Mozambique Tantalite concentrate 14000 390B0 n g Mozambique Monazite sand India Sri 30 1000 2000 50 3000 40 lt 40 70 Lanka i i UN fom elektronik Monazite concentrate 36000 84000 Mozambique Silver concentrate Erz 140 Mountains m Ee A 150 5200 Claydite a f os Fertilizer non specific 400 lt 20 1000 lt 20 lt 20 30 4000 lt 40 8000 FE EE e ea E A4 LA mw f A pr NC NN NN a me m 4 L F ee ars ooo wem Aces we m jm 4 m Boo 4 2 mm Oj m m lt o den 4 jes me dem 4es 4m mw oj A A dom 46 55 G Explorer Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m Radioactive Radiation elektronik Generally speaking we can say that sand gravel limestone and gypsum only contain minor amounts of radioactive substances By contrast some tuff pumice granite and other rocks in many instances are more highly burdened These construction materials should be largely avoided in building homes Clear up any doubts by doing a radiation measurement Although most granite slabs exceed the guidelin
19. OM AGO OPERAR N RSA deus Nr ele dene TSAR O 48 IVC ASI Rido somnolencia 49 Summary of the Measurement Procedure uribe 49 The measina US RE P O E 50 Measure Ihe Backorouna tada On a dunase dias Sii 50 P O OL R O O rr E 50 Calibrate the Vacuum Cleaner ran da undo RE RE HR lia iaa aaa 51 Calculate the air flow in m Iil PPPOE P E E 51 G 1110 MR e Ne 5 E GU TES OS o OA 51 30 62 1011 0 R O O O O O E E 32 TITO SU TC e S RO rnen bend T Abe a an KRKA NAS RER ANOR aba 52 OO TNE 10 Es IRR O o o E 52 more measurement tiPS OOO CICR RARE o E PU E E E Bi OE e bA RENSAR DRESS bohu kendiri pihoon ce 53 Analyzing a G Expl rer radon dESE ains ol ks es dd S EEEE sd snosaeeku cen 53 DTA atest Po on RA 53 ON AAA A S Eno A a o e e o e 54 A e oi o EP poe EA E o ee 54 DUAL AA PPP uo s ren ann O aatnaweseestueee aa eewaeeat 54 DEMO atest O O o e Po E A 54 MCLANE Pe O o o O O O ENN 55 ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 3 55 rom elektronik PREFACE This technical manual has been designed for users who have previous experience in working with instruments that measure radioactivity We intend to continually refine the G Explorer with new features To ensure that these improvements meet your requirement we need your feedback Please send us your ideas for improvements and other suggestions preferably in an email to info rom elektronik com so that we can consolidate and if appropriate implement them We also ask th
20. a coi Arico cronica losa 18 Switching to impulses Perminlle latina 18 DOSE Rae Lo 0 PAPA POPE PR e PE ro 19 A o y A E In seat E E A A E O A E T 19 ss O O 21 Set TO PULSE VO ag scence PA eo A e o o nn Eo EE E 22 Se A A 22 BS UN e O ro TEARS RESTEN RE BRANTEN 23 OSA Screen CONAN diia 23 ACCESS 7 00 ula O A T 23 SLS AN IO US TING O O OP O O O A 24 PA O O O 26 A O O O O 26 Wonano V116 P rondas 21 Elo Cy CL 0911 101 0 OPC O O o PR E OO 32 2 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik PRC DOCG AUTOM zdaru auauau duse aaa EE S OE EAEE adraku E E A dose 34 Rear NS K UMN CNS oia 34 Front A PRO R RO 0 O O O O O O 34 MILADA OS NAT 0101 R O O O O O O O O O O O bltnses Nike 35 TRACT O ACTIV C Ty AC IAM OM POR RER R R O E eiaeseenecenscees 36 TOnizino TAG AMA e eae longue ES A 36 POUT TACO ACV TAO diia 37 PARTICLE RADIATION CORPUSCULAR RADIATION Jassseoesessessssssssssssseeeeesssssssseersrrrrrrrrerrerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rr nn rna 37 QUANTUM RADIATION ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION een nn 37 A 0 o EP Ur EE UE ia adian ee iieii ernaia 37 Bea P REGO 1M O O O O O O O O O O 38 NA o E NL GRID SNUS Ol AO EAEN 38 AMMA AG TAI AA a EP oo o Pe O ooo A 39 DRT AY PACA OM OOO ONO OP ESO O O O ET 39 Radioactivity measuring UNits ssssseersrerserssrsssreeererrrrrrrrrrrrrsssrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rss ser rrrrrrrr rss Aroa 39 TAGE 01 P O O O 41 Natwral Radiation TG SUG ahd R O O O icciod 41 TN VSS ana TiS SCG PR O O AE 48 R
21. al impulses in a detector for example we get an activity of 100 transformations divided by 10 seconds 10 Ba Every transformation emits a radiation and P radiation accompanied by y radiation Formerly the Curie Ci unit was commonly used instead of Becquerel 1 Ci 37 billion Bq 37 x 10 Bq When describing the activity of substances we always speak of specific activity Specific activity is commonly expressed as Bg kilogram Bq liter Bq m and Bq m Simply stating a substance s activity says nothing about its biological effect This requires knowing what radiation dose an organism 1s absorbing Radioactive radiation releases energy when it hits matter the human body for example G Explorer_Manual 39 55 f O m Radioactive Radiation elektronik The unit of measure for the energy absorbed by matter or its energy dose is Gray Gy I Gy I J kg joule per kilogram Formerly the rad rd unit was used it converts at 0 01 rd 1 Gy 1 Gy 0 01 rd This gives the energy dose rate Gy hour The extent to which an organism will be damaged by a given equal energy dose will depend on the type of ray alpha beta gamma neutron and proton radiation Each type of ray is assigned a quality factor Q factor For gamma and beta radiation Q equals 1 for alpha radiation it is 20 Put another way alpha radiation is twenty times more damaging than beta or gamma radiation The equivalent dose is ca
22. amma radiation but because of the special way in which it is produced and how it is used a distinction between the two has insinuated itself About 300 keV is the upper energy limit where we can still call it x ray radiation X ray tubes generate focused x rays but some devices will release unwanted x ray radiation while being operated In principle unwanted x ray radiation generation must be expected any time when working with a device in which electrons are accelerated in a vacuum using high voltages Examples of such devices are television tubes computer monitors oscilloscopes and special tubes that generate microwaves magnetrons klystrons X ray radiation emitted by these devices whose voltages seldom exceed 25kV consequently has relatively little energy soft x ray radiation The radiation s penetrating power is correspondingly low and the housing usually shields it adequately particularly that for television tubes Ever since Chernobyl concepts such as becquerel Bq sievert Sv rem and others have become terms familiar to all Here we provide a brief overview of each of these concepts Becquerel Bq expresses the number of nuclear transformations per second frequently described erroneously as decays Bq is thus the unit that measures activity in a substance If we observe a substance for 10 seconds and find that 100 transformations have occurred during this time in the form of individu
