DURRIDGE RAD7 User manual

Electronic Radon Detector
User Manual
!
!
!
!
!
It is recommended that the RAD7 be returned to DURRIDGE Company annually for recalibration.
Owner:
____________________________
Serial #:
______________
SERVICE RECORD
Date:
Service:

WARNING
Opening the cover of this instrument is likely to expose dangerous voltages.
Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources while it is being opened. Due to
battery power, the instrument may still be dangerous.
Using this instrument in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the
protection provided by the instrument.
!
!
!
!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 10
Points of special note 10
Shipping and Contact Information 10
1 GETTING STARTED: YOUR FIRST DAY WITH THE RAD7 11
1.1 Unpacking 11
RAD7 Packing List 11
1.2 General Safety Instructions 12
1.2.1 Air Travel 13
1.3 Taking a Look 13
The RAD7 Professional Electronic Radon Detector 13
1.4 Starting a Two-day Test 14
RAD7 Normal Con!guration 14
End-of-Run Printout 15
1.5 Starting a SniffTest 16
RAD7 SNIFF Con!guration 16
2 BASICS OF RAD7 OPERATION 18
2.1 Introduction 18
2.1.1 The Keypad 18
2.1.2 Command List 18
2.2 Test 18
2.2.1 Test Status 18
2.2.1a Quick Save-and-Restart 19
2.2.2 Test Start and Test Stop 20
2.2.3 Test Save 20
2.2.4 Test Clear 20
2.2.5 Test Purge 20
2.2.6 Test Lock 21
2.2.7 Test Sleep 21
2.2.8 Test Print 21
2.2.9 Test Com 21
2.3 Data 21
2.3.1 Data Read 22
2.3.2 Data Print 22
2.3.3 Data Com 23
2.3.4 Data Summary 23
Table of Contents
3

2.3.5 Data Free 23
2.3.6 Data Delete 23
2.3.7 Data Renumber 24
2.3.8 Data Erase 24
2.4 Setup 24
2.4.1 Setup Protocol 24
Table 2.4.1 Preset protocols 24
2.4.2 Setup Cycle 25
2.4.3 Setup Recycle 25
2.4.4 Setup Mode 25
2.4.5 Setup Thoron 26
2.4.6 Setup Pump 26
2.4.7 Setup Tone 26
2.4.8 Setup Format 27
2.4.9 Setup Units 27
2.4.10 Setup Savuser 27
2.4.11 Setup Clock 27
2.4.12 Setup Review 28
2.5 Special 28
2.5.1 Special Ident 28
2.5.2 Special SPrOn 28
2.5.3 Special SPrOff29
2.5.4 Special SetBaud 29
2.5.5 Special Status 29
2.5.6 Special Start 29
2.5.7 Special Stop 29
2.5.8 Special Comspec 29
2.5.9 Special ComAll 29
2.5.10 Special SPrAll 29
2.5.11 Special S-Load 29
2.5.12 Special Version 29
2.5.13 Special Model 29
2.5.14 Special Serial 29
2.5.15 Special Beep 30
2.5.16 Special Relays 30
2.6 Infrared Printer 30
Alpha Energy Spectrum 31
3 BASICS OF RAD7 TECHNOLOGY: HOW IT WORKS 32
3.1 Introduction 32
Table of Contents
4

3.2 Radon and Thoron Decay Chains 32
Radon Decay Chain 33
Thoron Decay Chain 33
3.2.1 Radon-222 (Radon) 34
3.2.2 Radon-220 (Thoron) 34
3.3 Continuous Monitors 34
3.4 Sniffers 35
3.5 Working Level 35
3.6 RAD7 Solid-State Detector 36
3.6.1 RAD7 Calibration and Data Correction 36
3.7 RAD7 Spectrum 37
3.8 Windows 38
3.9 Isotope Equilibrium 39
3.10 Modes: Sniffand Auto 40
3.11 Background 40
3.11.1 Short-lived Radon and Thoron Daughters 41
3.11.2 Adsorbed Radon Gas 41
3.11.3 Intrinsic Background 41
3.11.4 Long-lived Radon Daughters 41
3.11.5 Contamination by Radon, or Thoron, Producing Solids 41
3.11.6 Other Alpha Emitters 42
3.11.7 Beta and Gamma Emitters 42
3.12 Precision & Accuracy 42
3.12.1 Dry operation 42
Table: 3.12 Typical RAD7 precision based on counting statistics only. 43
3.12.2 Humidity Correction 43
3.12.3 Concentration Uncertainties 43
3.13 Spectrum Examples 45
3.13.1 Operational Radon Spectra 45
3.13.2 Thoron Spectra 46
3.13.3 Combination Spectra 47
3.13.4 Pathological Spectra 49
4 USING THE RAD7: MEASURING RADON AND THORON IN AIR 51
4.1 Introduction 51
4.2 Continuous Monitoring 51
4.2.1 Preparation 51
4.2.2 Purging 51
4.2.3 Test Location 52
Table of Contents
5

