KATA DGM-1500 Turva User manual

Manual
DGM-1500 Turva
Personal Survey Meter
Made in Finland

THE DGM-1500 PERSONAL SURVEY METER
Safety is one of the most basic of human needs. In our modern day society of rapid
technological change there is also a growing need to develop the means of ensuring this
safety. The DGM-1500 is designed to improve the quality of radiation measurements both
in the workplace and the home environment. In the event of a crisis or nuclear accident it
becomes an invaluable tool.
The design of the DGM-1500 complies with official recommendations and requirements,
and reflects the expertise and experience gained by the manufacturer over a long period of
time in real life radiation measurement situations.
The DGM-1500 provides, in a single instrument, the means of performing an exceptionally
wide variety of radiation measurements accurately and reliably. It is a true radiation
multimeter with a wide field of application, encompassing the needs of state and civil
defense authorities at one end of the scale and those of the private citizen at the other.

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Table of contents
1 DGM-1500 TURVA PERSONAL SURVEY METER ...................... 2
2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............................................................ 2
3 PUSH BUTTON FUNCTIONS......................................................... 3
3.1 Automatic dose rate and dose measurement ............................... 3
3.2 Additional functions .................................................................. 4
3.2.1 Measurement mode selection ............................................. 4
3.2.2 Fast measurement............................................................... 4
3.2.3 Precision measurement....................................................... 4
3.2.4 Programming the alarm limits ............................................ 4
4 ALARM TONES............................................................................... 5
5 SPECIAL DISPLAY MESSAGES .................................................... 5
6 USING THE DGM-1500 TURVA .................................................... 6
6.1 General...................................................................................... 6
6.2 Environmental measurements .................................................... 6
6.3 Dose measurement..................................................................... 7
6.4 Continuous measurement of ambient radiation........................... 7
6.5 Gamma radiation measurement in foodstuffs ............................. 8
6.6 About radiation units ............................................................... 11
7 TESTS/APPROVALS ..................................................................... 12
8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................. 13
9 CALIBRATION.............................................................................. 14

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1 DGM-1500 TURVA PERSONAL SURVEY METER
2 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Mains adapter 9V Reg. 3 mm DIN connector
Wall-mounting bracket and fixing screws
Carrying case
Display
Dose
Sound
Power on
Power off
Display backlight

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3 PUSH BUTTON FUNCTIONS
3.1 Automatic dose rate and dose measurement
Power on The meter is switched on by pressing the ON-button. Each time it is
switched on the meter performs a self diagnostic routine, after which it
automatically starts measuring both the radiation dose rate and the
cumulative dose. Reliable measurement is obtained at normal ambient
radiation levels (appr. 0.04–0.20 microSv/h) in about 3 minutes. At higher
levels of radiation (from appr. 100 microSv/h) reliable measurement is
obtained already in about 5 seconds. The measurement range for
automatic operation is 0.07...100 000 microSv/h.
When the measured level exceeds 9999 microSv/h the result is displayed
in integer units of a thousand, rounded to the nearest thousand, followed
by the exponential symbol ‘E3’ (= x 10 to the power 3). For example, a
measured level of 55 425 microSv/h would be displayed as 55E3. The
measurement result is always in microSv/h.
Dose The dose register always contains the cumulative radiation dose whenever
the meter is in operation. This register can be cleared by the user at any
time if required. The measurement range of the dose register is
0.001...1000 milliSieverts. The cumulative radiation dose can be displayed
by pressing the DOSE-pushbutton and holding it down. The dose register
reading is always in milliSieverts (milliSv), where 1000 µS = 1 mSv.
Clearing the dose
register First switch the meter off. The dose register can now be cleared by holding
the O-pushbutton down while switching the meter on again. “d : 0” -
message is visible on the display on the startup if the dose register was
successfully cleared.
Alarm tone The alarm tone, which gives an indication of the radiation level, can be
enabled or disabled by means of this pushbutton.
Backlight The display backlight can be switched on for 5 seconds by momentarily
pressing this pushbutton.
Power off When the meter is switched off all settings and the contents of the dose
register are stored in non-volatile memory. This information is retained in
the non-volatile memory for several years, even if the battery is removed
from the meter.