23. anual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik Gamma y radiation X ray radiation Radioactivity measuring units O ROM Elektronik GmbH Radioactive Radiation half life a free neutron will decay into a proton A distinction is made between fast neutrons kinetic energy of a few MeV and thermal neutrons kinetic energy only on the order of magnitude of thermal motion energy The biological impact of neutrons depends heavily on their energy ranging between a factor of 5 to 20 Neutrons with an energy of around 1 MeV are particularly potent biologically RBE 20 y radiation is a high energy electromagnetic wave radiation that is generated in the course of radioactive nuclear transformation 1 e it is an epiphenomenon of a radiation and f radiation It is an indirect loosely ionizing radiation with high penetration power which makes shielding against it problematical It takes at least a few centimeters of lead or concrete to attenuate it to safe levels It cannot be blocked completely it can only be diminished to an undetectable level Let us picture our young forest again just this time we are throwing rocks into it Chances are good that we will hit the random tree here and there but mostly we will miss and cause little damage unless we throw a lot of rocks X rays are produced when fast electron decelerate upon hitting matter This effect is relied on to generate x rays in x ray tubes X ray radiation is actually g
24. at you send us as detailed a description as possible of the problem if you experience any difficulties with the instrument or in using this manual As we publish new control programs and user manuals periodically we will make them available for free download from www rom elektronik com General G Explorer is a universal radioactivity measuring instrument with a scintillation detector G Explorer detects elevated radiation levels in an especially rapid and reliable manner It is a next generation follow on product to our proven medCONT radiation measuring system which has been and is still used today primarily in geological field surveys Hence this handbook focuses mainly on that sector Nonetheless G Explorer provides full spectrum functionality for measuring radioactivity Explorer features null effect automation by supplying a constantly updated measured background radiation value null effect at the detector it frees the user from the chore of measuring null effects G Explorer can rapidly and accurately detect even minute amounts of radioactivity in the nuclide lab environment ground building materials or foodstuffs Gamma spectroscopy 1s available as an option System Package The system package includes e G Explorer e Nal detector 2 x 2 e Lead collimator e Detector cable e Batteries e Carrying case e User Manual Other parts can be purchased as accessories 4 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH
25. ch convey information about the radiation s energy level and strength are converted into electrical impulses that then can be quantified electronically A low noise pre amplifier boosts the signal and then the main amplifier raises it to a level approaching that of the feeder current A single channel voltage comparator discriminator with adjustable lower and upper level discriminator limits abbreviated LLD and ULD respectively makes it possible to measure the entire energy range or only a select part of it Take Cesium 137 for example it emits energy of 662 keV If we set the lower and upper threshold around say 662 KeV 15keV then only radioactivity with energy around 662keV will be measured After passing through the discriminator a pulse shaper turns the signal into a microprocessor readable signal for digital read out Operating G Explorer The key pad lets users select the various functions and operating modes of the G Explorer A El Each of the function keys F1 Y F4 and the Menu Wal and CR keys have specific functions assigned to them Depending on the operating mode various functions that can be activated by pressing Fl through F4 are displayed along the bottom edge of the screen This provides quick access to the most frequently used settings In the ips operating mode Fl and F2 are used to set the measuring range in the display Pressing F1 lowers the upper limit of the displayed range while pressing F2 rais
26. clock pulse Several magnets are attached to the wheel along with a magnetic switch Depending on the wheel s circumference number and spacing of the magnets the switch trips every 20 cm for example and registers a measurement to clock input Connector 6 Connector 8 Magnetic switch A g LGA p a Magnets A ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 35 55 fom elektronik RADIOACTIVE RADIATION All matter consists of tiny building blocks the atoms Atoms consist of a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons and a nuclear shell made of electrons Almost all of the atom s mass is concentrated in the nucleus The number of protons in the nucleus is its atomic number and identifies the chemical element The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus is its mass number In general atoms that are characterized according to their mass number are also called nuclides Latin for nucleus The mass number is attached to the element s symbol So hydrogen can be written either as H 2 or H or carbon as another example can be written either as C 14 or C Every element can have various nuclides differentiated solely by the number of neutrons in the nucleus They are called isotopes Greek and neo Latin for same atomic number Their chemical properties are completely identical Atoms consist of nuclei containing neutrons and protons and a shell made up of electrons lonizing radiation Radi
27. conds From that you first get the volume in m height x diameter x n Volume 4 000 height x circumference Volume L000 x7 From volume and time you obtain the airflow in m3 minute Airfl Volume x 60 sec Y O i a l Vacuum Time Tip to achieve professional accuracy place the plastic bag inside a cage carefully constructed out of chicken wire EXAMPLE 1 Circumference 2 4 m 24 dm Height 100 cm 10 dm Vacuum time 55 seconds height x circumference 10dm x 24dm x 24dm Volume 4 000 x TT 4 000 x 3 14 G Explorer_Manual 51 55 0 459m f O m Measuring Radon elektronik Volume x60 sec 0 459m3x60 sec m3 Airflow 0 50 Vacuum Time 55 sec min EXAMPLE 2 Circumference 70 cm 7 dm Height 100 cm 10 dm Vacuum time 1 minute 55 seconds 115 seconds height xdiameter xm 10dmx7dmx7dmx3 14 Volume 0 385m 4 000 4 000 Volume x60 sec 0 385m3X60 sec m Air flow 0 20 Vacuum Time 115 sec min MEASURE THE FILTER G Explorer s scintillator crystal has a 2 diameter 5 cm The filter s size is about 8 5 cm so we have folded it three times with the vacuumed side top Fold the filter from its right edge over to the left third then from the left edge all the way to the right third which now is the right edge Repeat for the upper and lower edges making a square filter about 3 x 3 cm in size The activ
