ORTEC RADEAGLET User manual

RADEAGLET
Lightweight Handheld Radionuclide Identification Device
User Manual
Software 2.1.16 • Document 1.32o • 2017-12-15

ORTEC
Mail 801 South Illinois Avenue
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
U. S. A.
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email mailto:[email protected]
Web http://www.ortec-online.com/contactus/technicalsupport
RADEAGLET™ is a trademark of ınnoRIID GmbH.
© Copyright 2017 ınnoRIID GmbH. All rights reserved.

Contents
1 Introduction 7
1.1 Symbols ................................................ 7
1.2 The RADEAGLET ........................................... 7
1.2.1 Detectors .......................................... 7
1.2.1.1 Scintillation Detector .............................. 7
1.2.1.2 Geiger-Müller Detector ............................. 8
1.2.1.3 Neutron Detector (Optional) .......................... 8
1.2.2 Overview ........................................... 8
1.2.3 Hardware Accessories ................................... 10
1.2.4 Connectors ......................................... 10
1.3 User and Instrument Safety ..................................... 12
2 Using the RADEAGLET 13
2.1 Battery Handling and Charging ................................... 13
2.2 The RADEAGLET User Interface .................................. 13
2.3 Starting Up the RADEAGLET .................................... 14
2.4 Switch Off the Instrument ...................................... 15
2.5 Dose Rate Mode ........................................... 15
2.5.1 Measuring the Ambient H*(10) Dose Rate ....................... 15
2.5.2 Visual Guides and Alarm Annunciation in Dose Rate Mode .............. 16
2.5.3 Neutron Display In Dose Rate Mode ........................... 16
2.6 Finding Radioactive Sources With Detect Mode ......................... 17
2.6.1 Background ......................................... 17
2.6.2 Finding Gamma Sources .................................. 17
2.6.3 Neutron Source Detection (Optional) ........................... 18
2.7 Easy-Id Mode for Rapid Nuclide Identification ........................... 19
2.7.1 Operation of The Easy-Id Mode .............................. 19
2.7.2 Nuclide Identification Result in Easy Mode ........................ 20
3 Advanced Mode 23
3.1 Entering the Advanced Mode .................................... 23
3.2 The Menu Screen of Advanced Mode ............................... 23
3.3 Spectrum Mode for Spectroscopic Analysis ........................... 24
3.3.1 Screen Layout of the Spectrum Mode .......................... 24
3.3.2 Perform a Manual Acquisition ............................... 25
3.3.3 Trigger Nuclide Identification in Spectrum Mode .................... 26
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3.3.4 Using the Cursor ...................................... 26
3.3.5 Using Zoom ......................................... 27
3.3.6 Loading and Saving Spectra ................................ 28
3.3.7 Changing the x-Axis: Toggling Between Energy and Channel Display ......... 28
3.3.8 Changing the y-Axis Scaling: Linear, Logarithmic or Square Root ........... 29
3.3.9 Toggling Between Real-Time or Live-Time ......................... 30
3.4 Enter the Settings Mode ...................................... 31
3.5 The Calibration Mode ........................................ 32
3.5.1 Source Selection ...................................... 32
3.5.2 Checking the Calibration .................................. 32
3.5.3 Re-Calibrating Using the Calibration Mode ........................ 34
3.6 The System Settings Screen .................................... 34
3.6.1 Setting Date and Time ................................... 34
3.6.2 Language Selection ..................................... 35
3.6.3 Setting the Display Brightness ............................... 35
3.6.4 Setting the Password Protection ............................. 35
3.6.5 Preferences for Annunciators ............................... 36
3.6.6 Acknowledgment Settings ................................. 36
3.6.7 Leaving the System Settings Screen ........................... 38
3.6.8 Setting the Dose Rate Unit ................................. 38
3.6.9 Setting Warning and Alarm Thresholds for Dose Rate ................. 38
3.7 Detect and ID Settings ........................................ 39
3.7.1 Setup of Statistical Characteristics of the Detect Mode ................ 39
3.7.2 Definition of the Easy-ID Time Preset ........................... 39
3.8 Editing the Nuclide Library ...................................... 39
3.8.1 The Nuclide Library ..................................... 39
