PTW 30010 User manual

D596.131.00/05 en 2016-01 ext/Hn
User Manual
Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Contents
Operating Manual
Technical Manual
Service Manual

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
General Information
2 D596.131.00/05 en
General Information
– The product bears the CE-mark "CE 0124"
in accordance with the Council Directive
93/42/EEC about Medical Devices and fulfills
the essential requirements of Annex I of this
directive. The product is a class IIb device
(MDD).
–Product standards
The product fully complies with the require-
ments of the following standards:
– IEC 60731
–Electrical Safety
The product fully complies with the require-
ments of the following standards:
– IEC 61010-1
–Electromagnetic compatibility
The product fully complies with the require-
ments of the following standards:
– IEC 60601-1-2
– The user manual is an integral part of the prod-
uct. It should always be kept near the product.
Observance of the manual is a prerequisite for
proper product performance and correct oper-
ation.
– Operator safety, specified measuring accu-
racy, and interference-free operation can
only be guaranteed if original products and
parts are used. Furthermore, only the acces-
sories listed in this manual are approved by
PTW-Freiburg and only they or other acces-
sories whose use has been expressly permit-
ted by PTW-Freiburg may be used in con-
junction with the product. Safe operation and
proper product performance are not guaran-
teed if accessories or consumables from other
manufacturers are used.
– PTW-Freiburg cannot be held liable for dam-
age resulting from the use of accessories
or consumables from other manufacturers or
when the user ignores the instructions and
information given in this manual.
– The warranty period is 1 (one) year and begins
on the day of delivery. It is unaffected by
repairs covered by the warranty regulations.
– PTW-Freiburg only considers itself responsi-
ble for the safety, reliability, and performance
of the product if the assembly, extension, read-
justment, modification, or repair is carried out
by PTW-Freiburg or by persons authorized by
PTW-Freiburg, and if the product is used in
compliance with the technical documentation.
– In case of any questions concerning the ser-
vice, support, or warranty, please contact your
supplier.
– This manual is in conformity with the product
specifications and all applicable safety stan-
dards that are valid as at the printing date. All
rights are reserved for devices, circuits, tech-
niques, software, and names as referred to in
the manual.
– PTW-Freiburg reserves the right to make mod-
ifications.
Please contact PTW or your local representa-
tive for the most current information concern-
ing the products of interest.
– No part of the technical documentation may
be reproduced without written permission from
PTW-Freiburg.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
General Information
D596.131.00/05 en 3
– PTW-Freiburg is a registered manufacturer
according to the ElektroG (Elektro- und Elek-
tronikgeräte-Gesetz).
Elektro-Altgeräte-Register (EAR). Registration
number DE15599992
– PTW-Freiburg works in strict accordance with
a quality management system that is contin-
uously updated according to the national and
international standards.
PTW-Freiburg
Physikalisch-Technische Werkstätten
Dr. Pychlau GmbH
Lörracher Str. 7
79115 FREIBURG
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.ptw.de

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Table of Contents
4 D596.131.00/05 en
Table of Contents
General Information........................................................................................................2
Table of Contents........................................................................................................... 4
List of Figures.................................................................................................................5
Intended Use................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Information.......................................................................................................... 7
Operating Manual...........................................................13
1 Application................................................................................................................. 13
2 Measuring Ranges.................................................................................................... 18
Technical Manual........................................................... 21
3 Technical Specifications.......................................................................................... 21
4 Electromagnetic Compatibility according to IEC 60601-1-2..................................29
5 Accessories and Spare Parts.................................................................................. 35
Service Manual...............................................................37
6 Cleaning......................................................................................................................37
7 Preventive Maintenance........................................................................................... 39
8 Disposal of the Product........................................................................................... 40
Literature........................................................................................................................41
Index...............................................................................................................................42

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
List of Figures
D596.131.00/05 en 5
List of Figures
Figure 1: Farmer chamber types 30010, 30011, 30012................................................................................... 6
Figure 2: Farmer chamber type 30013............................................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Definition of the patient environment...............................................................................................12
Figure 4: Drawing of the Farmer chamber type 30010 (dimensions in mm)..................................................24
Figure 5: Drawing of the Farmer chamber type 30013 (dimensions in mm)..................................................24
Figure 6: Drawing of the Farmer chamber type 30011 (dimensions in mm).................................................. 28
Figure 7: Drawing of the Farmer chamber type 30012 (dimensions in mm)..................................................28