28. diation Not all tiles and flagstones are radioactive emitters but uranium was and is used to achieve certain glaze colors especially green and red Since May 31 1981 only 2 milligram uranium per square centimeter has been allowed whereas earlier the uranium content in ceramic glaze could be as much as 20 This does not mean that every residence has radioactive tiles and flagstones in it in fact the opposite is true These strong emitters are actually found rather infrequently The question of how much radiation exposure there is does not have an easy answer It depends heavily on the individual circumstances As a rough point of reference here are the results of a test during which the radiation exposure from flagstones was measured at various distances While the additional equivalent dose at 5 cm distance amounted to 23 microsievert 23 uSv 2 3 mrem per hour at a distance of 90 cm it was found to be 12 uSv h Taking into account the shielding effect of clothing and supposing that half an hour is spent daily in the vicinity of the radioactive tiles the annual radiation exposure amounts to about 1 1 mSv 110 mrem Recommendations The chance of coming across radioactive flagstones or tiles is relatively low It increases somewhat if these flagstones or tiles were laid down some time ago before 1985 or thereabouts and they came from Italy If is determined without doubt that strongly radiating flagstones or tiles are present t
29. easured Gross 213 1ps measured Result 3 x 5 min 1m Volume 0 2 min Net 213ips 25ips 188ips 3 524 x 188ips A ips q EER 658 1m m 54 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH OM Measuring Radon elektronik REMARKS This value is not to be compared with the upper value of the normal range for radon gas according to the German SSK 250 Bq m3 but instead with the ICRP s more precise specification 100 Bq m3 radon decay products from which the German value is derived with certain assumptions So it seems we are far above normal range If this is a space which someone enters only sporadically e g a storage basement there is no need for countermeasures Much more important would be to thoroughly check the rooms where people spend a lot of time ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 55 55
30. ecording Pause and F4 Stop ends it 16 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m Using Gross IPS Mode elektronik Recording external measurements In the external recording mode a measurement is recorded every time an external impulse is received This is useful when working with a surveyor s wheel equipped with a pulse generator The procedure is similar to that for automatic recording The recording mode Ext for External is shown in the upper left corner of the screen and is invoked by pushing F3 Start Once started the unit ips blinks to indicate readiness to record however only measurements based on an external impulse will be recorded F3 pauses recording and F4 Stop ends it Setting distance Use the Distance menu item for documenting measurement distance which can be a useful reference later on for further analysis Using the file command Use the File menu item to specify if a NEW data file is to be opened for recording or if you want the existing OLD file to be written to This can be advantageous when surveying large areas The area is set up as a file and each measurement series is recorded to it Press F4 Stop to end a series and start a new one with F3 Start If the menu item File is set to OLD ALT the individual measurement series entered in the file will be separated by the notation ADD in other words a line co
31. enu key opens a submenu on the left side of the screen display To select O ffset for the measurement display use the 2 key and then adjust the setting with the F1 and F2 function keys Submenu The submenu provides access to additional options in each operating mode Select them in the open submenu with the numeric keys and adjust settings as required with other keys The submenu lets you access the following options 1 Storing measurements on an SD card if available and plugged in 2 Setting the Offsets for the displayed measurement value 3 Activating a minimum maximum display 4 Setting an upper limit for gamma radiation energy ULD 5 Setting a lower limit for gamma radiation energy LLD 6 Switching to the impulses per minute ipm unit useful when the impulse rate drops below 3 ips for example 7 Jumping to the main menu To exit the submenu and return to measuring mode push the menu key again Storing values an SD card To record measurements first insert an SD card that has been pre formatted for FAT32 in the card slot Make sure that write protection is not enabled Y Y OM CS Explorer elektronik ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 15 55 Using Gross IPS Mode om elektronik Submenu item 1 lets you specify alternative ways of storing measured values as well as other settings 1 Automatic recording at pre selected intervals 2 Manual recording at the touch of button 3
32. erials to radiation exposure in dwellings Federal Republic of Germany Additional Radiation Exposure in mSv year 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 4 2 Research has been conducted for more than 15 years into the radiation exposure caused by radioactive substances in building materials industrial production and industrial wastes with the goal of keeping the population s exposure to radiation as low as possible The following table provides an overview of typical activity concentrations of potassium 40 thorium 232 and radium 226 found in natural stone binding materials finished construction materials and diverse industrial products The specific activity of the radionuclides in the construction materials varies over a wide range Acidic magma stone above all granite evidence relatively high activity from natural radionuclides Typical activity concentrations of Potassium 40 Thorium 232 and Ra 226 in different materials As of 1992 per German Federal Interior Ministry Natural Building Materials f KUE NE NEE em NE NN 180 310 4 5 pe NC NN or 5 16 6 0 1 6 3 4 7 7 7 ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 43 55 fom elektronik 46 61 e 6779 1109 1000 1900 Homblendeschist E a H O O 34 45 ad 58 73 780 760 930 pe LO L AL AO SN Limestonefmarble ad an 2 200 lt 40 240 AR A a o a folio 80 200 00 70 200 609 200 1000 Clay oam lt 2090 eo 1