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3.2 Additional functions
3.2.1 Measurement mode selection
In addition to the automatic mode there are two other user-selectable measurement
modes available. The O-pushbutton is used to step through the modes (fast
measurement - precision measurement - automatic measurement). Hold the O-
pushbutton down for at least three seconds to switch from the current mode to the next
mode in the cycle. The AUTO-message appears when the meter is in the automatic
measurement mode. The meter always returns to the automatic mode if it is switched
off momentarily and then on again, regardless of the previous mode.
3.2.2 Fast measurement
When this mode is selected the FAST-message appears in the display. The fast
measurement period is fixed at 1.25 secs, allowing fast pinpointing of radiation
sources. This mode is not suitable for measuring low level (ambient) radiation.
3.2.3 Precision measurement
When this mode is selected the letter ‘h’ appears in the display, indicating that the
measurement period is one hour (three hours). The radiation dose rate is displayed in
microSv/h. The expiration of each one hour period is indicated by a change in case of
the letter ‘h’ (h/H). This is the most precise measurement mode, and is particularly
suitable for measuring low levels of radiation. The range of measurement is 0.01...9.99
microSv/h. If the dose rate momentarily exceeds this range the meter will immediately
switch to the automatic mode. Precision measurement is operational at low dose rates
only. This is necessary to meet the requirement for fast response when the dose rate
increases.
3.2.4 Programming the alarm limits
Meter alarm levels for the dose rate and cumulative dose are user-programmable. If
the dose rate or cumulative dose of the measured radiation reaches the alarm level
programmed for it the meter will emit an alarm tone. When the dose rate alarm level is
exceeded the meter emits a periodic double beep. When the cumulative dose alarm
level is exceeded the meter emits a periodic single beep. The period of the double
beep alarm tone is slightly shorter than that of the single beep tone.
The programming mode is entered by pressing the TONE- and LIGHT-buttons
simultaneously. The O-button is then pressed to select the alarm level to be
programmed: a ‘0’ in the display means dose rate alarm level, and a ‘1’ means
cumulative dose alarm level. The programmed alarm level can then be incremented by
pressing the DOSE-button or decremented by pressing the TONE-button. The rate at
which the programmed level changes when one of these buttons is pressed is slow at
first, but increases if the button is held down continuously. When both alarm levels
have been set the O- and LIGHT-buttons are pressed simultaneously to exit the
programming state.

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4 ALARM TONES
The meter provides six different alarm tones. Only one of these can be emitted at a
time. These alarm tones and their meanings are described below in order of
importance:
Meaning of tone Timing Duration
1. Battery voltage too low. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 seconds
2. Radiation level exceeds measurement range. –– –– –– –– … continuous
3. Dose rate alarm level. - - - - - - … continuous
4. Cumulative dose alarm level. –– –– ... continuous
5. Button pressed. - single beep
6. Radiation pulse detected. - single beep
The symbols used in the timing chart above have the following meanings:
- = tone
= pause
... = sequence repeats
5 SPECIAL DISPLAY MESSAGES
: Low battery voltage warning. Appears in the display when the battery voltage
drops below a certain level. This indicates that the meter will operate for only fifty
more hours at the most, and that the battery should be replaced with a new one as
soon as possible. If the battery voltage continues to drop the meter will emit an
alarm tone for 5 seconds then switch itself off. This is done to ensure that data is
retained in memory, and in the case of NiCd batteries, to prevent complete
discharge of the battery.
OFL Out-of-range warning. This message will appear in the display when the dose rate
exceeds the meter’s measurement range. An alarm tone is also emitted.
xxE3 When the dose rate exceeds 9999 µSv/h it will be displayed in exponential mode in
integer units of one thousand. For example, a dose rate of 55000 µSv/h will be
displayed in the form 55E3.
Auto See section on measurement mode selection.
Fast See section on fast measurement.
h/H See section on precision measurement.
The meter executes a self-diagnostic routine to detect possible fault situations. If a fault is
detected the meter displays an error message consisting of the letters ‘Er’ followed by a
number. All error messages except Er1, which remains in effect until the fault has been
corrected, can be cancelled by pressing any function button.
The error messages are described below:

