Ludlum Measurements 334A User manual

LUDLUM MODEL 334A
ALPHA AIR MONITOR
January 2021

Model 334A Operations Manual

L U D L U M M E A S U R E M E N T S , I N C
Model 334A Operations Manual
Documentation version 3.0
January 2021
NO WARRANTY. The technical documentation is being delivered to you AS-IS and Ludlum makes no warranty
as to its accuracy or use. Any use of the technical documentation or the information contained therein is at the risk
of the user. Documentation may contain technical or other inaccuracies or typographical errors. Ludlum reserves
the right to make changes without prior notice. No part of this publication may be copied without the express
written permission of Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 501 Oak Street, Sweetwater, Texas 79556
Trademarks
Ludlum, the Ludlum logo, and Model 334A are trademarks of Ludlum Measurements, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows CE, ActiveSync, Excel and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
X-Scale is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. warrants the products covered in this manual to be
free of defects due to workmanship, material, and design for a period of twelve
months from the date of delivery. The calibration of a product is warranted to be
within its specified accuracy limits at the time of shipment. In the event of
instrument failure, notify Ludlum Measurements to determine if repair,
recalibration, or replacement is required.
This warranty excludes the replacement of photomultiplier tubes, G-M and
proportional tubes, and scintillation crystals which are broken due to excessive
physical abuse or used for purposes other than intended.
There are no warranties, express or implied, including without limitation any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness, which extend beyond the
description of the face there of. If the product does not perform as warranted
herein, purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement, at the option of
Ludlum Measurements. In no event will Ludlum Measurements be liable for
damages, lost revenue, lost wages, or any other incidental or consequential
damages, arising from the purchase, use, or inability to use product.
RETURN OF GOODS TO MANUFACTURER
If equipment needs to be returned to Ludlum Measurements, Inc. for repair or calibration, please
send to the address below. All shipments should include documentation containing return
shipping address, customer name, telephone number, description of service requested, and all
other necessary information. Your cooperation will expedite the return of your equipment.
LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS, INC.
ATTN: REPAIR DEPARTMENT
501 OAK STREET
SWEETWATER, TX 79556
800-622-0828 325-235-5494
FAX [phone]

GETTING STARTED...................................................................................................... 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 1
UNPACKING AND REPACKING ........................................................................................... 1
PARTS OF THE MODEL 334A ............................................................................................. 2
UNDERSTANDING THE DETECTOR HEAD ........................................................................... 3
TURNING THE UNIT ON..................................................................................................... 4
Charging the Batteries................................................................................................... 4
Power Button Functions................................................................................................ 4
STARTING THE PROGRAM.................................................................................................. 5
Response Check............................................................................................................. 5
Understanding the Display............................................................................................ 5
How to Change the Filter.............................................................................................. 6
Password Security ......................................................................................................... 7
Setting the Clock............................................................................................................ 8
CALIBRATION................................................................................................................ 9
CALIBRATION OVERVIEW................................................................................................ 10
CALIBRATION EXPIRATION.............................................................................................. 10
SOURCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................. 10
SET SOURCE PARAMETERS.............................................................................................. 11
Calibration Instructions .............................................................................................. 11
ALPHA ENERGY CALIBRATION........................................................................................ 11
Performing the Calibration......................................................................................... 13
ALPHA EFFICIENCY CALIBRATION .................................................................................. 15
AUTOMATIC ALPHA CALIBRATION ................................................................................. 16
Response Check........................................................................................................... 17
FLOW CALIBRATION........................................................................................................ 18
Setting Up the Apparatus............................................................................................. 18
Performing the Calibration......................................................................................... 19
CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................ 21
INSTRUMENT PROPERTIES ............................................................................................... 21
INSTRUMENT OPTIONS .................................................................................................... 22
General Tab................................................................................................................. 23
Logging Tab................................................................................................................. 24
Isotope Tabs................................................................................................................. 25
Alarm Settings.............................................................................................................. 27
Flow Tab...................................................................................................................... 28
RadNet Tab (with WiFi option) ....................................................................................... 29
ASCII Tab (with RS-232 or WiFi option).......................................................................... 30
STARTING A DOSE MEASUREMENT..................................................................... 31
Table of Contents

RESPONSE CHECK ROUTINE ............................................................................................ 31
Source Requirements................................................................................................... 31
Running the Response Check....................................................................................... 32
NORMAL MEASUREMENT OPERATION............................................................................. 33
Minimum-Detectable Levels & Window Times ........................................................... 33
Display: Meter/Spectrum/Log ..................................................................................... 33
Operational Duration.................................................................................................. 34
MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS ......................................................................... 35
ACUTE &CHRONIC MOVING-WINDOWS......................................................................... 35
ALPHA MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS ......................................................................... 35
MINIMUM DETECTABLE MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS............................................... 37
RADON MODE CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................... 39
RETRIEVING & ANALYZING THE DATA............................................................. 40
ENDING A DOSE MEASUREMENT..................................................................................... 40
PC SYNCING SOFTWARE ................................................................................................. 40
CONNECTING TO A PC..................................................................................................... 41
SYNCING LOG FILES........................................................................................................ 42
GRAPHING DATA IN EXCEL –MANUALLY....................................................................... 43
GRAPHING DATA IN EXCEL –WITH TEMPLATES.............................................................. 43
Spectrum Chart............................................................................................................ 44
Chronic & Acute Charts.............................................................................................. 45
RADNET OPERATION ................................................................................................ 46
ASCII OPERATION...................................................................................................... 48
STATUS CONDITIONS................................................................................................ 50
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................... 51

Model 334A Operations Manual
Ludlum Measurements, Inc 1 January 2021
Getting Started
General Description
The Model 334A is a portable alpha air monitor designed to function both as a workplace
monitor and a Continuous Air Monitor (CAM) for measurements. Spectral analysis is conducted
via a 1024-channel analyzer that feeds data to the embedded processor. Factory configuration
provides either special nuclear materials (SNM) or radon progeny measurements of potential
alpha energy concentration (PAEC).
Measurements are taken in both fast-responding (acute) and high-sensitivity (chronic) assessments
and report in English or SI units.
The instrument stores acquired data in comma-separated-variable (.csv) format. Data may be
saved in the instrument’s internal memory or written to an SD card for later retrieval.
The Model 334A features an integrated LCD and touchscreen that displays information on
instrument status and readings during operation. The estimated dose of the isotope(s) of interest
and instrument status is displayed at all times. A window below may be switched from showing
historical readings and battery status, or to display the current spectrum.
Unpacking and Repacking
Remove the calibration certificate and place it in a secure location. Remove the instrument and
ensure that all of the items listed on the packing list are in the carton. Check individual item serial
numbers and insure calibration certificates match between instruments.
To return an instrument for repair and calibration, provide sufficient packing material to prevent
damaged during shipment. Every returned instrument must be accompanied by an Instrument
Return Form, which can be downloaded from the Ludlum website at www.ludlums.com. Find
the form by clicking the “Support” tab and selecting “Repair and Calibration” from the drop-
down menu. Then choose the appropriate Repair and Calibration division where you will find a
link to the form.
SECTION
1