33. ers Next click OK to finish the import This should result in an Excel spreadsheet with the imported data opening on the screen The table in Excel will show all information from beginning to end of the data recording session date and time number of measurement value data points the measurement values themselves and the GPS coordinates if any for each value 02 02 2 A 5 A 3 BE V Hai x M SB 2 D 10 r 3 23 01 2011 Coordinates from 4 12 25 49 JH connected GPS 6 1 E 010 19 7166 i 7 2 E 010 19 7166 receiver K 3 E 010 19 7166 a a E 010 19 7166 Measurements s 48 15 1698 E 010 19 7166 49 15 5659 E 010 19 7166 12 7 49 15 5656 E 010 19 7166 13 m 49 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 14 3EN 48 13 56536 010 19 7166 15 10 49 15 5658 E 010 19 7166 Measurement Y 13 sequence 15 E 010 19 7166 E 010 19 7166 E 010 19 7166 9 14 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 20 15 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 21 16 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 22 17 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 23 18 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 24 19 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 25 2 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 26 2 49 13 5666 E 010 19 7199 27 22 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 28 23 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 29 24 48 13 5666 E 010 19 7199 30 25 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 31 26 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 32 27 48 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 33 28 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 34 29 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 35 30 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 36 31 49 15 5666 E 010 19 7199 37 32
34. es it 1s entirely possible to find one whose radioactivity lies below the suggested guideline value Large variations in radioactivity are possible depending on where the building material originates from An advisory commission created by the Federal Ministry of the Interior has recommended the following formula for use in living and gathering spaces A kalium A Radium A Thorium g 481089 380849 25989 kg kr kg A activity of the respective substance in building material The formula says that when it comes to building materials the sum of the radioactivities of potassium radium and thorium each of them divided by a factor that expresses the degree of danger each radionuclide harbors should be no higher than 1 This is designed to ensure that radioactivity deriving from building materials will not surpass 1 5 millisievert per year 1 5 mSv annum 1 500 uSv a 150 mrem a Wood used for building houses sourced from the Ukraine can carry an elevated radiation burden in comparison with domestic wood Greetings from Chernobyl In general however it is still lower than for a house built of stone In measuring a house built in 1995 with Ukrainian wood direct contact resulted in an elevated radioactivity of ca 150 nSv h where the background radiation was ca 85 nSV h When measured from a distance of 1 meter from the walls no measurable increase could be detected in the house As clearly illustrated by this example often just 50
35. es it The longer the key is held down the higher the step increment will be so that large adjustments can be made quickly The desired range can also be entered via the key pad after F1 or F2 have been pressed The G Explorer waits about 5 seconds before accepting the entered values By pressing the CR key the user for whom this is taking too long can instantly return to operating mode If the measured value registers above the set measuring range an audible tone is generated and the screen will blink The set measuring range simultaneously acts as the alarm threshold F3 turns on the screen s backlight The key can be pushed up to three times to increase the ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 11 55 f O m How G Explorer Works elektronik brightness incrementally after that the screen goes dark F4 turns off the alarm tone In normal mode pushing F4 makes the detector signal audible each impulse produces one beep simultaneously the red status indicator light embedded in the ROM logo will blink in rhythm with the detector s pulsing Pushing F4 again produces a rhythmic signal representing the internal measuring time One more push on F4 shuts off the speaker Press the Menu key to open a submenu from which you can access the main menu Pressing the CR key confirms inputs G EXPLORER S OPERATING CONTROLS Multi function interface leis X for GPS etc No USB indicator light blue
36. hey should be removed if possible or new ones installed over the old ones A carpet with rubberized backing reduces beta radiation from uranium containing flag stones or tiles by about 30 48 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik MEASURING RADON ROM Elektronik GmbH The procedure described here is a tried and true older method for measuring radon decay products Use it where measuring sensitivity needs to be high and time is short We use a vacuum cleaner and a portable scintillation detector G Explorer The professional variant employs a so called high volume sampler a large area Geiger counter or a gamma spectrometer with germanium detector The sampler is a vacuum cleaner like blower with volume meter The idea is rather simple the vacuum cleaner suctions the air to be tested through a measuring filter in case of the professional type then we measure the activity in the filter with the gamma detector Here you will learn the details of how to take a useful measurement Gamma measurement is a thoroughly user friendly procedure that can be done almost without watching the clock and without stress Sampling time delay until the activity measurement and the time for the activity measurement can vary widely without producing a false result The short time required for the measurement is both an advantage and a drawback Experience tells us that radon concentrations in living spaces can fluc