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Er 1 Indicates that the meter cannot function and must be sent for repair
immediately.
Er 10 Indicates loss of calibration coefficients. When this occur the internal average
default values will be used. This fault does not render the meter unusable, but
it may affect accuracy of the measurement. This message will always appear
in the display when the meter is switched on until the fault is repaired. The
meter should be sent for repair as soon as possible.
Er 11 Indicates losing of dose register contents. The user is advised to check the
value in the dose register and clear the register if required. The meter need
not be returned for maintenance provided the fault does not recurr.
Er 12 Indicates that the user-programmed alarm levels have changed and must be
reprogrammed. The meter need not be returned for maintenance provided the
fault does not recurr.
6 USING THE DGM-1500 TURVA
6.1 General
The DGM-1500 is a versatile survey meter intended for measuring gamma- and X-
radiation levels. Because of its wide range it can be used to perform many
different types of radiation measurement.
The DGM-1500 functions on two levels. On the basic level it is an easy-to-use
radiation meter which automatically measures both dose rate and cumulative
dose. All the user need do is switch the meter on. In addition to this, fast
measurement (FAST) and precision measurement (h) functions, which enable the
meter to perform special
measurements, are also available. There are separate user-programmable alarm
levels for dose rate and cumulative dose. If these levels are exceeded an audible
alarm is given.
Typical areas of application include measurements made by government
authorities (monitoring, data acquisition, inspections), civil defence, private sector
use (industry, business, institutions, offices), safety in the workplace (industry, X-
ray laboratories), gamma measurement of foodstuffs, and use as a personal
radiation meter.
6.2 Environmental measurements
The DGM-1500 is ideal for mapping the radiation level in a given area. Small in
size and battery operated it is easy to carry about. The fast measurement (FAST)
function is used to pinpoint radiation sources. The closer the meter is brought to
the radiation source the higher the reading obtained. Ambient radiation
measurements must be carried out over a longer period of time. Radioactive
fallout gives rise to radiation spots in the home environment. Attention should be

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paid to air conditioning filters, extractor fan filters, the base of roof gutter drainage
pipes, car fenders and air filters etc. and other places where dust or rain water
could collect.
6.3 Dose measurement
The DGM-1500 measures instantaneous dose rate and cumulative dose
simultaneously. Whenever the meter is in operation the dose register contains the
current cumulative dose. The cumulative dose can be displayed by pressing the
DOSE button.
For example, in a location where the dose rate is 8 microSv/h, the cumulative
dose over a period of 24 hours will be 0.192 milliSv. The contents of the dose
register are saved in non-volatile memory when the meter is switched off, so the
cumulative dose for the total time of operation of the meter is always available.
The contents of the dose register can be cleared by the user whenever required
(see ‘Clearing the dose register’ under paragraph 3.1).
6.4 Continuous measurement of ambient radiation
The DGM-1500 has a connector for a mains
adapter, allowing it to be used for round-the-clock
radiation monitoring. A wall mounting bracket for
the meter is available as an optional extra, so the
meter can be installed where it is always easily
visible. The alarm level is userprogrammable. If the
level of the measured radiation exceeds the alarm
level a warning tone is emitted (see the section on
programming the alarm level).
The level of ambient radiation at a given location is
fairly stable, but the differences in levels at different
locations are considerable. In Finland the level of
ambient radiation varies in the range 0.04 ... 0.20
microSv/h. The lowest level (0.04 microSv/h) is
encountered on a lake or at sea, where radiation
emitted by the earth is absorbed by the water mass, and cosmic radiation remains
as the primary source. Cosmic radiation accounts for about 0.035 microSv/h of the
ambient radiation level measured at the earth’s surface.
Official measurements of ambient radiation are made in Finland at a height of 1 m
above the earth’s surface in a relatively open space.

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6.5 Gamma radiation measurement in foodstuffs
The DGM-1500’s precision measurement function enables the measurement of
extremely low dose rates, and therefore extends the area of application of the
meter considerably.
When a nuclear disaster occurs radioactive substances may be carried in the
atmosphere for thousands of kilometres. Radioactive dust is deposited on the
earth’s surface by rain and other precipitation to form an uneven radiation field.
Radionuclides become part of the natural food cycle and eventually reach the
dinner table via plants and animals. A large number of radioactive substances are
released in a nuclear accident, a high proportion of these are gamma radiators. By
screening foodstuffs before they are used excessive gamma radiation can be
detected and the food cleansed. For example, Cesium-137 can be removed by
soaking the food in purified water. Cesium is soluble in water so slivers of meat,
for example, can be cleansed in this way. By monitoring the radiation level the
effectiveness of the decontaminating process can be assessed and, if necessary,
the cleansing process repeated with fresh purified water.
It should be noted that the authorities may impose limitations on the consumption
of foodstuffs in situations in which there is no necessity for shelter against external
radiation.
The rate at which radioactivity decreases is determined only by the half-life of the
radionuclide in question. The half-life of Cs-137 is 30 years, which means it takes
30 years for the level of radioactivity of Cs-137 to decrease by one half. Because
Cs-137 is soluble in water its so-called biological half-life is often quite short. This
means that most of the Cesium in animals will be removed within a few weeks if
they are fed uncontaminated food. The same applies to human beings.
To perform the measurement you will need
- a DGM-1500 radiation meter
- a 2-litre minigrip plastic bag
- a table
- a non-slip support for the meter
- some packing tape
Preparation
Position the table against a wall (not stone or brick). Place the meter on the
table, with a suitable non-slip support (e.g. foam rubber, rubber, styrox etc.)
underneath it, and lean it upright against the wall.

