Ludlum Measurements 4404-16-4 User manual

LUDLUM MODEL 4404-16-4
GEO-EXPLORATION COUNTER
ADDENDUM TO MODEL 4404-16 Manual
April 2018
Serial Number 246666 and Succeeding
Serial Numbers

LUDLUM MODEL 4404-16-4
GEO-EXPLORATION COUNTER
ADDENDUM TO MODEL 4404-16 Manual
April 2018
Serial Number 246666 and Succeeding
Serial Numbers
LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS,INC.
501 OAK STREET, P.O. BOX 810
SWEETWATER, TEXAS 79556
325-235-5494, FAX:[phone]

Serving the Nuclear Industry Since 1962
LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS, INC.
501 OAK ST. / P.O. BOX 810
SWEETWATER, TEXAS 79556
Phone: [phone] (USA)
Fax: [phone] E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ludlums.com FEIN 75-1085764
DESIGNER AND MANUFACTURER
OF
Scientific and Industrial
Instruments
Model 4404-16-4
Addendum to the Model 4404-16 manual
June 2011
TheModel4404‐16‐4operatesinthesamewayastheModel4404‐16.Thedifferenceisthatthe4404‐16‐4hasa
smallerNaIscintillationdetector,requiringasmallercarryingcase.Thecaseenclosureforthisparticular
instrumentcanfitintoabackpackandbecarriedbyhand,whereasthecasefortheModel4404‐16is102cm(40
in.)long,haswheelsfortransporting,andweighs18.1kg(40lb).

Model4404‐16‐4DetectorSize:7.6x7.6cm(3x3in.)
Model4404‐16‐4Case(Enclosure)Dimensions:29.2x36.3x16.5cm(11.5x14.3x6.5in.)(HxWxL)
Model4404‐16‐4Case(Enclosure)Weight:5.7kg(12.5lb)

4
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]

5
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................1
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION..................................................................................................3
Computer Specifications ........................................................................................................4
Connecting a Computer .........................................................................................................4
Starting Software....................................................................................................................4
Settings.....................................................................................................................................4
General...............................................................................................................................5
Plateau................................................................................................................................6
Scaler Counting.................................................................................................................7
Rate Meter.........................................................................................................................8
End User License Agreement.................................................................................................9
SOFTWARE FEATURES .........................................................................................................11
Counting.................................................................................................................................12
Charting.................................................................................................................................13
Logging Data ...................................................................................................................15
Channel Colors......................................................................................................................16
Calibration.............................................................................................................................16
High Voltage....................................................................................................................17
Lower Level Discriminator............................................................................................18
Upper Level Discriminator ............................................................................................19
Efficiency .........................................................................................................................20
Mode.................................................................................................................................21
Calibration Wizard...............................................................................................................22
HV Actual Calibration Constant...................................................................................22
HV Read back Calibration Constant............................................................................25
LLD Actual Calibration Constant.................................................................................26
ULD Actual Calibration Constant ................................................................................27
HV Plateau.............................................................................................................................28

6
Table of Contents cont.
ROI Configuration................................................................................................................29
Change Serial Number.........................................................................................................30
Setup Comments ...................................................................................................................31
KML Generator....................................................................................................................33
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................34
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS...........................................................35
DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS...............................................................................................36
HARDWARE CALIBRATION.................................................................................................49
RS-232 COMMUNICATION....................................................................................................51
RS-232 Commands................................................................................................................53