37. ing for first use elektronik Apply a small amount of gentle pressure to insert and remove the detector Make sure that the base s prongs line up vertically with the socket when doing so pe WI V z fl ds y e x When assembled correctly the combination of detector and socket will look as pictured here Next carefully screw the assembly into the lead collimator For a long useful life The photomultiplier of the medCONT Nal detector is made of fragile glass It is extremely delicate Beware of knocking or hitting the detector against anything and do not subject it to temperature swings exceeding 5 C per hour ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 7 55 OM Preparing for first use elektronik Startup The G Explorer works with 4 AA batteries alternatively 1t can be powered by NiCad or NiMH rechargeable battery packs Using the edge of a suitable coin turn the battery compartment cover clockwise to open it Insert four fresh batteries or battery packs into the battery holder taking care to align their poles correctly Insert the battery holder half way into the battery compartment Attach the battery connector push the battery holder all the way in again and close the battery compartment 8 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH aa Preparing for first use elektronik Next connect the detector to the G Explorer with the supplied detector cable Insert one end of
38. ity is on the inside and mostly in the middle Use a small rubber band to keep the packet from unfolding again Now the filter should be as close as possible to the detector We are using G explorer which is why we place the filter on a plastic sponge cut into a circular shape before shoving the whole thing into the lead shielding Start in stationary mode with duration or impulse set to a few minutes DO THE ANALYSIS The object is to determine the concentration of radon decay products in the air from the sample air volume and the impulse rates Since we are measuring gamma radiation the analysis is easy because a single calibration factor within our measuring accuracy framework is sufficient You can calculate the required calibration factor from the half lives of the radon decay products the composition of the related airborne mixture and the detector s efficiency The latter must be found experimentally calibration source We determined this value indirectly from comparative measurements with a commercial decay product measuring instrument the Working Level Monitor 200 plus by Tracerlab Instruments The calibration factor is exactly 3 5 Bq ips for the activity mixtures that most often manifest in dwellings This means that for every measured net impulse per second there is a 3 5 Bq m equilibrium equivalent radon EER concentration Please follow the analysis guide presented below 52 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektroni
39. k GmbH OM Measuring Radon elektronik MORE MEASUREMENT TIPS Fold the filter so that most of the activity winds up on the inside in the middle otherwise you will contaminate the measuring instrument and impair the detector s reactivity CAUTION DON T TOUCH THE COLLECTED RADIOACTIVITY WHEN FOLDING THE FILTER ANYTHING THAT STICKS TO YOUR FINGERS WILL BE MISSING FROM THE MEASUREMENT SAMPLE Analyzing a G Explorer radon test After completing the measurement procedure you should have on hand or at least know the following e Calibration factor in Bq m e Filter airflow in m minute e Collection time in minutes e Background impulse rate null effect in ips impulses per second e Gross impulse rate with filter in ips To start with calculate the collected volume of air in m Volume Airflow x Collection time The resulting net impulse rate is Net Gross Background radiation The concentration of radon decay products potential a radiation in form of the equilibrium equivalent radon EER concentration therefore amounts to in Bg m Calibration x Net EER Volume REMARKS Radon gas concentration in a typical home is approximately double that of the decay products This rule does not apply outdoors where the difference is usually smaller in especially small rooms where the difference is often larger and in rooms with high EER and good ventilation where the difference is also larger
40. lculated as Energy dose x Q factor This is expressed by the sievert Sv unit of measure Only the equivalent dose gives the fact that the different radiation types will produce different biological effects at a given equal energy dose its proper expression This is accomplished by using the non dimensional Q weighting factor which accounts for the ionization density of each type of ray and further allows taking into account variables such as the type of action from the outside or inside as well as its timing I Sv 1 Gyx Q For beta or gamma radiation Sv Gy since the Q factor is 1 Picture the way skin will tan when exposed to the sun Let the sun s brightness that is the strength of the source be the activity becquerel The increase in the body temperature is equivalent to the energy dose Gy or Gy h Sunlight s spectrum also contain UV rays Depending on which type of ray it is exposed to the skin tans or it gets sunburned This effect on the skin corresponds to the equivalent dose Sv The equivalent dose depends on the activity brightness distance from the radiation source and exposure time PLEASE Note dose dose rate x time hence a dose of 100 uSv can be absorbed from a dose rate of 100 uSv h in one hour or by 20 uSv h over 5 hours The following chart shows the relationship between the individual units of measure and their effect 1 Bq 2 7 10 11C1 1Ci 1 Gy 1 Joule kg 1 Sv 100 rem 3 7 1010Bq
41. low or high measured value is hit provided it is statistically significant Maximum value Minimum value Range Light Tone This operating mode makes it possible to observe by how much the radioactivity fluctuates Setting upper and lower limits Use these two parameters to define an energy window In technical jargon this function is known as a Single Channel Analyzer SCA The OG parameter sets an upper limit threshold ULD Upper Level Discriminator Impulse levels coming from the detector that exceed the set threshold will not register The impulse is not counted The UG parameters sets a lower limit threshold LLD Lower Level Discriminator Impulse levels from the detector that come in under the threshold will not register The impulse is not counted ONLY impulses will be counted that fall between the two set ULD thresholds window comparator up Taking Cesium 137 which emits an energy of 662 keV as an example if we set the lower and upper threshold at say 662 KeV 10keV then ULD 672 keV and LLD 652 keV and only radioactivity with an energy around 662keV will be measured Switching to impulses per minute Switching to the impulses per minute ipm scale is useful should the impulse rate drops below 3 ips for example 18 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik DOSE RATE MODE In this mode the total impulse number is multiplied by a calibrati
