LUDLUM 9DP-1 User manual

LUDLUM MODEL 9DP-1
ION CHAMBER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL

LUDLUM MODEL 9DP-1
ION CHAMBER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
December 2015
Serial Number 25002500 and Succeeding
Firmware: 29307.01.01.13

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]

MODEL9DP-1 Operator’s Manual

MODEL9DP-1 Operator’s Manual

MODEL9DP-1 Operator’s Manual
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2015
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Specifications 3
3. Control Panel 7
3.1 On/Off 8
3.2 Function 8
3.3 Audio 8
3.4 Ack/Reset 8
4. Display 10
4.1 Backlight 10
4.2 Startup 11
4.3 Instrument Information 11
4.4 Measurement View 11
4.4.1 Measurement Reading 12
4.4.2 Function Display 13
4.4.3 Status Icons 14
4.4.4 Messages 15
4.5 Changing the View 16
4.6 Correction Factor Function 16
4.6.1 Description and Use 16
4.6.2 Defaults 16
4.6.3 Zeroing Integrated Dose 16
4.6.4 Changing the Configuration File 17
5. USB Port 18
5.1 Firmware Updating 18
5.1.1 Dimension File System 19
5.2 Data Logging 19
5.3 USB Keyboard Connection 19
5.4 Calibration 20
6. Keyboard Menu 21

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2015
6.1 Keyboard Controls 21
6.1.1 Sub Menus 21
6.1.2 Non-Editable Fields 22
6.1.3 Editable Fields 22
6.2 Settings 23
6.2.1 Product 23
6.2.2 Language 23
6.2.3 Calendar 23
6.2.4 Clock 24
6.2.5 Passwords 24
6.2.6 System 25
6.3 Controls 25
6.3.1 Backlight 26
6.3.2 Audio 28
6.4 Features 29
6.4.1 Integrate 29
6.4.2 Data Logging 31
6.5 Display 35
6.5.1 Setup 35
6.5.2 View 1:R/hr 36
6.5.3 View 2:Sv/h 42
6.5.4 View 3:Gy/hr 42
6.5.5 View 4: 42
6.6 Functions 43
6.6.1 FCN 1:Integrate 43
6.6.2 FCN 2:Peak Rate 43
6.6.3 FCN 3: No Function 43
6.6.4 FCN 4: No Function 43
7. Data Logging 44
7.1 Data Description 44
7.2 Setup 47
7.3 Operation 48
7.4 Data 48
8. Battery Power 49
8.1 Battery Installation 51
8.2 Battery Test 51
8.3 Battery Pack Removal 53
8.4 Optional Alkaline Battery Pack 53
9. Operational Test 54

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. December 2015
10. Options 55
10.1 Dimension Interface Kit 55
10.2 Audio Jack Output 55
10.3 Alkaline Battery Pack 56
10.4 Check Source 56
11. Safety Considerations and Maintenance 57
11.1 Environmental Conditions for Normal Use 57
11.2 Warning Markings and Symbols 57
11.3 Cleaning and Maintenance Precautions 58
11.4 Maintenance 59
12. Certificate of Compliance 61
13. Recycling 62

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 1 December 2015
Introduction
The Ludlum Model 9DP-1 is a modern, digital, hand-held pressurized ion
chamber designed to detect gamma and X-ray energies above 25 keV. It will also
see beta energies above 1 MeV. The instrument can be configured to display data
in units of either Sv, R, or Gy, and is readily changed by an administrator without
requiring a new calibration. The instrument is auto-ranging with a rate
measurement range of 0-500 mSv/h (0-50 R/hr, 0-500 mGy/h).
In addition to displaying the rate, the Model 9DP-1 includes an operator-
selectable function that additionally displays the integrated reading or the peak
reading. These two measurements are reset when the instrument is powered up
and whenever manually reset by the operator. A third function, Pulsed Mode,
locks the instrument in the highest range in order to improve pulsed radiation
response while sacrificing low radiation reading resolution.
The Model 9DP-1 features a 262K-color, 320 x 240 dpi LCD that displays each
measurement along with the instrument status. The LCD is backlit and
automatically adjusts to the surrounding ambient condition via a built-in light
sensor within the instrument.
Four simple pushbuttons located below the LCD provide all the control
functions for powering the instrument, enabling functions, adjusting the audio
output, and either acknowledging alarms or resetting function values.
The ion chamber electronics automatically zeros the detector signal so operator
adjustments are not necessary. The electronics additionally compensate for drift
due to temperature changes over a range of -10 to 40 0C (14 to 104 °F) to within
20%.
The Model 9DP-1 includes a single USB port located at the front of the
instrument that is protected by a cover. This port is used to communicate with
the instrument during setup and calibration. Full parameter setup and calibration
requires Ludlum’s optional Dimension Interface Package (Part Number: 4293-
763). A limited set of password-controlled administrator and user-level
preferences can be adjusted by simply connecting the instrument directly to a
Section
1