3.8.2 Activation and Deactivation of Nuclides ......................... 40
3.9 Retrieving System Version Information .............................. 40
3.10 GPS .................................................. 40
3.11 WI-FI and Webserver Settings ................................... 43
3.11.1 Web Interface ........................................ 43
3.11.1.1 Main Web Page ................................. 43
3.11.1.2 View and Download Data ............................ 44
3.11.1.3 Create a Report ................................. 44
A Glossary 47
B Technological Background, Limitations 49
B.1 Stabilization .............................................. 49
B.1.1 Initial stabilization ...................................... 49
B.1.2 Continuous temperature monitoring ........................... 49
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B.1.3 Continuous spectroscopic adjustments ......................... 49
B.2 Effective Range Of Measurement ................................. 50
B.3 Determination of the Full Width at Half Maximum ........................ 50
B.4 Over-Range Characteristics for the Scintillator and the Nuclide Identification ........ 50
C Troubleshooting 51
C.1 Checking the Proper Function of the System ........................... 51
C.2 Troubleshooting ............................................ 52
C.2.1 System Switches Back to Black Screen ......................... 52
C.2.2 System Keeps Running Although the Internal On/Off Switch is Set to Off ...... 52
D Info Pool 53
D.1 ınnoRIID radEAGLET: Specifications ................................ 53
D.2 CE Certificate ............................................. 56
D.3 Warranty ............................................... 57
D.4 Quality Control ............................................ 57
D.5 Service ................................................. 57
D.6 Damage in Transit .......................................... 57
D.7 Bibliography .............................................. 58
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1 Introduction
1.1 Symbols
Throughout this technical manual, the following symbols are used to denote warnings and important
information.
Indicates a specific danger to yourself or the instrument. Please make sure you carefully read these
passages.
Important information for the instrument usage.
If you read this document as a PDF file, you can click cross references, items in the table of contents,
links into the Internet or similar to immediately view the designated item.
1.2 The RADEAGLET
The RADEAGLET is a new generation radio-isotope identification device (RIID). It consists of the following
components:
• Scintillation detector using either a sodium iodide NaI(Tl) crystal.
• Geiger-Müller detector
• Optional neutron detector (3He)
• Multi-channel analyzer (MCA) for spectral data readout of the scintillation detector
• Computational subsystem that includes TFT display, keyboard, status LEDs, vibrator and speaker
• Pack for standard AA batteries
• Optional GPS
1.2.1 Detectors
Each component has a dedicated purpose. The scintillator is the primary detector of the instrument and
would be used for multiple purposes including pulse height analysis and dose rates.
1.2.1.1 Scintillation Detector
The scintillation detector is used to collect the pulse height spectrum of the gamma photons that interact
with the scintillation crystal. The different radioisotopes each have specific decay schemes and some
emit gamma photons that can be analyzed and used to determine the radiation source. (ÞScintillation
Detector)
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1.2.1.2 Geiger-Müller Detector
The dose rate is determined by either the scintillation detector or the internal Geiger-Müller tube. When
the dose rate at the scintillator surface exceeds 200 µSv/h, the Geiger-Müller tube will perform the
dose rate measurement. This tube is suited for measuring dose rates up to 1 Sv/h. (ÞGeiger-Müller
detector)
If the Geiger-Müller detector kicks in, you are already in an extremely dangerous level of radia-
tion. You should increase distance and shielding between yourself and the source. Additionally, you
should restrict the time you stay within this field to an absolute minimum.
1.2.1.3 Neutron Detector (Optional)
If your instrument has an optional 3He neutron detector, this detector will continuously run and acquire
the current neutron counts per second (cps) ÞNeutron Detector.
1.2.2 Overview
Figure 1, p. 9shows a top view on the RADEAGLET instrument. The RADEAGLET features a 3.5 "color
display presenting the various screens of the software.