42. m an action A single click on Synchr clock Uhr synchr will harmonize the G Explorer s time with the PC s Make sure you the correct time was set on the PC to begin with ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 25 55 rom ss elektronik The remaining options are self explanatory e Factory settings returns the G Explorer to the state it came in e Self test about 4 096 impulses second are generated internally and displayed when returning to ips mode e Clock on off choose here if you want the current time to be displayed constantly on the screen beneath the battery symbol e Demo on off choose Demo to internally generate and display random numbers This is useful for testing functions without a detector E Default setting Choosing this menu item restores the G Explorer to its factory settings and returns it to its as delivered state Battery charge state The battery s charge state can be read off the battery symbol in the upper left corner of the screen A low battery charge will result in a Low Bat warning fading into view to let you know that the G Explorer is due for a battery change as described in the Startup section E SO ips 26 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik WORKING WITH DATA The file contains all the information needed for further analysis and is structured as follows Measured Value No Measured value with decimal point as
43. ntaining ADD will be inserted with every Stop Start sequence Measurement file entry Explanation 80 0 5 N 48 15 5758 E 010 19 7234 Most recent data 80 and 81 with GPS coordinates 81 0 5 N 48 15 5758 E 010 19 7234 ENDE Recording ended 15 06 11 on15 June 2011 14 05 39 at 14 05 and 39 seconds New data from G Explorer Ata distance of 10 units 15 06 11 on 15 June 2011 14 25 38 at 14 25 and 38 seconds added 1 53 3 New measurement series data 1 2 3 2356 8 Most recent data 80 and 81 with GPS coordinates 3 56 2 Adjusting the Offset This menu item allows a certain amount of offset to the y axis Consistently elevated measurements will cause the graph line displayed in the upper part of the screen to be relatively flat In that case variations from the null effect will register barely or not at all To fix this adjust the lower display range using the menu Use the 2 key to choose the O ffset to the measurement display and change it as necessary with function keys F1 and F2 ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 17 55 f O m Using Gross IPS Mode elektronik Image without offset Image with offset Setting a minimum maximum In this mode the measured value s spread can be determined with maximum and inimum values displayed on the y axis The minimum and maximum values respectively will be activated each time a new
44. oactive radiation is also called ionizing radiation It refers to the radiation s ability to knock electrons from the electron shell of other non radioactive atoms which then lose their electric neutrality The atom turns into an electrically charged ion a state in which its chemical properties are completely changed Besides radioactive radiation ultraviolet radiation UV radiation also has an ionizing effect 36 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik About radioactive radiation Alpha a radiation ROM Elektronik GmbH Radioactive Radiation In general we differentiate two kinds of radioactive radiation namely PARTICLE RADIATION CORPUSCULAR RADIATION e a radiation alpha radiation e radiation beta radiation e neutron radiation QUANTUM RADIATION ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION e x rays soft gamma rays e vy radiation gamma rays How effectively radiation can be blocked depends on the type of radiation Alpha particles Sheet of paper t tt Beta particles electrons lead thick lead thicker concrete X rays ee SA Gamma radiation photons A N A VV YN Neutron radiation i t Range and penetrating power of different radiation types Alpha radiation 1s a corpuscular radiation that is released by alpha decay of radionuclides Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons helium nucleus that are ejected f
45. on coefficient to calculate a masured value Measured value nSv h gross impulse rate ips x calibration coefficient 216 471 h K pu go A y T Range I Light Tone The preferred way of doing this measurement is without a lead collimator You therefore will need to unscrew the detector from the lead collimator When measuring be careful to hold the detector directly NOT by the socket handle The reference value for the 2 x 2 Nal detector is 100 ips 100nSv h Radiological note For the population of the Bavarian alpine piedmont the median radiation exposure of ca 100 150 nSv h including exposure to radon and medical diagnostic radiation led to cancer or leukemia in approximately 3 out of 1 000 persons over their life span statistical reference value Use keys F1 and F2 to adjust the limits of the displayed range Pressing F1 lowers the upper range limit while F2 raises it Keeping the key depressed for a time will accelerate the setting change incrementally making it possible to make large adjustments rapidly It is also possible to enter the desired range directly via the numeric key pad after pressing F1 or F2 The G Explorer waits about 5 seconds before accepting the entered values If this seems too long the user can return instantly to operating mode by pressing the CR key If the measured value registers above the set measuring range an audible tone will sound and the screen will blink Setting
46. other operations such as storing data ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 21 55 om elektronik SET IMPULSE MODE Set impulses Impulse target 10000 Numeric keys enter time F3 Del The impulse setting function lets you take measurements such as those that Geiger M ller counters were used for It is still useful today for measuring samples for example of paper filters food stuffs etc Enter the target impulse number either with F1 or F2 or directly on the key pad then confirm your entry with the CR key Conduct stationary measurement of a surface to be checked in step wise fashion that is measure it segment by segment press F3 to start the next measurement as you position the detector on each new segment A a AE TST ES I O NY Set impulses Target impulses 10000 Curr impulses Y Duration 4 Actual ips 83 The measurement will be presented on the screen once the preselected duration has expired You will get the current impulse count time expired and current measured value in ips This measuring mode does not provide for any other operations such as storing data GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY Gamma spectroscopy is not included in the standard system package and is therefore greyed out on the screen but it can be ordered as an additional option even after the initial purchase It comes with its own user manual 22 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH