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standard USB keyboard (with no additional USB ports, no integrated mouse or
trackpad, and no sound controls).
The USB port may also be utilized to store captured measurement data onto a
removable USB thumb drive for convenient retrieval by a PC spreadsheet or
database program. Data capture frequency is administrator adjustable with all data
stored in CSV file format.
The unit is powered by eight “AA” NIMH rechargeable batteries. Battery life
largely depends upon the LCD backlighting and USB usage ranging from 12 to
30 hours.
The Model 9DP-1 is equipped with a synthetically generated audible output that
outputs clicks proportional to the radiation rate; however, no clicks will be heard
when the meter deflection is less than 3%. This function can be turned on at
multiple audible volume levels and shut-off.
Alarms can be enabled to alert the user whenever a pre-programmed level has
been exceeded. The alarm can be acknowledged by the user to silence the audio
even when the alarm condition remains. A second acknowledgement by the user
will automatically re-arm the system.
The instrument case is constructed from resilient polycarbonate plastic,
supported internally by a rigid metal frame. The internal electronics are designed
with a solid state and are microprocessor based with low-power circuitry. The
operating program is stored in non-volatile, rewritable flash memory.

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 3 December 2015
Specifications
Radiation Detected: gamma and X-rays above 25 keV; beta above 1 MeV
Energy Response: ±25% from 60 keV to 1.25 MeV (see chart below)
Dynamic Measurement Range: 0-500 mSv/h (0-50 R/hr, 0-500 mGy/h)
Warm-up Time: less than 1 minute when the instrument is in temperature
equilibrium with the environment and known good batteries have been installed
for 24 hours
Drift: less than 0.3 µSv/h (0.03 µR/hr, 0.3 μGy/h)
Section
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Display Ranges: (auto-ranging)
With Sv/h units:
With R/hr units:
With Gy/h units:
0-50 µSv/h
0-5 mR/hr
0-50 µGy/h
0-500 µSv/h
0-50 mR/hr
0-500 µGy/h
0-5 mSv/h
0-500 mR/hr
0-500 mGy/h
0-50 mSv/h
0-5 R/hr
0-50 mGy/h
0-500 mSv/h
0-50 R/hr
0-500 mGy/h
Minimum Display: 0.01 μSv/h (0.1 µR/hr, 0.01 μGy/h)
Chamber Volume: 220 cc (13.4 in3) volume pressurized to 1.36 atmospheres (20
psi)
Density: chamber wall density is 601.7 mg/cm2, can wall density is 332.5
mg/cm2. Total density of chamber and can combined is 934.2 mg/cm2.
Accuracy: ±10%
Angular Dependence: less than 2% change, relative to the front of the
instrument ±90° for 137Cs. See figure below.
Magnetic Field Testing: per ANSI 42-17A-2003, ≤15% change in readings
when placed into a magnetic field 800 A/m, rotated on three axes

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Ambient Pressure: per ANSI 42-17A-2003, less than 15% change in readings
from 70 kPa to 106 kPa (20.7 to 31.3 inches of mercury)
Response Time: ranges from 5 seconds in the lowest range to under 2 seconds
in highest range when measuring from 10% to 90% of final value
Measurement Readouts: simultaneous display of rate and either the integrated
reading, highest rate (peak hold), or pulsed mode status
LCD Display: 8.9 cm (3.5 in.) diagonal, 240 H x 320 W pixels, TFT active matrix,
262K colors, 220 cd/m², backlighting automatically controlled by built-in light
sensor
Automatic Functions: auto-ranging, auto-zeroing, auto-LCD backlighting
Audio Output: built-in unimorph speaker, > 60 dB at 0.6 m (2 ft), optional audio
jack connector for headsets (headset available as an option)
Alarms: two levels of radiation alarms available, each are user programmable
throughout entire readout range and set through a PC interface program or
standard USB keyboard.
Data Logging: Data is stored to detachable USB thumb drive in CSV format for
easy retrieval by PC spreadsheet/database programs. Data points include clock-
generated date and time, rate, integrated reading, and instrument status. Logging
time intervals are set by PC interface program or standard USB keyboard.
Temperature Range: per ANSI 42-17A-2003, the mean response from 0 to 40
°C (32 to 104 °F) shall be within 15% of the mean response determined at room
temperature, and the mean response from -10 to 0 °C (14 to 32 °F) shall be
within 20% of the mean response at room temperature.
Humidity Range: 0 to 95%, non-condensing
Geotropism: less than 1%
Power: eight rechargeable "AA" NiMH batteries; supplied with wall charger for
direct connection to instrument
Battery Life: 12 to 30 hours between charges, depending upon use of
backlighting
USB Interface: single USB port, meets USB 2.0 standard, may be connected
directly to a USB keyboard to facilitate password-protected parameter changes,
accepts USB thumb drive for storing logged data, optional interface kit facilitates
connection to a PC for parameter editing and calibration

