Atomtex AT2522 User manual

Scientific and Production Unitary Enterprise
АТ2522
RADIATION DETECTOR
(ALPHA SENSOR)
User's Manual
Contents
1Description and operation3
1.1 Purpose3
1.2 Specifications4

1.3 Complete set6
1.4 Description and operation7
1.5 Marking8
1.6 Packaging8
2Pre-start procedure9
2.1 General information9
2.2 Power ON and OFF9
2.3 Charging the battery9
3Intended use10
3.1 General information10
3.2 Standard use10
3.3 Using the “AlphaSensor” program12
4Maintenance19
5Storage20
6Transportation21
7Disposal21
8Acceptance certificate22
9Packing list22
10 Commissioning certificate23
11 Manufacturer's warranty23
12 Claim information24
Appendix A Replacement of the light protection film.26
The purpose of this User's Manual is to explain the operation principle and design of
AT2522 Radiation detector (Alpha sensor) (further referred to as alpha sensor). It contains
main specifications andotherdata to providecorrect and fully-functional operation of alpha
sensors.
The following abbreviations are used throughout this User's Manual:
PC
–
Personal computer
SW
–
Software.

1Description and operation
1.1 Purpose
2Alpha sensor is an indicator of radioactivity and is designed for quick
assessment of surface contamination by alpha nuclides, i.a. polonium-210.
3Alpha sensor belong to the type of portable devices and is suitable for radiation
control professionals as well as for individuals interested in radiation situation atworkplace,
living and recreation areas, as well as for training purposes.
4Operating conditions:
−Ambient air temperature
From −20 °C to +50 °C
−
Relative humidity with air temperature ≤35 °C
without condensation
≤95 %
−
Atmospheric pressure
From 84 to 106.7 kPa.
5IP40 protection rating against ingress of water, dust and foreign particles
according to GOST 14254-2015.
6Meets electrical safety requirements of GOST IEC 61010-1-2014 for Class III
equipment according to GOST 12.2.007.0-75 (Pollution degree 2).
7Alpha sensor cannot be operated in explosion hazard zones.

7.1 Specifications
8Alpha sensor triggers audio, vibration and visual alarm in case of detection of
surface contamination by alpha-active radionuclides.
9Detection time of surface contamination of 0.1 Bq/cm2does not exceed 1 s.
10 Initialization time does not exceed 5 s.
11 Electric power supply is provided by a built-in rechargeable battery.
12 Time of continuous operation with fully-charged battery is at least 500 h when
the display is OFF, and at least 40 h when the display is ON.
13 Alpha sensor survives the following conditions:
−Ambient air temperature from –20 °C to +50 ºС
−Relative air humidity up to 95 % (non-
condensing, ≤35 °C)
−Atmospheric pressure from 84 to 106.7 kPa
−Sinusoidal vibration in the frequency range from
10 Hz to 55 Hz and shift amplitude of 0.35 mm
−Constant magnetic fields and alternating fields of
network frequency with intensity of up to 400 A/m.
14 Alpha sensor in transport packaging survives the following conditions:
−Ambient air temperature from –20 °C to +50 ºС
−Relative air humidity up to 100 % (at 40 °C)
−Impacts with acceleration of 98 m/s2(10g), where impact
duration is 16 ms and the number of shocks is (1000 ± 10)
in each of three mutually perpendicular axes.
15 The weight does not exceed 0.17 kg.
16 Overall dimensions does not exceed 106×60×31 mm.
17 EMC compatibility requirements of STB GOST R 51522-2001:
−Electromagnetic emission requirements of
STB ЕN 55011-2012 (Group 1)
−Immunity to electrostatic discharge conforms to
requirements specified in GOST 30804.4.2-2013,
test level 2 (contact discharge) and test level 3 (Air
discharge), performance criterion A
−Immunity to radio-frequency electromagnetic field of
STB IEC 61000-4-3-2009, test level 2 and performance
factor A.

18 Index of reliability:
−
Mean time to failure
≥10000 h
−
Mean operating life
≥10 years
−
Mean time to recover
Up to 1 h.
19 Alpha sensor contains no precious materials or non-ferrous metals.