47. r half the number of existing atomic nuclei of a radionuclide to transform into another nuclide s atomic nuclei as it gives off radiation Each radionuclide has a characteristic half life There are radionuclides with very brief half lives of less than a second e g polonium Po 214 with 164us as well as very long ones such as potassium K 40 with 1 2 x 10 years NATURAL RADIATION EXPOSURE ROM Elektronik GmbH Radiation permeates life and always has Throughout evolution humankind has been exposed to the effects of radioactive radiation In the normal case if we posit an average individual dose of 2 4 mSv a natural radioactive radiation exposes every human being externally and internally every hour to 400 000 Secondary cosmic radiation 30 000 Radon decay product atoms G Explorer_Manual 41 55 Radioactive Radiation rom elektronik Over the past 30 years this UNESCAR dose estimate as of 1993 has climbed 120 This is primarily because of the increased attention paid to radon exposure Thanks also to improved international data and progress in lung dosimetry at present 54 of the total dose due to natural radioactive radiation exposure is ascribed to radon components It only M effective dose mSv a OS 1988 Average radiation dose received 19 by adults from natural sources of radiation UNESCAR estimates remains to be seen if further adjustments upward will be made in this
48. r plugs into the G Explorer s multi function port WARNING THE MULTI FUNCTION PORT IS INTENDED ONLY TO RECEIVE ACCESSORIES CERTIFIED BY ROM ELEKTRONIK GMBH ANY OTHER USE CAN RUIN Sensitive ELECTRONICS Connect the GPS receiver either before or while the G Explorer is on With the G Explorer in the on state a red light should appear on the GPS receiver next to the connecting cable After approximately 42 seconds it will begin to blink indicating that valid data is being received By this time the letters Gps will have appeared on the G Explorer s screen in the vicinity of the battery symbol 32 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik ROM Elektronik GmbH Product specifications Chipset Frequency Channels Receiver sensitivity Dimensions Operating temperature Accuracy Position Speed Processing time Quick start Warm start GPS Receiver Technical Data GPS Receiver Option GPS Receiver Technical Data G Explorer Manual 33 55 rom elektronik TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION Rear Panel Connections REAR PANEL Battery On off switch SMA terminal Detector port compartment e Battery compartment takes 4 AA cells e On off switch turns instrument on or off e Recording device port SMA analog port delivers 0 2 5 Volt use for connecting to a recording device tuned to the analog graph line on the screen 1 e the closer the graph line approaches the
49. r radiation Beta particles also have an electric charge which also classifies it as directly ionizing radiation Because of the low mass relative to the loosely ionizing rays P radiation has practically the same relative biological effect as gamma rays A thick book or a metal plate a few millimeters thick will provide good shielding against beta radiation In air P radiation has a range of a few meters maximum Again imagine a young forest once more as representing tissue only this time the beta particle is a motorcycle and not a car Now if we ride our beta particle motorcycle into the young forest we are not going damage every tree in our path just a few The damage is not as high on the other hand we penetrate more deeply we get farther in with the motorcycle than with the car Beta radiation Gamma radiation Comparing the ranges of gamma and beta radiation shows that gamma radiation clearly packs more punch beyond 40 50 cm Neutron radiation Neutrons are unstable elementary particles without charge that can be created as free ee Wp Table We Function F MIRD O 10 107 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 101 310 E Mev Weighted factors for neutron radiation according to ICRP 60 contrasts factors derived from tables with functional factors calculated in practice neutrons in nuclear reactions or nuclear fission Through beta minus decay with a 13 minute 38 55 G Explorer_M
50. rom a heavy atomic nucleus They possess a double positive electric charge which causes a radiation to be classified as direct ionizing radiation a radiation s high ionization density resulting from its high mass it is 7 294 times heavier than an electron among densely ionizing radiation types has a significantly more pronounced biological effect than beta or gamma radiation This means that a radiation causes approximately 20 times more damage than beta radiation for example at the same level of activity a radiation travels only a few centimeters in air and can be blocked by sheet of paper It is extremely harmful only if it comes into direct contact with soft tissue by being incorporated 1 e breathed in or swallowed To picture it think of tissue as young forest and an alpha particle as a car Even though we can drive our alpha particle car only a short distance into the trees every young tree in its path will be damaged The damage will be severe G Explorer_Manual 37 55 f O m Radioactive Radiation elektronik Beta f radiation Just like a radiation P radiation is corpuscular radiation released by beta decay of radionuclides Beta particles are electrons negative electric charge or positrons an electron with a positive electric charge ejected from unstable atomic nuclei Although the nucleus is devoid of electrons because it is being formed spontaneously in unstable nuclei it is still considered as nuclea