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 6 December 2015
Construction: durable molded plastic with internal metal support
Size: 21.9 x 11.6 x 24.5 cm (8.6 x 4.6 x 9.6 in.) (H x W x L)
Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb), including batteries
-30%
-25%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
20 18 16 14 12 10
% Deviation from Readings at 20 PSIG
Ion Chamber Pressure (PSIG)
9DP-1 % Deviation with Change in Chamber Pressure
from 20 PSIG
120 Pulse Xray Dose
40 R/hr Cal Point
10 R/hr Test Point
Linear (120 Pulse Xray Dose)
Linear (40 R/hr Cal Point)
Linear (10 R/hr Test Point)

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 7 December 2015
Control Panel
The instrument is equipped with a four-button control pad, as shown above. All
controls for the instrument are performed via these four control buttons. Each
labeled button has set operation(s) it performs.
The controls are as follows:
ON/OFF
Function
Audio
Ack/Reset
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3.1 On/Off
This button is used to turn power on and off to the instrument. To turn on the
instrument, only a momentary press is required. A power-on sound can be heard
within one second of pressing the ON/OFF button. There is about a four to
five-second delay before the screen wakes up and presents the Startup View.
To turn off the instrument, press the ON/OFF button by pressing and holding it
down for approximately two seconds. When the system recognizes this
command, it changes the screen to the System Status View with the message,
“Instrument Shutting Down,” displayed.
3.2 Function
The Model 9DP-1 supports built-in functions. These functions are displayed
below the main instrument rate reading. Pressing the Function button switches
the function to the next available function. Each function will have a unique
identifier. See Functions in Section 6 for detail on the functions included.
3.3 Audio
The instrument includes an audible output proportional to the radiation rate and
also to annunciate an alarm if activated within its programmed parameters.
Pressing the audible button momentarily adjusts the volume output sequentially
between OFF and five increasing audible levels before returning to the OFF
position again. An icon on the bottom right-hand part of the screen indicates
how many levels are currently activated and are shown as green bars.
3.4 Ack/Reset
This key is used to acknowledge alarms and to reset functions. Any time an alarm
sounds, users can silence the audible output by pressing the ACK/RESET
button. A second acknowledgement by the user will automatically clear the
message and re-arm the system.
The ACK/RESET button may also be used to reset the current rate reading. If
no alerts or alarms are present, a momentary press of the button will reset the
current rate reading to “0.0”; however, the reading will immediately begin to
update. As a result, the user may never see a “0.0” reading displayed.

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Ludlum Measurements, Inc. 9 December 2015
This control can also be used in conjunction with resetting any functions utilizing
this capability. The Model 9DP-1 incorporates the Integrate and Peak functions,
both of which allow resetting their values from the button.
With the desired function presented on the display, the user can press the
ACK/RESET button for three seconds, after which the function value will be
reset to “0.0”. Note that the Peak function will display “0.0” only very briefly
before it jumps to the value matching the current displayed value.

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Display
The Ludlum Model 9DP-1 is equipped with a color LCD that improves the
user’s understanding of the instrument reading, functions, and operating status, as
compared to other typical display technologies. The LCD utilizes a bit-mapped
layout to afford an optimized arrangement of all of the data available.
The LCD is sunlight readable so it can be used outdoors even in very bright
conditions. In very bright conditions the color distinction will diminish, but all the
information is still easily read.
4.1 Backlight
A built-in light sensor automatically adjusts the LCD backlighting to a level
that is optimally suited for the ambient light condition it is in or per one of
the user-designated modes described below. Adjustments to the default
levels set at the factory are possible through either the USB keyboard
connection (see Section 6) or via an optional Dimension Interface Package
(see Options, Section 11).
Section
4