The keyboard below the screen has 3 keys ( I ) you can press with your thumb while holding the
instrument.
A vibrator is embedded in the handle to give tactile feedback during measurements. It is triggered by
detection events in the DETECT MODE and vibrates during alarm states which are programmable by the
user. Please refer to the SETTINGS section to learn how the vibrator can be switched on and off. The
speaker is positioned directly under the keyboard area. When the system encounters an alarm condition,
the speaker will emit acoustic signals indicative of the alarm condition.
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Micro SD Card
USB A Host Connector for Commu-
nication Dongles (WLAN, Bluetooth,
Ethernet, …)
GPS Antenna* Under Glass Cover
Battery Status
Current Time (24h Format)
Stabilization Status
GPS Status*
Geiger-Müller Counter
Handle with Vibrator
Beeper (Below Keyboard)
Dose Rate Unit and Value
Gamma (𝛾) Counts/sec
Warning and Alarm Thresholds
Neutron Data*
Current Key Commands
3-Button Keyboard
with Status LEDs
Gamma Alarm LED
Neutron Alarm LED*
Battery Status LED (bi-color)
3He Neutron Detector*
(Near Bottom of Instrument)
* Optional Feature
Figure 1: Top view of the RADEAGLET instrument
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1.2.3 Hardware Accessories
The RADEAGLET is delivered with comprehensive accessories. The list of accessories may vary depend-
ing on what is ordered with the system. The transportation case should contain the following items
(Figure 2, p. 10):
Figure 2: The RADEAGLET with accessories
• RADEAGLET instrument
• USB charger with US or European plug
• USB cable for connecting the RADEAGLET to a PC or external power
• USB battery pack for AA batteries
• USB power adapter for cars
• Calibration box
Please make sure the delivered parts are complete.
1.2.4 Connectors
The RADEAGLET has several connectors:
Micro USB-B at rear end: Use this plug Figure 4, p. 11 to connect your RADEAGLET to a computer. All
common operating systems like Microsoft Windows, MacOS or Linux are supported.
The internal battery of the RADEAGLET is charged while connected through this plug to a computer
(slower charging) or a power adapter (faster).
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USB A Host Connector for Com-
munication Dongles (WLAN
(shown), Bluetooth, Ethernet, …)
Micro SD Storage Card
Figure 3: Front view of the RADEAGLET with top cover removed
USB Micro-B Connec-
tor (Computer Con-
nection and Power)
Figure 4: Rear view of the RADEAGLET
USB-A host connector behind front cover: Use this plug Figure 3, p. 11 for WLAN, Bluetooth, USB-to-
Ethernet adapters, or USB storage devices (all optional).
When operating under harsh conditions, keep the connectors clean and free of dust or sand. If you
experience connection problems, clean the connector with a cleanser specialized for electronic
components.
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1.3 User and Instrument Safety
Do not unscrew the housing of the RADEAGLET. There are no user servicable parts inside.
Various components inside the RADEAGLET use high voltages posing a severe health risk for you.
The detector crystals built into in the RADEAGLET are brittle. To enjoy a long-lasting performance
of your instrument, avoid drops or other impacts.
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2 Using the RADEAGLET
Before you start the RADEAGLET for the first time, ensure the battery is fully charged. To check
this, plug in the provided charger (Figure 4, p. 11) and let it charge until the green LED (Figure 1,
p. 9) goes off.
2.1 Battery Handling and Charging
The RADEAGLET has a built-in Li-ion battery which is charged when the instrument is connected via the
USB plug at the rear end. For charging, you can connect to a computer, a wall power adaptor, or an
external battery pack with a USB-A plug.
2.2 The RADEAGLET User Interface
The display of the RADEAGLET screen always shows status information along the top and the legend for
the keyboard along the bottom (Figure 1, p. 9, Figure 5, p. 13). Pressing a key will launch the displayed
command or navigate to another display.
Legend of Keyboard
Functions
Figure 5: The current functions of keys is always shown along the bottom of the RADEAGLET display.