51. romise between air volume sampling time and motor temperature This is up to you we can t be responsible for your vacuum cleaner Nevertheless here are a few tips Always use the same unused vacuum cleaner bag so that you don t have to repeatedly measure the air flow anew Without a bag you will destroy the motor windings should the vacuum cleaner accidentally suck in a foreign object Operate at the highest setting for a shorter collection time Five minutes sampling time works well in practice Shut down if the exiting air becomes warmer than when vacuuming carpets Be sure to remain close by You have to know the volume of the vacuumed measured air The sampling time itself is less important This requires calibrating your vacuum at least once meaning that you have to know the air flow in cubic meters per minute m minute You should regularly recalibrate since vacuum cleaner performance characteristics do change 50 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik ROM Elektronik GmbH Measuring Radon CALIBRATE THE VACUUM CLEANER The basic idea is to first simply inflate a light plastic bag such as a trash bag and through a measurement filter vacuum it empty it again You measure the inflated bag and calculate its volume then use a stop watch to time how long it takes to empty it There are a number of ways to do this but the method described here is one that we have tested Obtain a bag that fits a
52. rrect communications port On a Windows PC you should be offered a choice of COM ports COM1 16 Frequently the one with the highest number is the right one ROM G Explorer Utility COM Port Menu Action f it test on PC Time Self test on off Stop Date 29 06 2011 Time Clock on off Demo on off Output check ROM G Explore ver 10 GExplorer Date r For the Mac OS X operating system select SLAB USBtoUART A COM Port Action Bluetooth PDA Sync Bluetooth Modem PC Time Quit Date 29 06 201 Time 11 25 11 Control check Status 24 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH from elektronik As soon as you click on Start in the PC program it begins communicating with G Explorer if the connection is successful a message appears in the Control check dialog box COM Port Action im at Date 29 06 201 Time 12 35 07 Control check ROM G Explorer Ver 1 0 21 06 2011 Ser No 1234 G Explorer date 29 08 11 12 34 54 Status G Explorer connected to port SLAB _USBIoART Perform an action And on the G Explorer s screen COM Port Action SLABLUS PC Time Self test on Quit Date 29 06 201 Clock on off Time 12 45 13 Demo on off Control check Setting clock start 25 06 11 12 44 595 Clock is set New 29 06 11 12 44 59 Status G Explorer connected to port SLAB USStoART Perfor
53. set range the higher the output voltage e Detector port for connecting the detector with the detector cab e le provided FRONT PANEL SD card slot Multifunction port USB port CAUTION WHEN THE INSTRUMENT IS ON BOTH THE DETECTOR PORT AND THE LEAD COLLIMATOR S SOCKET CARRY HIGH VOLTAGE CHARGES Front Panel Connections e SD card slot accepts standard formatted SD cards 34 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH f O m Technical Documentationn elektronik e Multifunction port ONLY for use with ROM Elektronik accessories THIS IS NOT A NETWORK PORT Do not connect non certified devices e USB port for connecting to a computer Multifunction port The G Explorer s multifunction port only looks like an Ethernet port but actually carries different signals LC Bus SCL Serial Clock LC Bus SDA Serial Data Counter input RxD RS 232 receive line TxD RS 232 transmit line Common Ground battery voltage OO NN Dd U A UQ WN Clock input 87654321 This is an expansion slot for connecting the GPS receiver or for receiving an external clock signal that is to be saved and the like A measurement value is stored whenever the clock input is connected with GND as long as the External option has been activated from the storage menu A surveyor s wheel for example an implement that is used for obtaining very exact distance information can send an external
54. the cable into the receptacle on the lead collimator and the other end into the port on the G Explorer When not affected by high humidity or moisture this cable conducts high voltage current approx 600 1 000 V to the detector If you haven t already done so switch the instrument on The red status indicator embedded in the ROM logo comes on and a splash screen appears in the display Off elektronik G Explorer Rev 1 0 AS G Explorer now switches automatically into the operating mode in effect before the last shut down The factory default mode is set to Gross IPS ROM Elektronik GmbH G Explorer_Manual 9 55 LOM Preparing for first use elektronik The screen shows the current measured value as the number of impulses 1 e counts per second ips or cps and a graph that shows how the measured values varied over time This means that your G Explorer is working properly 10 55 G Explorer_Manual ROM Elektronik GmbH om elektronik How G EXPLORER WORKS G Explorer is a universal radioactivity measuring instrument with a scintillation detector The following illustration shows its basic functioning Scintillation Pre amplifier Main amplifier Discriminator Pulse shaper Microprocessor detector The radioactive waves strike the Nal T1 scintillator crystal which emits light pulses when it detects incoming ionizing radiation x rays and gamma rays These light pulses whi
55. tuate markedly with time as much as by a factor of 10 in half an hour In no way does it represent the long term mean value for someone residing in a home Measurements taken during the day usually are too low as the radon concentration is usually higher at night On top of that with several people moving around the home while the test is taking place the increased air circulation reduces the radon concentration The procedure does deliver a realistic measurement but it can only serve as a general point of reference You should employ a commercial vendor to conduct testing over an extended timeframe before making any decision to have the house decontaminated SUMMARY OF THE MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE e G Explorer set to either time or impulse mode as desired Measuring times of about 5 minutes 300 seconds or setting it to about 5 000 impulses are good reference values e Start background measurement e Position filter in or on the holder e Vacuum for five minutes while taking background readings e Fold the filter as described in the text e Place filter in the detector see text e Turn on G Explorer in either time or impulse mode Apply approximately the same parameters used for the background measurement e Read off the gross ips e Do the analysis G Explorer_Manual 49 55 om Measuring Radon elektronik The measuring filter Als Filter sind Glasfaserfilter der Klasse S gut geeignet Sie lassen viel Luft hindurch und
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