4.2.4 Test Protocol 52
4.2.5 To Print Or Not To Print 53
4.2.6 Running the Test 53
4.2.7 Security and Quality Control 53
4.2.8 Finishing the Run 54
4.2.9 Examining the Data 54
4.2.10 Very Short Term Monitoring 54
4.3 Sniffing 55
4.3.1 Why Sniff? 55
4.3.2 Locating Radon Entry Points 55
4.3.3 Preparation 55
4.3.4 Purging 55
4.3.5 Running the Test 55
4.3.6 Drilled Sampling Points 56
4.3.7 Spot Readings 56
4.4 Grab Sampling 56
4.4.1 Applicability 56
4.4.2 Preparation 57
4.4.3 Protocol 57
4.4.4 Taking the Sample 57
4.4.5 Analysis 57
4.5 Thoron Measurement 57
4.5.1 Thoron and Radon 57
4.5.2 Thoron Measurement Issues 58
4.5.3 Calculation and Interference Correction 58
4.5.4 Avoiding Longer Lived Decay Products 59
4.5.5 Standard Thoron Setup, Thoron Calibration and Flow Rate 59
4.5.6 Calculating Sample Decay 59
4.5.7 Calculating Internal Cell Concentration 59
4.5.8 Internal Cell Thoron Sensitivity Calibration 59
4.5.9 Setting up a Thoron Measurement 60
4.5.10 Thoron Mode 60
Recommended RAD7 Thoron Con!guration 61
4.5.11 Thoron Measurements in Standard Radon Mode 61
4.6 Managing Background 61
4.7 Air$ow Rate Limits 62
4.7.1 Maximum Air$ow Rate 62
4.7.2 Minimum Air$ow Rate 62
4.8 Harsh and Hazardous Environments 63
4.8.1 Splashing Water 63
Table of Contents
6

4.8.2 Dusty Environment 63
4.8.3 Radiation Hazard 63
5 USING RAD7 ACCESSORIES: TESTING SOIL AND WATER 64
5.1 Introduction 64
5.2 Radon in Water 64
5.2.1 The RAD H2O and Big Bottle Systems 64
5.2.2 The RAD AQUA Accessory 65
5.2.3 The WATER PROBE Accessory 65
5.3 Soil Gas Sampling 65
5.3.1 Application 65
5.3.2 The Soil Gas Probe Accessory 65
5.3.3 Soil Gas Probe Preparation 65
5.3.4 Running the Test 66
5.3.5 Interpreting the Data 66
5.4 Emission Measurements 66
5.4.1 Application 66
5.4.2 Open Loop Con!guration 66
5.4.3 Closed Loop Con!guration 67
5.4.4 Very Low Emission Rates 67
5.4.5 Bulk Emissions 67
5.4.6 Surface Emission 67
5.5 Supporting Accessories 68
5.5.1 Overview 68
5.5.2 The Range Extender 68
5.5.3 The DRYSTIK 69
6 COMPUTER CONNECTIVITY 70
6.1 Computer Connectivity Basics 70
6.1.1 Connecting the RAD7 to the Computer 70
Connecting the RAD7 to a Computer with the StarTech Adaptor 71
Connecting the RAD7 to a Computer with the Keyspan Adaptor 71
6.2 CAPTURE Software 72
6.2.1 Introduction to CAPTURE 72
6.2.2 CAPTURE Installation 72
CAPTURE Software running on Windows 72
6.2.3 Feature Summary 73
6.2.4 Downloading RAD7 Data 73
6.2.5 Graphing and Analysis 73
6.2.6 Real-Time RAD7 Monitoring 73
Table of Contents
7

6.2.7 CAPTURE CLOUD 73
6.3 RAD7 Communication Protocol 74
6.3.1 Communication Requirements 74
6.3.2 RAD7 Command Format 74
6.3.3 Parsing RAD7 Data 74
Table 6.3.3 RAD7 Data Record Content 75
6.3.4 Terminal Emulator Tips 76
6.4 Serial Port Speci!cations 76
6.4.1 Communication Protocol 76
Table 6.4.1a Serial Port Pin Assignments 76
Table 6.4.1b Communication Parameters 76
6.4.2 Extending the RS-232 Range 76
7 MAINTENANCE 77
7.1 Accessories - Usage and Care 77
7.1.1 Desiccant 77
7.1.2 Laboratory Drying Unit 77
Table 7.1.2 Laboratory Drying Unit Life 77
7.1.3 Small Drying Tube 77
Table 7.1.3 Small Drying Tube Life 77
7.1.4 Cascading Drying Tubes 78
7.1.5 Filters 78
7.1.6 Batteries 78
7.1.7 Real-time Clock and Non-volatile Memory 79
7.1.8 Printer and Adapter 79
7.2 RAD7 Operating ranges 79
Table 7.2 RAD7 Operating Ranges 79
7.3 Service and Repair 80
7.3.1 Calibration 80
7.3.2 Repair 80
7.3.3 Shipping 80
7.3.4 Upgrades 82
7.4 RAD7 Quality Assurance 82
7.4.1 Spectrum 82
7.4.2 Spill Factor (C Window to B Window) 82
8 TROUBLESHOOTING 83
8.1 LCD Display 83
8.1.1 Blank Display 83
8.1.2 Frozen Display 83
Table of Contents
8