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Alarm and battery status LEDs are built into the keyboard of the RADEAGLET (Figure 1, p. 9, Figure 5,
p. 13).
GGamma warnings and alarms
NNeutron warnings and alarms (optional)
Battery charging
Battery heat failure
2.3 Starting Up the RADEAGLET
1. Position the instrument in a low-radiation environment.
2. Position the supplied KCl (pottasium chloride) box in front of the detector cap.
3. Press and hold down the Ikey (Figure 5, p. 13) at the bottom center of the keyboard.
4. After a couple of seconds the instrument begins to boot when the alarm LEDs (Figure 1, p. 9) begin
to flash.
5. You a welcomed by the start-up screen (Figure 6, p. 14).
Boot Progress
Current Date
Software Version
Figure 6: Starting the RADEAGLET.
6. The RADEAGLET performs an initial stabilization (see B.1, p. 49 for details) and switches to DOSE
RATE MODE (Figure 9, p. 17).
7. Watch the stabilzation status icon at the screen’s upper left:
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No stabilization since you switched on the instrument. After about 2–3 minutes, the status
should change to one of the following.
The instrument is stabilized. You can use the instrument.
The stabilization failed. A new calibration (see 3.5, p. 32) is recommened.
2.4 Switch Off the Instrument
To switch off the instrument, enter the ADVANCED MODE and press NEXT until OFF is highlighted (Fig-
ure 7, p. 15). Press SELECT to switch off the Instrument.
Figure 7: Highlighted OFF in advanced mode
To cancel the shut down process, press any key while the switch off screen (Figure 8, p. 16) is shown.
2.5 Dose Rate Mode
2.5.1 Measuring the Ambient H*(10) Dose Rate
Once started, the instrument’s display starts up in the DOSE RATE MODE. It shows the ambient H*(10)
dose rate in units of µSv/h (this can be switched to mR/h). The dose rate is a primary physical quan-
tity measured by the device and indicates the strength of the current radiation field. The count rate is
displayed in counts-per-second (cps). Figure 9, p. 17 shows the DOSE RATE MODE.
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Shut Down Progress
Figure 8: Switch Off screen
2.5.2 Visual Guides and Alarm Annunciation in Dose Rate Mode
A colored bar gives a visual interpretation of the dose rate. It also helps you to qualitatively deduce
whether the radiation is strong or not, based on the definitions in the DOSE RATE SETTINGS menu. The
green area represents minor radiation strength well below the warning threshold defined in the DOSE
RATE SETTINGS. If the dose rate increases, the yellow area would be lit indicating a moderate radiation
field. The yellow region corresponds to when the radiation field is stronger than the predefined warning
threshold. This will vary based on the level set by the user in the DOSE RATE SETTINGS screen (Figure 31,
p. 39). Lastly, the red area denotes system is in a dose rate field that exceeds the user defined alarm
threshold.
Once the dose rate exceeds the warning and alarm thresholds, different visual, tactile, and acoustic
alarms will be triggered (assuming the vibrator and sound are enabled in the SYSTEM SETTINGS menu).
2.5.3 Neutron Display In Dose Rate Mode
If the optional neutron detector is installed, the neutron cps will be displayed and a second color bar in
blue visually displays the neutron cps.
Neutron sources are dangerous and neutron sources are always considered as threat. If the in-
strument indicates the presence of neutron radiation, increase distance to the source immediately.
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Figure 9: The DOSE RATE MODE: Ambient H*(10) dose rate is displayed in units µSv/h or mR/h.
2.6 Finding Radioactive Sources With Detect Mode
2.6.1 Background
Finding radioactive sources requires a solid differentiation between the ambient ÞBackground dose rate
(or count rate) and the dose rate of a potential source. For this purpose, the RADEAGLET measures the
background as shown in Figure 10, p. 18.
You can manually trigger the re-acquisition of a new background level with the right button labelled NEW
BG. This might become necessary if you changed your measurement location or the background is sus-
pected to have changed for any reason.