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Intended Use
6 D596.131.00/05 en
Intended Use
Farmer chambers types 30010, 30011, 30012,
and 30013 are standard chambers for absolute
and relative dosimetry in combination with preci-
sion electrometers according to IEC 60731.
With their outside dimensions they are compatible
with the Farmer chambers from other manufactur-
ers. The chambers differ in the material used for
the chamber walls and for the central electrode.
Furthermore, the Farmer chamber type 30013 is
waterproof. The chambers are used for measure-
ments in the radiation beam in radiotherapy or for
reference purposes in secondary standard labo-
ratories.
Figure 1: Farmer chamber types 30010,
30011, 30012
Figure 2: Farmer chamber type 30013
The Farmer chambers types 30010, 30011,
30012, 30013 will be referred to as detectors in
the following chapters. A differentiation between
the Farmer chambers types 30010, 30011, 30012,
and 30013 is only made when necessary due to
technical differences.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
D596.131.00/05 en 7
Safety Information
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used
to alert the user to potential hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid any possible bodily injury
or equipment damage.
All safety messages consist of the following com-
ponents:
– Safety alert symbol and signal word
– Type of danger
– Source of danger
– Consequence
– Measures to prevent hazards.
Signal Words
DANGER
Indicates an imminent hazard. If not avoided,
the hazard will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazard. If not avoided, the hazard
can result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potential hazard. If not avoided, the
hazard can result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a potential hazard. If not avoided, the
hazard can result in product damage.
HINT
Provides application tips or other useful infor-
mation to ensure that you get the most from
your equipment.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
8 D596.131.00/05 en
Safety Information
Strictly observe the following safety informa-
tion concerning the signal words DANGER and
WARNING. Failure to do so endangers the lives
of the patient, user, and other persons involved.
DANGER
Operation in areas where an explosion may
occur or in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.
Explosion Hazard!
Do not operate the product in areas of risk
where an explosion may occur. Explosion
hazards may be caused, for example, by the
use of combustible anesthetics, skin-cleansing
agents, and disinfectants.
Do not operate the product in oxygen-
enriched atmospheres. The atmosphere is
considered to be oxygen-enriched when more
than 25 % of oxygen or nitrous oxide is added
to the ambient air.
DANGER
Electricity is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is not in perfect operating condition
or when it is operated inappropriately.
Shock Hazard!
– Before using the product, verify that it is in
correct working order and operating condi-
tion.
– Before putting the product into operation,
inspect all connection cables, connectors,
housing, and covers for signs of damage.
Replace damaged cables and connectors
immediately.
DANGER
Electricity is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is not in perfect operating condition
or when it is operated inappropriately.
Shock Hazard!
– Switch on products on which moisture con-
densation has developed as a result of tem-
perature changes only after they are com-
pletely dry.
– Liquids must not enter the product. If liquids
have entered the product, dry the product
or wait for it to dry completely. The prod-
uct must be thoroughly inspected by service
personnel before being used again.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
D596.131.00/05 en 9
DANGER
Electricity is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is operated inappropriately.
Shock Hazard!
Exclusion of operation in the patient envi-
ronment:
Do not operate the product nor any periph-
eral devices in the patient environment (see
Figure 3).
Exclusion of operation with patient contact:
The product is not intended for use in direct
contact with the patient. Ensure that neither the
product nor any peripheral devices come into
contact with the patient.
DANGER
Electricity is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is operated inappropriately.
Shock Hazard!
Use of peripheral devices:
Connect only peripheral devices (PC, printer)
that meet the requirements of the standard
IEC 60950-1 (UL 60950-1) or the standard
IEC 61010-1.
Connect devices to other devices or to parts
of systems only if it has been ascertained that
this connection does not impair the safety of the
patient, the operator, or the environment.
If the device specifications do not contain infor-
mation regarding the connection of the device
to other equipment, consult, for example, the
manufacturers of the other equipment or other
informed experts to verify that the connection
does not impair the safety of the patient, oper-
ator, or environment. Always observe the stan-
dard IEC 61010-1.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
10 D596.131.00/05 en
WARNING
Improper handling.
Hazards to Persons!
The product is a medical device and must
only be handled by persons who are trained
in the use of such equipment and are capable
of applying it properly. The operator must be
trained in the use and operation of the product.
WARNING
Magnetic and electrical fields are capable of
interfering with the proper performance of the
product.
Product Failure!
– When operating the product, make sure that
all external devices operated in its vicin-
ity comply with the relevant EMC require-
ments. X-ray equipment, MRI devices, radio
systems, cell phones, etc. are possible
sources of disturbance as they may emit
higher levels of electromagnetic radiation.
Keep the product away from these devices
and verify its performance before use.
– Do not use cables longer than specified.
This might impair the electromagnetic com-
patibility characteristics of the product.
– Do not use the product in the immedi-
ate vicinity or placed on top of or below
other equipment. However, if the applica-
tion requires an arrangement of devices
as described above, the product should be
monitored in order to ensure its proper func-
tioning in the specific arrangement.
– Make sure that the product is used in an
electromagnetic environment as described
in IEC 60601-1-2.
WARNING
Radiation is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is operated inappropriately.
Risks to Persons!
Exclusion of operation as a controlling
instrument:
Use the product as a measuring device only. Do
not use measuring results to control an equip-
ment that produces radiation, e.g., a radiodiag-
nostic equipment or a radiotherapy unit.
WARNING
Application for uses other than those stated in
the user manual.
Bodily Injury! Equipment Damage!
Always apply the product in compliance with its
intended use.
Failure to do so may lead to severe or even fatal
injuries and/or equipment damage and may
void the warranty.
WARNING
Hazards originating from other system compo-
nents.
Hazards to Persons! Equipment Damage!
Observe the safety information provided in the
user manuals of the system components.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
D596.131.00/05 en 11
CAUTION
Use of the product without observing the user
manual.
Bodily Injury! Equipment Damage!
Always use the product in compliance with the
user manual. Otherwise, the provided protec-
tion may be impaired.
Use the product only in conjunction with
the products approved by PTW for this pur-
pose and/or the products listed in the section
"Intended Use".
Use the product within the rated range of use
as indicted in the section "Technical Specifica-
tions".
Handle the product with care.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the cables and connectors,
observe the following points:
– Do not kink the cables. Observe the stated
minimum bend radius of the cables. Never
exert pressure on the cables. Do not step
on the cables. Do not roll trolleys over the
cables. Do not pull or twist the cables.
– Disconnect the cables from the devices dur-
ing transport and when the devices are not
in use. Do not let the cables hang down
unrestrained.
– The connectors must always be clean. Do
not allow connectors to lie on the floor.
Always protect connectors when pulling
them through cable conduits.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Safety Information
12 D596.131.00/05 en
HINT
Observe the user manuals of all connected
devices!
Figure 3: Definition of the patient environment
Symbols on the Nameplate
Symbol Description
Refer to the user manual!
The product bears the CE-mark.
Manufacturer and date of manu-
facture
Reference number
Serial number
Separate collection for electrical
and electronic equipment!
(refer also to the section "Dis-
posal of the Product")
For a description of additional symbols, if
applicable, please refer to the equipment
description.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Application
D596.131.00/05 en 13
Operating Manual
1 Application
1.1 Quick Start (Workflow)
CAUTION
Electricity is a source of risk, particularly when
the product is operated inappropriately.
Shock Hazard! Equipment Damage!
Do not open the detector.
CAUTION
Improper handling.
Erroneous Measurements! Malfunction!
Before switching on the connected devices,
check that all plugs are properly connected.
NOTICE
To avoid equipment damage, observe the
information about electrometer connection and
setup and about measurements provided in the
user manual of the electrometers used.
HINT
PTW recommends transferring all components
of the measuring system from the storage room
to the treatment room well in advance of the
measurement to allow the temperature in the
devices to adapt to the ambient temperature. If
the difference in temperature is high, the mea-
surement quality may be impaired (particularly
when measurements are performed in phan-
toms).