19.1Complete set
20 Contents of delivery kit are listed in Table 1 .1.
Table 1.1
Name, type
Serial
Number Q-ty Note
1АТ2522 Radiation detector
(Alpha sensor)
1
2USB-microUSB cable
1
3Set of spare light-protection films
1
5
4“AlphaSensor” Software
1
On external
media
5User's Manual
1
Including
Software
User’s
Manual

20.1Description and operation
20.1.1Operating principle
The principle of alpha sensor’s operation is based on the detection of alpha particles
emitted from the tested surface by ZnS(Ag) scintillation detector with dimensions of
55×45×1 mm.
20.1.2Design
See Figure 1 .1 for general view of Alpha sensor.
Figure 1.1
Alpha sensor consists of housing and removable protection plate which covers the
detector. A display is located on the front face of the housing.
A USB connector for charging the built-in battery and for connecting the alpha
sensor to a PC is located on the end face of the housing.

20.2Marking
21 Marking labels are generated automatically by dedicated software.
22 The end face marking is made by a film label with adhesive layer and has the
following information:
−Name and designation of alpha sensor
−Serial number
−Manufacturing year
−Manufacturer's trademark
−“Made in Belarus” caption.
23 Marking of packaging complies with requirements in GOST 14192-96 and
design documentation.
24 Main, additional and informational signs are made typographically.
24.1Packaging
25 The packaging is a box with alpha sensor and supplied accessories inside.

26 Pre-start procedure
26.1
General information
27 Read this User's Manual thoroughly before the start of alpha sensor operation.
28 Remove the alpha sensor and accessories from the packaging box.
29 Check the list of standard equipment of the alpha sensor according to 19.1.
30 Perform visual inspection of alpha sensor and its accessories:
−Make sure there is no visible mechanical damage
to housing
−Make sure the USB-microUSB cable is operable
and marking text is legible.
30.1Power ON and OFF
31 Alpha sensor powers on automatically when the protective plate is removed
and powers off when the protective plate is reattached to the housing.
31.1Charging the battery
32 In normal conditions the built-in battery can be charged by the USB-microUSB
cable from the delivery set connected to a USB port of a PC.
33 Charge the built-in battery while the alpha sensor is powered off.
Displaying the “ ” icon indicates that the battery is charging, while the “ ”
icon indicates that the battery charging process is over. Then the alpha sensor goes to trickle
charge mode and can remain in it for quite a long time.
Note: Regular continuous or permanent operation with fully charged
battery when alpha sensor is connected to external power supply can result
in battery degradation and then to early failure. For this reason it is
recommended to remove external power source when the battery is full.
In order to restore capacity of the battery including after a long period of storage it
is necessary to perform the “full charge – full discharge” cycles two or three times.
Charging time of an empty battery is about 3 h.

34 Intended use
34.1
General information
35 Exercise caution during operation of the alpha sensor. Carefully protect it from
bumps and drops.
36 Operate the alpha sensor with caution to avoid damage to the light protection
film; otherwise it results in alpha sensor’s malfunction. Damaged films can be replaced by
User according to instructions in Appendix A.
37 Take care not to contaminate the alpha sensor by radioactive material during
use. It is possible to check the alpha sensor for radioactive contamination in the following
sequence:
−Remove the protective plate and put the alpha
sensor on a clean sheet of paper
−Absence of audio and visual alarm is the
indication of no contamination of alpha sensor. If an alarm
has been activated, then it is necessary to perform alpha
sensor’s deactivation as described in 42.
37.1
Standard use
37.1.1Quick assessment of surface contamination by alpha-emitting radionuclides is
the representative means of assessing dangers from surfaces contaminated by radioactive
materials as a source of subsequent internal irradiation.
37.1.2Surface contamination by alpha-emitting radionuclides can be assessed in
places of work with open sources of ionizing radiation as well as in premises with a
possibility of contamination by transportation of radioactive substances on various objects
(tools, overalls and shoes) or by flowing air. Select the place for assessment of surface
contamination by alpha-active radionuclides based on the analysis of previous data on
premise contamination and information on potential transfer of radioactive substances to
these premises.
37.1.3Perform assessment of surface contamination by alpha-active radionuclides in
the following sequence:
−Remove the protection plate from alpha sensor
−Put the alpha sensor on the surface which is
assumed to be contaminated by radioactive material
−Wait about 5 s. Absence of audio and visual
alarm is the indication of no contamination.
−Move the alpha sensor to the next point.