It is preferable to take the background in a low radiation environment. If you are in a facility with a
high natural background or with multiple radiation sources present, the detection capability adapts
to this situation.
2.6.2 Finding Gamma Sources
The RADEAGLET detects gamma sources by evaluating the incoming radiation strength in terms of count
rate. When entering the DETECT MODE, the instrument will automatically perform a background acquisi-
tion. It is best to do this in an area representative of the natural background and to make sure no known
radiation sources are located nearby.
Having established the background, a bar graph appears as presented in Figure 11, p. 19. The bars move
from the right to the left side of the screen. On the right side, the most recent bar appears. The height
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Figure 10: Taking background
of each bar is proportional to the cps. A color coded scheme aids you to find sources:
• green bars denote radiation levels close to the background where no additional
• yellow bars indicate a slight increase in radiation (an additional source might be present)
• red bars represent increased radiation potentially caused by a source
Figure 11, p. 19 shows the DETECT MODE in a typical situation where the radiation strip chart is close to
the background and the background is not varying. The bars are green and may fluctuate slightly which
is normal as the radiation is neither constant in space nor in time.
The motion of the bars helps you find the location of the source. As the instrument is moved towards
a radiation source or pointed towards a source, the intensity of the strip chart will increase resulting in
peak appearing in the bar graph as the RADEAGLET passes by a radiation source.
2.6.3 Neutron Source Detection (Optional)
The RADEAGLET has an optional neutron detector installed. If you are close to a neutron source, there
are several visual indications that warn or alarm you about it:
• The blue LED located on the RADEAGLET keyboard will flash when neutrons are detected
• In the DOSE RATE MODE, the neutron cps will be displayed together with a blue horizontal bar
proportional to the number of incoming neutrons
• In the DETECT MODE, neutron events are marked as blue bars.
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Previous Values Moving Left
Current ValueOldest Value
Figure 11: DETECT MODE
For tests involving an un-moderated neutron source, an appropriate PMMA phantom or equivalent
must be placed between the neutron source and the instrument to accurately simulate the moder-
ation effects of field mission environments (which always provide moderation through surrounding
material).
2.7 Easy-Id Mode for Rapid Nuclide Identification
A primary objective of RADEAGLET is to identify the source of radiation. For performing a quick identifi-
cation, RADEAGLET features the so-called EASY-ID MODE. In this mode, a time preset (as defined in the
SETTINGS menu) is used to acquire a spectrum of the source.
2.7.1 Operation of The Easy-Id Mode
The EASY-ID MODE has a visual guidance that helps the user to establish a distance that is favorable for
an ID (Figure 12, p. 20).
There is a prominent graphic on the screen. The highlighted bar indicates whether your position to the
source is optimal or not: if you are too close to the source, the bar changes to RED. You should go back
to improve the acquisition quality. Similarly, if you are too far away from the source, the bar is near to
the bottom and it changes to ORANGE. In this case, you should move closer to the source for increasing
the quality of the acquisition. If the blue bar is in the middle of the bars, the measurement position is
optimized, which is denoted by a GREEN bar.
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The EASY ID MODE graphic is surrounded by other measurement information including:
• a countdown timer
• a display of the dose rate
• a display of the current count rate
The automatic acquisition will stop, after the countdown timer finished. The analysis results will then be
displayed. The user can manually trigger an immediate analysis by pushing the ANALYZE button located
in the center.
Pressing the DOSE button will lead you back to the DOSE RATE MODE.
Figure 12: EASY-ID MODE
2.7.2 Nuclide Identification Result in Easy Mode
Once the countdown timer reaches 0, or after the user has pressed ANALYZE, the instrument will display
the ID results in a dedicated nuclide ID screen (please refer to Figure 13, p. 21).
The result of the identification is composed of following information:
• Nuclide name in short form, such as Cs137
• Category: Naturally occurring radiation (NORM), industrial emitter (IND), medical source (MED) or
special nuclear material (SNM)
• Severity: Threat, Suspicious or Innocent which is also indicated via the colored box.
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