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Measurement of ambient level
The ambient radiation level must be measured first. Note that when measuring
the ambient radiation level the foodstuff sample should not be very close to the
meter. The measurement is made for a periods of 1 or 2 or 3 hours. Press the
O-button until the letter ‘h’ appears in the left hand side of the display (see the
section on precision measurement). This signals the beginning of the long
integration measurement period. The display shows the ambient radiation level.
The accuracy of this reading increases with the time of the measurement and is
greatest at the end of the 3 hour period. When the 1 hour period has elapsed
the lower-case ‘h’ in the display changes to the upper-case ‘H’. After the
ambient radiation level is measured it is possible to begin the measurement of
the foodstuff.
Measurement of the sample
Fill the minigrip bag with exactly 1 litre or 1 kilogram of the foodstuff sample to
be measured. This could be milk, water, meat or fish, for example. Put the bag
inside another bag to make sure there is no leakage. Squeeze the air out of the
top and close it carefully.
Press O-button on the meter for 3-4
seconds until text 'CS' is shown on
display. Tape the upper edge to the
wall so that it is draped over the top
of the meter as shown in the image
at right.. The centre point of the
meter’s detector and its distance
from the front end are marked on the
meter with small dots. The detector
should be as close to the centre of
the sample as possible for most
accurate result. The actual
measurement of the sample
foodstuff should be performed right
after and at the same spot where
the measurement of ambient
radiation level was measured.
After an hour the first intermediate
result is shown on the display (unit is
Bq/l or Bq/kg). Until that the text 'CS'
will remain on the display. Result
will be updated after 2nd and 3rd hour
and the final result will be available
after three hours. Accuracy of the
results is approximately ± 200 Bq/l or
Bq/kg.

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Foodstuff measurement procedure briefly
1. Measure the ambient radiation level in "h-mode" at least one hour
(preferably three hours). Keep the foodstuff away from the proximity of the
meter at this point.
2. Press the O-button until "CS" is shown on the display. Then immediately
place the foodstuff bag so that it is draped over the meter.
3. Wait for at least one hour for the result. The first intermediate result is
shown after one hour and it is updated after 2nd and 3rd hour. After three
hours the final result is shown. The display will indicate the radioactivity of
the measured foodstuff sample (Bq/l or Bq/kg).

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6.6 About radiation units
At the beginning of 1988 radiation units complying with the international SI-standard
were adopted in Finland, and the Röntgen (R) replaced by the Sievert (Sv).
The Röntgen/h is the unit of irradiation dose rate, and the dose is expressed in rem-
units (Röntgen equivalent man). The Sievert is the dose equivalent unit. The concept
of dose rate, expressed in Sieverts/h or the smaller units of milliSv/h and microSv/h,
was adopted. The dose is expressed in Sieverts or the smaller units of milliSvs.
Anyone accustomed to using the old units will first have to convert the new units into
the old in order to gain an idea of the radiation level. The conversion table given below
(Table 2) facilitates this. The Röntgen/h is the irradiation dose rate into air, and
therefore has no direct equivalent in the new units. However, when expressing
radiation intensity the dose equivalent rate Sv/h is scaled to the irradiation rate R/h
unit. Units of dose are directly comparable.
100 rem = 1 Sv
Table 2. Conversion table for Röntgen and Sievert units.
microrem/h
1
10
100
1000
millirem/h
0,001
0,01
0,1
1
10
100
1000
rem/h
0,001
0,01
0,1
1
10
100
mikroSv/h
0,01
0,1
1
10
100
1000
10000
100000
milliSv/h
0,001
0,01
0,1
1
10
100
1000
Sv/h
0,001
0,01
0,1
1
Eg. 10 microSv/h = 1 millirem/h