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section1
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 1 April 2018
Introduction
he Ludlum Model 4404-16 Geo-Exploration System provides
radiation surface measurements to help discern the underlying
geology. It utilizes a large scintillation detector, the Ludlum Model
4404-16 multichannel electronics, a waterproof enclosure, and a
ruggedized laptop with integrated GPS (Global Positioning System). The
software will display the radiation data just like a chart recorder and log the
radiation data and GPS coordinates into a comma delimited file. The “KML
Generator” software program converts the data files into files suitable from
viewing in Google Earth or any other 3D earth
browser implementing the KML (Keyhole
Markup Language) encoding.
Subsurface oil and gas fields have been mapped
using surface radiation sensors since the 1950s.
Radiation “anomalies” are created over such
fields due to the vertical migration of
hydrocarbons. While such readings may suggest
or confirm the presence of underground fields,
it is important to realize the limitations of these
readings. It is not possible to tell either the
depth or the ultimate productivity of a well or
field. These radiation anomalies are not present
over lakes or flooded areas. Ludlum
Measurements cannot guarantee any
conclusions or results based on the information
provided by this system.
The Ludlum Model 4404-16 has additional uses.
It may be used for radioactive ore prospecting.
The settings may be customized for uranium or
other radioactive isotopes. It may also be used
for general radiation survey for radioactive
contamination.
Section
1
T

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The Model 4404-16 electronics is mounted inside the detector enclosure and
is configured with a host board and four slave boards providing separate
radiation channels. The first channel is normally a gross counting channel
providing data on radiation energies from 20 keV to 3 MeV. The other
three channels can be set on selected regions of interest. For oil and gas
exploration, for example, the three regions are based on:
238Uranium: 0.61 MeV
230Thorium: 2.62 MeV
40Potassium: 1.46 MeV
The waterproof enclosure is designed to protect the sensitive sodium iodide
(NaI) detector from damage. This detector is based on a scintillator crystal,
which is sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock. The enclosure provides
both thermal and mechanical cushioning to the detector. Use vibration
isolators when mounting the enclosure to a vehicle or other structure. Do
not subject the detector to rapid changes in temperature.

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 3 April 2018
Software Installation
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Ludlum Model 4404 Geo-Exploration Counter software is a
Windows TM program, intended to run on a IBM-compatible personal
computer (PC) running WindowsTM XP or later.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Windows ™ based PC with an RS-232 serial port
USB-to-serial adapter may be required if the computer does not have an
RS-232 serial port
MINIMUM PC REQUIREMENTS
1.2 GHz processor or greater
512 MB of memory (1024 MB recommended)
High capacity hard drive for storing the database
SVGA monitor capable of a resolution of 800 x 600 or greater
GPS utilizing a COMM port for communication capable of sending out
NMEA messages every second.
INSTALLATION
Note:
Before installing any LMI software, read the software license
agreement at the end of this section.
Insert the Model 4404-16 Geo-Exploration Counter CD (LMI Part #
1370-088) into your CD-ROM drive. If the installation does not start
Section
2

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 4 April 2018
automatically, double-click on “setup.exe” to start installation. After the
installation is complete, a group will be created under the Start Menu
called “Ludlum Measurements, Inc” with the Model 4404 Geo-
Exploration Counter shortcut.
The KML Generator can be installed by running the setup.exe from the
“KML Generator.”
ComputerSpecifications
Panasonic Toughbook Model CF-19 or equal (optional built-in GPS)
Full magnesium alloy case with hand strap
Sealed all-weather design
Power: Lithium battery pack, battery operation approximately nine
hours
Size: 4.3 x 27.2 x 21.6 cm (1.9 x 10.7 x 8.5 in.) (H x W x L)
Weight: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb)
Connecting a Computer
Connect the Model 4404-16 Geo-Exploration Counter to the computer
with the supplied RS-232 cable. Connect the cables from the detector to
the slave board(s). The calibration paperwork will identify which
detector should be connected to each channel. Connect the AC power
adapter to the host board.
Starting Software
Click on this shortcut to start the software. The software will default to
looking for the Counter on COMM Port 1 and the GPS on COMM
Port 3. If the COMM Port is a different value, the correct port number
must be selected from the Settings screen.
Settings
The Settings screen is accessed from the Tools/Settings menu and is
used to configure the options that affect how the software operates.