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Application
14 D596.131.00/05 en
•Connect the electrometer and switch it on.
•Perform all necessary adjustments at the elec-
trometer. Verify that the high voltage is cor-
rectly adjusted.
•Connect the detector.
•Allow for a stabilization time of 15 minutes
before starting the measurement.
•For absolute dosimetry: Determine the correc-
tion factor for the air density correction. If pos-
sible, set the correction factor at the electrom-
eter or note it down for the correction of the
measured value.
•Pre-irradiate the detector.
•Check the leakage current. The leakage cur-
rent should be low and stable.
•Perform a zero adjustment.
•Perform the measurement.
1.2 General Application
Information
The detectors are intended to be used with PTW
precision electrometers according to IEC 60731.
The detectors are used for dose and dose
rate measurement for the measuring quantities
'absorbed dose to water' and 'air kerma'. They are
applied in absolute and relative dosimetry or for
calibration measurements in air or in solid state
phantoms.
Only the Farmer chamber, type 30013, is water-
proof. These detectors are intended to be used in
a water phantom.
The black line on one side of the chamber stem
should face the radiation source during use.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the detector, observe the
following points:
The wall around the sensitive volume is very
delicate and can easily be damaged.
Do not touch the wall with your hands or with
tools.
During storage, protect the chamber wall with
the build-up cap.
Handle the detectors with extreme care when
inserting them into adapters (for phantoms or
check devices) or removing them.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Application
D596.131.00/05 en 15
Operate the detectors only in the rated ranges
of use indicated in section 3 "Technical Specifi-
cations". Other operating conditions may lead to
incorrect results.
HINT
Using the detectors with other electrometers
or within other rated ranges of use is the sole
responsibility of the user.
WARNING
High voltage is a source of risk.
Bodily Injury!
The combination of different connection sys-
tems to connect the detectors requires special
precaution. Connect high voltage only via an
active current limitation (Imax < 0.5 mA).
When the detectors are properly connected, high
voltage is not applied to any of the exposed com-
ponents.
Connection cables with an overall length of up to
100 m can be used between the detectors and the
measuring device.
For measurements with 137Cs, 60Co or higher ener-
gies in air, always use the detectors with their
build-up caps. Performing the measurements with
these radiation qualities without build-up caps will
lead to incorrect results.
Air Density Correction
The detectors are vented and require air density
correction. The correction factor kTP for air density
correction is calculated according to the following
formula.
T temperature in sensitive volume [°C]
P atmospheric pressure at measuring
site [hPa]
T0calibration temperature 20 °C or 22 °C
P0atmospheric pressure for calibration
1013.25 hPa
Check the aeration for proper functioning by
comparison with other chambers or by using a
radioactive check device.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Application
16 D596.131.00/05 en
Application in Water
The detectors are not waterproof.
NOTICE
Do not use the detectors in water. Using them
in water is not intended and may cause dam-
age to the detectors and to the electrometer
and may lead to dangerous short-circuits.
The Farmer chamber, type 30013, is waterproof.
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the detector, observe the
following points:
The detectors are allowed to remain immersed
in water without interruption for a maximum of
12 hours.
After use, remove the detectors from the water
and dry them thoroughly.
When attaching the build-up cap, make sure
that there is no water between the detector and
the cap.
Guard Ring
The guard ring of the detector is designed up to
the sensitive volume. The potential of the guard
ring is equivalent to the potential of the central
electrode. When the detector is properly con-
nected, high voltage is not applied to any of the
exposed components.
1.3 Special Application
Considerations
NOTICE
Use only accessories, such as positioner,
adapter, chamber plate, or check device,
approved by PTW for the different applica-
tions; refer to section 5 "Accessories and Spare
Parts".
Application with the Radioactive Check
Device
Proceed as follows:
•Unscrew the build-up cap from the detector.
•Introduce the detector holder T48002.3.003
into the chamber well of the check device all
the way.
•Carefully introduce the detector into the holder
all the way. Line up the marks on the chamber
stem and on the holder.
•When the detectors are not in use: Screw the
build-up cap onto the detector housing.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Application
D596.131.00/05 en 17
Application in the Slab Phantom
Special chamber plates are available for mea-
surements with the detector. Mount the detector
as follows:
•Unscrew the build-up cap from the detector.
•Carefully insert the detector into the chamber
plate. The mark on the chamber stem should
face the radiation source during use.
•When the detectors are not in use: Screw the
build-up cap onto the detector housing.