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7 TESTS/APPROVALS
The DGM-1500 Turva Personal Survey Meter is designed to operate reliably in
environments prone to electromagnetic interference. EMC (Electromagnetic
Compatibility) tests carried out by the Finnish State Research Center (VTT) show that
the DGM-1500 operates without error in different kinds of magnetic field and when
subjected to interference voltages entering via the mains adapter. VTT has also
measured the meter’s immunity to EMP (Electromagnetic pulse - generated during a
nuclear explosion) and subjected it to impact and vibration tests. Normal electronic
equipment would be destroyed by an EMP. The complete VTT report TEL 9131 can be
obtained from the manufacturer.
The radiation measurement characteristics of the meter have been tested at The
Finnish Centre for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (STUK). The accuracy of the DGM-
1500 is excellent even at very low dose rates. Special low dose rate calibration was
used to verify the accuracy and reliability of ambient radiation measurements made
with the DGM-1500. The meter was tested in a lead-lined chamber, where it was
possible to achieve an ambient level of 0.02 microSv/h, and the validity of the meter
readings at this low dose rate verified. This confirmed the meter’s suitability for gamma
measurements on foodstuffs.
The DGM-1500 is also capable of measuring dose rates as high as 100 000
microSv/h. The DGM-1500 meets the requirements laid down for radiation meters in
Recommendation STUK-B69 “Radiation meters for use in radiation monitoring, civil
defence applications and private radiation safety applications” (Finnish Centre for
Radiation and Nuclear Safety). The type approval record number is STUK 55/322/89.
STUK-B69 is based on the international standard IEC-846 “Beta, X and gamma
radiation dose equivalent and dose equivalent rate meters for use in radiation
protection”, and the main requirements comply with it.
The DGM-1500 is approved by the Finnish Ministry of the Interior for civil defense
purposes as a general purpose radiation meter for measuring both dose rate and dose,
Ministry of the Interior Statement 1791/752/89.

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8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Type DGM-1500 TURVA
Automatic radiation dose rate- and dose meter
Types of radiation Gamma- and X-radiation
Energy range 45 keV ... 1.25 Mev
Detector Ambient dose equivalent-energy compensated GM-tube
Measurement range Dose rate 0.01 ... 100 000 microSv/h
Dose 0.001 ... 1000 milliSv
Response time Fast measurement: 2.5 sec.
Automatic measurement: At ambient radiation levels 3 min, at
increased radiation levels (100 microSv/h) 5 sec.
Accuracy ±5% of the reading when irradiated by Cs-137 at the calibration point
at 20 ºC
Linearity ±10% at 20 ºC
Accuracy at low dose rates
Unequalled accuracy at ambient radiation levels. The meter reading is
still valid at levels as low as 0.02 µSv/h. (Finnish Centre for Radiation
and Nuclear Safety (STUK), calibration record 25/652/89).
Operating temperature -30 ... +55 °C
Storage temperature -40 ... +70 °C
Power supply Single 9V alkaline battery
Battery life approx. 300 h. in ambient radiation
Mains adapter 9 V Reg.
Case Shock-proof, splash-proof plastic case, IP 54
Dimensions 90 x 145 x 40 mm
Weight 210 g without battery
260 g with battery
Display Results are displayed on an easy-to-read backlit LCD in microSieverts
(dose rate) and milliSieverts (dose). (1000 microSv = 1 milliSv.)
External interfaces Mains adapter
(optional) Radon Box-10
Right to technical changes reserved without notice.

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9 CALIBRATION
Each DGM-1500 Turva Radiation survey meter is individually calibrated at the factory
to meet the specifications. Calibration certificate is delivered with every device and it
looks like the following template.
CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE
DGM-1500 Turva Radiation survey meter
Serial number ...........…………
Calibration point 1000 µSv/h at 20 ºC, Cs-137 source
Reading at the calibration point ±5 %
Linearity ±10 % at 20 ºC
Warning and alarm levels in Finland
0.70 µSV/h Level requiring official notification and
intensified radiation monitoring.
100 µSV/h Public warning of increased radiation level must be issued.
1000 µSv/h Immediate shelter from radiation must be taken.
Date and place ………………………………..
Inspected by ………………………………..

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

Kata-Electronics Oy
Tehtaantie 8, 80400 Ylämylly, FINLAND
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.kata.eu