Ludlum Measurements 334AB User manual

LUDLUM MODEL 334AB
ALPHA/BETA PARTICULATE MONITOR
January 2021

Model 334AB Operations
Manual

L U D L U M M E A S U R E M E N T S , I N C
Model 334AB Operations Manual
Documentation version 2.3
January 2021
Trademarks
Ludlum, the Ludlum logo, and Model 334AB are trademarks of Ludlum Measurements, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows CE, ActiveSync, Excel and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft

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

X-Scale is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
GETTING STARTED...................................................................................................... 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 1
UNPACKING AND REPACKING ........................................................................................... 1
PARTS OF THE MODEL 334AB........................................................................................... 2
UNDERSTANDING THE DETECTOR HEAD ........................................................................... 3
TURNING THE UNIT ON..................................................................................................... 4
Charging the Batteries................................................................................................... 4
Power Button Functions................................................................................................ 5
STARTING THE PROGRAM.................................................................................................. 5
Response Check............................................................................................................. 5
Understanding the Display............................................................................................ 6
How to Change the Filter.............................................................................................. 7
Password Security ......................................................................................................... 7
Setting the Clock............................................................................................................ 8
CALIBRATION................................................................................................................ 9
CALIBRATION OVERVIEW.................................................................................................. 9
CALIBRATION EXPIRATION.............................................................................................. 10
SOURCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................. 11
ALPHA ENERGY CALIBRATION........................................................................................ 11
Performing the Calibration......................................................................................... 12
ALPHA EFFICIENCY CALIBRATION .................................................................................. 15
BETA EFFICIENCY CALIBRATION..................................................................................... 16
Summary...................................................................................................................... 16
Reset the Background Count ....................................................................................... 16
Understanding the 2-Channel Board Adjustments...................................................... 17
Adjusting the Beta Background Threshold.................................................................. 18
Adjusting the Gamma Background Threshold............................................................. 19
Verifying the Background Count................................................................................. 19
Beta Efficiency Calibration......................................................................................... 20
Response Check........................................................................................................... 20
FLOW CALIBRATION........................................................................................................ 21
Setting Up the Apparatus............................................................................................. 20
Performing the Calibration......................................................................................... 20
CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................ 25
INSTRUMENT PROPERTIES ............................................................................................... 25
INSTRUMENT OPTIONS .................................................................................................... 26
General Tab................................................................................................................. 27
Logging Tab................................................................................................................. 28
Beta Tab....................................................................................................................... 29
Alarm Settings.............................................................................................................. 30
Table of Contents

Isotope Tabs (with Alpha option)..................................................................................... 31
Flow Tab...................................................................................................................... 34
RadNet Tab (with WiFi or Ethernet option) ....................................................................... 35
ASCII Tab (with RS-232, Ethernet, or WiFi option) ........................................................... 36
STARTING A DOSE MEASUREMENT..................................................................... 38
RESPONSE CHECK ROUTINE ............................................................................................ 38
Source Requirements................................................................................................... 38
Running the Response Check....................................................................................... 39
NORMAL MEASUREMENT OPERATION............................................................................. 40
Minimum-Detectable Levels & Window Times ........................................................... 40
Display: Meter/Spectrum/Log ..................................................................................... 40
Operational Duration.................................................................................................. 41
MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS ......................................................................... 43
ACUTE &CHRONIC MOVING-WINDOWS......................................................................... 43
BETA MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS............................................................................ 44
ALPHA MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS ......................................................................... 46
MINIMUM DETECTABLE MEASUREMENT CALCULATIONS............................................... 47
RADON MODE CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................... 48
RETRIEVING & ANALYZING THE DATA............................................................. 50
ENDING A DOSE MEASUREMENT..................................................................................... 50
PC SYNCING SOFTWARE ................................................................................................. 50
CONNECTING TO A PC OVER USB................................................................................... 51
CONNECTING TO A PC OVER A NETWORK ....................................................................... 52
GRAPHING DATA IN EXCEL –MANUALLY ....................................................................... 55
GRAPHING DATA IN EXCEL –WITH TEMPLATES .............................................................. 55
Spectrum Chart............................................................................................................ 55
Chronic & Acute Charts.............................................................................................. 56
RADNET OPERATION ................................................................................................ 59
ASCII OPERATION...................................................................................................... 61
STATUS CONDITIONS................................................................................................ 63
NETWORK FILE ACCESS.......................................................................................... 65
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 65
Remote Administration................................................................................................ 66
Technical References................................................................................................... 67

EDITING THE ALPHA ISOTOPES DATABASE..................................................... 68
IODINE AND NOBLE GAS MONITORING ............................................................. 70
Sensitivity to Iodine-131.............................................................................................. 71
Configuring Iodine Monitoring................................................................................... 71
When to Use a PTFE Filter Together with the Carbon-Impregnated Filter............... 71
Filter Ordering............................................................................................................ 72
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................... 73

Model 334AB Operations Manual
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 1 January 2021
Getting Started
General Description
The Model 334AB is a portable beta air monitor designed to function both as a workplace
monitor and a Continuous Air Monitor (CAM). Spectral analysis is conducted via a 1024-channel
analyzer that feeds data to the embedded processor. Factory configuration provides either beta
particulate measurements, special nuclear materials (SNM) measurements 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 334AB features an integrated LCD and touchscreen that displays information on
instrument status and readings during operation. The estimated dose 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 ensure 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

Model 334AB Operations Manual
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 2 January 2021
Parts of the Model 334AB
The Model 334AB consists of a fiberglass NEMA enclosure containing the SabreMCA™
electronics, battery and pump assemblies. A detector head, mounted to the right side of the
case, contains the detector, preamp, and a filter holder. A light stack containing an audible
alarm and red light is mounted to the top of the case.
On the front, the Model 334AB contains a 5.5-inch touch-screen display. The display is most
easily operated using a stylus. There are three buttons located below the touch-screen
display, which allow the user to toggle displayed units and isotope/channel, as well as an
alarm acknowledge to silence and clear an alarm.
On the right side below the detector head, there is a red
power button, mini USB port, charging port and LED
charging indicator, along with other ports needed for
additional options.
The Model 334AB includes an annunciator (alarm
light/audible alarm) that is used when radiological alarms
have been enabled. The annunciator has an adjustable
volume setting. To adjust the volume, twist the top of the
light stack, mechanically limiting its sound. To make the alarm louder, twist counter-
clockwise, allowing more sound from the horn. To make the alarm softer, twist the ring
clockwise.
In addition to the Model 334AB itself, the package it comes in contains an AC Adapter for
charging the Model 334AB, a USB sync cable for exchanging data with a PC, a flow
calibration aid, and a CD with software, certificates, and training videos.