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Measuring Ranges
18 D596.131.00/05 en
2 Measuring Ranges
When used in combination with the PTW electrometers, the typical measuring ranges of the detectors are
as given below.
The resolution of the digital display is at least 0.5% of the indicated measuring ranges.
The upper measuring range limit of the dose rate in consideration of the recombination losses is given in
section 3 "Technical Specifications".
Measuring ranges for use with a TANDEM
Measuring ranges
Dose rate
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
15 mGy/min - 3 Gy/min
150 mGy/min - 30 Gy/min
1.5 Gy/min - 300 Gy/min
Measuring ranges for use with a UNIDOS
Measuring ranges
Dose (charge)
LOW
HIGH
100 µGy - 11 mGy
5 mGy - 1.1 Gy
Dose (integrated value)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
100 µGy/min - 600 Gy/min
5 mGy/min - 30 kGy/min
500 m/min - 3.3 MGy/min
Dose rate
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
600 µGy/min - 600 mGy/min
30 mGy/min - 30 Gy/min
3 Gy/min - 3 kGy/min

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Measuring Ranges
D596.131.00/05 en 19
Measuring ranges for use with a UNIDOS E
Measuring ranges
Dose
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
100 µGy - 325 Gy
10 mGy - 33 kGy
1 Gy - 3.3 MGy
Dose rate
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
600 µGy/min - 300 mGy/min
60 mGy/min - 30 Gy/min
6 Gy/min - 3 kGy/min
Measuring ranges for use with a UNIDOS webline
Measuring ranges
Dose
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
100 µGy - 45 kGy
5 mGy - 4.5 MGy
500 mGy - 450 MGy
Dose rate
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
600 µGy/min - 750 mGy/min
30 mGy/min - 75 Gy/min
3 Gy/min - 7.5 kGy/min

Farmer Chamber
Ionization Chamber
Type 30010, 30011, 30012, 30013
Operating Manual - Measuring Ranges
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