When radioactive contamination has been detected, alpha sensor activates audio and
visual (or vibration) alarms, displays the estimated value of alpha particles count rate from
the surface. Find the borders of contaminated area by moving the alpha sensor over the
tested surface at a height not more than 5 mm. The higher the contamination level, the
higher is the alarm frequency.
37.1.4The process of alpha sensor operation allows the potential of false positives.
It is possible to distinguish a false positive from a real contamination alarm in the following
way:
−When an alarm has been triggered, remove the
alpha sensor from the test surface
−Wait a few seconds and then move the alpha
sensor to its original position on the test surface
−If there is no alarm, then it is considered to be a
false positive. If there is an alarm, then a radioactive
contamination shall be considered as present.

37.2Using the “AlphaSensor” program
37.2.1Purpose of the “AlphaSensor” program
The “AlphaSensor” program (further referred to as the program) is designed to
display alpha sensor’s readout in the process of radiation situation control.
The program has the following options:
−Display current count rate value
−Alpha sensor’s parameters setup
−Indication of measuring sensor status and charge
level
−Indication of rechargeable battery and processor
status
−Battery overheating alert.
37.2.2Execution environment
Program operator shall be familiar with operating system of the PC and be able to
use it. This User's Manual does not describe standard principles of launching and closing
applications, as well as how to run commands in menus, tool bars, and other actions.
Minimum hardware requirements:
−For 32-bit systems: A PC with Intel or compatible
2 GHz or higher processor; 2 GB RAM memory or more;
minimum 10 GB free disc space; one free USB port
−For 64-bit systems: A PC with a 2.4 GHz or
higher processor; 2 GB RAM memory or more; minimum
10 GB free disc space; one free USB port.
Minimum software requirements:
−A 32/64-bit version of operating system
Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10.
37.2.3Install/uninstall
The program shall be installed by a user with system administrator privileges. Install
the “AlphaSensor” program by running the “Setup.exe” installation package file. When
standard program installation procedure is over, the “AlphaSensor” shortcut appears on the
desktop (see Figure 3.1). The “ATOMTEX” group with a shortcut for starting the
“AlphaSensor” program will be created in the “START” menu.
Figure 3.2

Note: If installation procedure is interrupted by messages that the running
program is not a valid program, click “Yes” and continue installation.
Use standard Windows tools to uninstall the program from your operating system.
Operating system keeps settings after the program has been uninstalled.
37.2.4Start/Exit procedure
Start the program by double clicking the program icon on the PC desktop by the left
mouse button or use the “START” button in lower-left screen corner
(“Programs→ATOMTEX→AlphaSensor”).
Use standard Windows tools to exit the program.
37.2.5Parameter settings
Configure the connection to alpha sensor to provide proper operation of the program.
Select the “Settings” menu on the main menu bar. This will open the “Settings” window
(see Figure 3.2).
Figure 3.3
The “Settings” window contains the following options:
−Select the language of program interface
−Select the device address
−Select the СОМ-port address
−Select the baudrate.
All settings will be reverted to manufacturer’s by clicking the “Default” button.
37.2.6Using the program
The main program window has the following elements (see Figure 3.3):
−Main program window (“Settings”, “Device control”,
“About”)
−Battery status
−Working window
−Status bar.
Main menu Battery status

Figure 3.4
Working window area contains the following elements:
−Alpha sensor status indicators: “CPU temperature”,
“Battery temperature”, “Battery voltage”
−“Measurement” area, which displays the count rate. In
standby mode (the protection plate is attached to the alpha
sensor’s housing) the screen displays a zero count rate
value against gray background. In measurement mode (the
plate is removed) the background of the “Measurement”
area is white
−Count rate chart (the last 30 measurements are displayed).
The status bar displays the following information:
−The name of the port and the indicator of alpha sensor’s
connection to a PC: green −connected, red −no connection
−The “Charging” indicator: green −the charge is in progress,
red −the charging is completed
−The “Measuring” indicator: green −measurement mode,
red −standby mode.
37.2.7“Device control” window
The “Device control” (see Figure 3.4) is available for adjusting the alpha sensor’s
settings. When the window opens, it displays the current alpha sensor’s parameters. New
settings can be stored by clicking the “Send changes” button. When the indicator is green,
Status bar
Working
window