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 5 April 2018
General
COM Port: The RS-232 serial port is used to communicate with the
counter. This list box displays all available communication ports on the
computer. If a USB-to-serial adapter is used, consult the documentation
that came with it for instructions on installing any drivers and
configuring the port.
GPS COM Port: The RS-232 serial port is used to communicate with
the GPS. This list box displays all available communication ports on the
computer. If a USB-to-serial adapter is used, consult the documentation
that came with it for instructions on installing any drivers and
configuring the port.
Latitude/Longitude Format:Specify the format of the GPS
coordinates saved to data file. The choices are NMEA format and
Decimal Degrees. The NMEA format is the default output by the GPS.

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 6 April 2018
Decimal degrees are more suitable for programs such as Google Earth
and other applications.
Data Folder: The count data is saved in this folder and can be located
anywhere on the computer.
Plateau
The plateau settings determine the default values used when running a
plateau. These values can also be changed directly on the HV Plateau
screen.
Count Time: The count time is in seconds for taking background and
source counts.
Source Size: The source size is in DPM for calculating the efficiency.

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 7 April 2018
HV Settings: This is the start, stop, and increment voltage. The high
voltage will be set to the starting value and incremented by the
increment value until the end high voltage is reached.
ScalerCountTime
The scaler count time settings determine the default values used for the
count times. These values can also be changed directly on the main
screen.

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 8 April 2018
RateMeter
The rate meter settings determine if the rate meter is enabled and what
the time constant will be when enabled. This setting affects the count
values on the chart and the values saved to the data file. When disabled,
the count is the raw one second count. The higher the time constant the
slower the response time will be.
Individual alarm set points can be used to alert the user if the radiation
exceeds a user-defined level. An audible alert can also be enabled.
When a channel is alarming, its label on the graph legend is highlighted
and the background on the count screen becomes red.

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 9 April 2018
End User License Agreement

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section2
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 10 April 2018

Model4404-16Geo-ExplorationSystem TechnicalManual Section3
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 11 April 2018
Software Features
The Model 4404-16 Geo-Exploration Counter Software has the following
features, which will be detailed in-depth in this section:
Utilizes GPS to store location with each count
Chart count data in real time. Ability to chart a specific channel or
all channels
Rate meter mode with individual set points and audible alarm
Set the high voltage (HV), lower level discriminator (LLD), upper
level discriminator(ULD), efficiency, gamma mode, and window
mode on each channel
HV plateau for a single channel or all channels
Calibration Wizard that guides the user through the steps necessary
to calibrate the counter
User-definable color for each channel indicator
ROI configuration based on serial number
Comments that can be added on the graph and saved to the data file
Keyhole Markup Language (KML) generator converts comma-
delimited files into KML files suitable for display in Google Earth,
Global Mapper or any other 3D earth browser (geobrowser) that
supports the KML encoding.
Section
3

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Counting
The Count tab displays the current count data for each channel. The counts
are updated every one second.
The main screen displays the following information: current one-second
count, accumulated count, last count, status, and out-of-tolerance.
The Start Counts button displays a window allowing a group of channels to
start counting simultaneously.
The status of the channel is displayed as a colored indicator next to the
count button.

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. Page 13 April 2018
Gray: Indicates the channel is offline. A channel may be offline if
the channel does not exist or if there is a problem with the channel.
Green: Indicates the channel is online and ready to start counting.
Blue: Indicates the channel is counting. When the count time
expires, the count is stopped.
Out-of-tolerance indicators in the lower left corner of the screen change to
red if these parameters fall out of tolerance. The HV and ULD are out of
tolerance if they are not within 3% of their set points. The LLD is out of
tolerance if it not within 13% of the set point. It is not possible to get an
out-of-tolerance indication on channels that are configured for ROI
operation.
Charting
When charting is enabled, a continuous plot of the channels selected is
displayed on the graph. Charting is enabled by clicking the Start Charting
button or pressing the F2 function key. The graph displays five minutes of
data and is able to store up to two hours. To scroll back in time when the
charting is stopped to see older data, left click on the graph’s plot area and
move the mouse to pan around the graph.
The current GPS coordinates are displayed along with the speed and
date/time reported by the GPS receiver. A read out displays the selected
channel’s current count along with a minimum and maximum value large