8.1.3 Incomplete Or Garbage Characters 83
8.1.4 NVRAM Error 83
8.2 Readings 83
8.2.1 No Counts 83
8.2.2 Excessive Uncertainty In Reading 84
8.2.3 Run/Cycle Number 0000 84
8.3 Relative Humidity high 84
8.4 Water Catastrophe 84
8.5 Battery Voltage Low 85
8.6 Pathological Values and Error Messages 85
8.7 CAPTURE RAD7 Detection Failure 85
Appendix 1: WIRELESS INFRARED PRINTER 87
A1.1 Infrared Printer Description 87
A1.1.1 General Printer Information 87
A1.1.2 Printer Features 87
A1.1.3 Power Switch 87
A1.1.4 Indicator LEDs 87
A1.1.5 Push Buttons 87
A1.1.6 Sensors 87
Infrared Printer Component Locations and Functions 88
A1.2 Infrared Printer Operation 89
A1.2.1 Precautions 89
A1.2.3 Setup Mode 89
Table A1.2.3 Sel and Feed Functions 89
A1.2.4 Using the Printer 90
A1.3 Infrared Printer Maintenance 90
A1.3.1 Battery Installation 90
A1.3.2 Paper Installation 90
A1.3.3 Cleaning the Printer 91
A1.3.4 Cleaning the Print Head 91
A1.4 Wireless Infrared Printer Speci!cations 92
Table A1.4 Infrared Printer Speci!cations 92
Appendix 2: RAD7 Specifications 93
Table A2.1 Functional Speci!cations 93
Table A2.2 Technical Speci!cations 93
Table A2.3 Physical Speci!cations 94
Table of Contents
9

INTRODUCTION
e RAD7 is a highly versatile instrument that can form the basis of a comprehensive radon measurement
system. It may be used in many different modes for different purposes. is manual adopts a progressive
approach, in which there is, first, a simple, step-by-step description of how to get readings for a) real-time
monitoring, and b) sniffing. Next comes a more detailed description of the many features of the
instrument and how to access them. e rest of the manual covers a whole range of topics, in somewhat
arbitrary order. We recommend that, as soon as possible, you read the entire text, just so that you will have
an idea of what there is. While you can start to make good measurements on the first day of ownership of
the RAD7, it can take years to master the subtleties of radon and thoron behavior, and to appreciate the
full capabilities of the instrument.
We have tried to make the manual easy to use, with a useful table of contents. Please let us know how well
we have succeeded. If there are some topics inadequately covered, please tell us. We will issue updates
from time to time.
Points of special note
e RAD7 is a rugged and long-lasting piece of equipment. ere are many units still in daily use that
were sold ten years ago or more. However, it is a sophisticated, precision electronic device, and it is not
hermetically sealed, so please treat it with respect. Please do not allow water, other liquids or dirt to get
into the machine. If using it somewhere where it may get splashed, damaged, or exposed to rain, please
protect it. See Chapter 4.8.1.
e batteries are lead-acid technology, like a car’s. If lein a discharged state they will lose capacity. Aer
running the RAD7 on its batteries please recharge them as soon as possible (by plugging in the unit).
With careful use the batteries will last five years or more.
Finally, there is one security feature that is sometimes inadvertently set by an inexperienced, though
authorized, user; namely the keypad lockout. If the keypad ceases to function, and all you see is
DURRIDGE RAD7 on the display, just do the following: Hold down the [ENTER] and two arrow keys
until you hear a beep, release the three keys and immediately push [MENU]. You should then be rewarded
by >Test on the display. If the tone was set to OFF, then you will not hear the beep, so hold the three
keys down for three to four seconds, before releasing them and pushing [MENU], - try hold-down times a
little longer, or shorter, if, at first, you do not succeed.
Shipping and Contact Information
DURRIDGE U.S. Office
900 Technology Park Drive
Billerica, MA 01821 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
DURRIDGE UK Office
Sheffield Technology Park
Cooper Buildings, Arundel Street
Sheffield S1 2NS, UK
Phone: [phone]
Email
[email protected]
Web
www.durridge.com
Introduction
10