the new settings are successfully stored,when the indicator is red, thesettings arenotstored.
Make a new attempt to store the settings in case the settings have not been stored.
The “Device control” window has three tabs: “Events”, “Signals” and “Functions”.
Event types:
−“Device ON”
−“Device OFF”
−“Radiation detection”
−“Display ON”
−“Battery LOW”.
Figure 3.5
The following parameters can be adjusted for each event: pause (the delay before the
signal), power, type and sequence of the signals. The parameters selected for the pause,

power and sequence of the signals for each specified signal type. To deactivate an event
select the “None” option for the signal sequence or deactivate all signal types.
The “Signals” tab (see Figure 3.5) can be used for adjusting the sound and screen
settings. The screen activation parameters will be accessible in the measurement mode.
Figure 3.6
Screen behaviour:
−“Always” – the screen is always active
−“Detection” – the screen activates for the specified time
only when a source of radiation has been detected
−“Detection with date and time” – the screen becomes
activated when the protection plate has been removed,
displays date and time indication for the specified period
and then the screen becomes activated only when a source
of radiation has been detected
−“Detection with date, time and pause” – the screen becomes
activated when the protection plate has been removed,
displays date and time indication for the specified period
and then the screen becomes activated only when a source
of radiation has been detected. The specified pause will be
applied between activations of the screen
−“Detection with pause” – the screen becomes activated for
the specified period only when a source of radiation has
been detected. The specified pause will be applied between
activations of the screen.
The “Device control” tab (see Figure 3.6) can be used to adjust the alpha sensor’s
functions.

Figure 3.7
37.2.8“About” window
The information about the “AlphaSensor” program can be selected in the “About”
main menu bar (see Figure 3.7).
Figure 3.8

37.2.9Troubleshooting
Errors may be encountered in the process of alpha sensor operation with
corresponding messages displayed in the working window of the program:
−The “No port” message – the connection indicator turn red.
Verify the connection settings or check the connection to a
PC
−The “Waiting for data” message – the connection indicator
is green. Verify the connection setting (COM-port, baudrate
and device address) or check the alpha sensor’s connection
to a PC
−The “Connection failed with device” message – the
connection indicator is green. Power ON and OFF the alpha
sensor and reconnect it to a PC. If the error persists, please
contact the manufacturer
−The “Connection failed with device” message – the
connection indicator is green. Verify the connection setting
(COM-port, baudrate and device address) or reconnect the
alpha sensor to a PC. If the error persists, please contact the
manufacturer
−The “Battery overheating. Turn off the charge!” message.
Disconnect the alpha sensor from a PC, wait some time to
make sure the alpha sensor has cooled down. Connect the
alpha sensor to a PC. Please avoid using it in rooms with
high air temperature.

38 Maintenance
39 Maintenance is necessary to keep the alpha sensor ready for operation and to
ensure fail-safe performance throughout its life.
40 Maintenance consists in preventive activities performed at least monthly.
41 Preventative activities include the following:
−External check
−Check the contents of alpha sensor’s delivery set according
to 19.1.
−Remove dust and impurities from external surfaces of alpha
sensor and accessories, wipe with decontaminating
solution.
42 In case of radioactive contamination of alpha sensor the decontamination is
required. Do this by replacing the alpha sensor’s light protection film by a new one, wipe
the alpha sensor’s housing thoroughly with a cloth soaked in decontaminating solution
(synthetic cleaning agent), then with a cloth soaked in warm water, and then wipe dry.
43 If integrity if light protection films are at doubt, then perform the light
protection check. Remove the protection plate from alpha sensor, position the entrance
window at the distance of 40 −50 cm from a 40-Watt incandescent lamp and power on the
lamp. The light protection film is damaged if the alpha sensor generates an alarm.
The alpha sensor’s light protection is considered to be sufficient, if there is no alarm
in the presence of additional light source.
If the light protection film is damaged, self-replace it according to instructions in
Appendix A.

44 Storage
45 Before commissioning store the alpha sensor indoors in the manufacturer's
packaging at an ambient temperature from +5 °C to +40 °C and relative humidity ≤80 %
(+25 °C).
46 If the alpha sensor has been removed from its original packaging, store it at
ambient air temperature from +10 °C to +35 °C, relative air humidity ≤80 % (+25 °C).
47 Dust, acid and alkaline vapours, aggressive gases and other corrosive
impurities content in premises where alpha sensors are stored must not exceed the content
of corrosion-active substances for Type I atmosphere (conventionally clean atmosphere)
according to GOST 15150-69.
48 Charge the battery to 100 % before storing.