SAPHYMO AlphaE User manual

Hand-Held Device for
Radon Concentration &
Personal Radon Exposure
User Manual
07/2016

2/33
Saphymo GmbH
Heerstraße 149, D-60488
Frankfurt am Main –Germany
Phone:+ 49 69 97 6 5 14 –0
Fax: + 49 69 76 35 27
E-Mail: [e-mail]
URL: http://www.saphymo.com
AlphaE_Manual_E-2016-07

AlphaE –User Manual 07/2016 1
Contents
1FOREWORD 3
2INTRODUCTION / GENERAL ISSUES 3
3SCOPE OF DELIVERY 5
4INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFETY 5
5INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST START-UP 6
6TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF ALPHAE 6
6.1 PRINCIPLE OF DETECTION AND OPERATION 6
6.2 CASE 7
6.2.1 DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 7
6.3FUNCTIONAL AND CONTROL ELEMENTS 8
6.3.1 MINI-USB PORT 8
6.3.2 ON/OFF BUTTON 8
6.3.3 MODE BUTTON 9
6.3.4 LC DISPLAY 9
6.3.5 BEEPER 10
6.3.6 AIR ENTRANCE WINDOW 10
6.4 OPERATION OF ALPHAE 10
6.4.1 STARTING THE MEASUREMENT 10
6.4.2 DISPLAYING AVAILABLE PARAMETERS AND CHANGING SETTINGS 11
6.4.3 BACKLIGHT OF DISPLAY 15
6.4.4 SWITCHING THE DEVICE OFF 15
7COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE MODULE 16
7.1 INSTALLATION OF COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE MODULES 16
7.2 WORKING WITH THE COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE 16
7.2.1 ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ALPHAE AND PC 16
7.2.2 READING OUT THE STATUS 17
7.2.3 CHANGING USER PARAMETERS 19
7.2.4 INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATION 21
7.2.5 DOWNLOADING MEASUREMENT DATA 22
7.2.6 GENERATING A CHART 24
7.2.7 PRINTING OUT THE VALUE TABLE 25
7.2.8 EXPORTING AND IMPORTING DATA 25
8ACCESSORIES 27
8.1 WALL SUPPORT 27

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8.2 BELT POUCH 27
9TECHNICAL DATA 29
10 LITERATURE 30

AlphaE –User Manual 07/2016 3
1 Foreword
Congratulations for purchasing AlphaE. AlphaE is a light-weight and
handheld device for monitoring the personal radon exposure and dose
as well as for short-/long-term radon surveillance indoors, outdoors or in
caves and mines. AlphaE combines a number of extraordinary character-
istics such as:
Up to 6 months autonomous operation on rechargeable battery
Huge storage capacity (> 8500 data sets)
Free selectable measurement/storage cycle (1 min … 12 h)
Sophisticated smoothing algorithm allows stable results also be-
low 100 Bq/m³ at comparatively short response times to gradi-
ents
Calculation and recording of the dose based on a user adjustable
equilibrium factor
Simultaneous recording and storing of auxiliary parameters (air
temperature, humidity and pressure as well as tampering)
Two alarm levels for the Radon-222 concentration as well as one
threshold for the dose can be predefined
Whenever required mean Radon-222 results, dose, temperature
as well as the settings can be brought to the display.
Typical application fields are:
Short-/long-term monitoring of radon in buildings, caves, mines,
soil gas …
Measurement of personal exposure and dosimetry for workers in
health centers, mines, waterworks …
Radon measurements for designing mitigation activities
2 Introduction / General Issues
Radon is a noble gas and is permanently generated in soil and rocks by
radioactive decay of radium, a natural radio nuclide. Building materials
containing Uranium minerals release radon as well. Radon is colorless,
odorless and tasteless and occurs everywhere in the world.
The relatively long half-life of Radon-222 (t1/2: 3,8 d) is essential to
occurrence and spreading of this isotope: The radon gas which escapes
from the soil reaches the atmosphere and moves into the interior of
buildings through holes, gaps and cracks in the stonework. The ratio of
the radon concentration to be found in indoor air to the concentration in
soil air typically amounts to 1 to 5 ‰ (BFS).
Radon –mainly absorbed by inhalation –accounts for about 50 % of the
radiation hazard human beings are exposed to. As high Radon exposure
increases the risk of lung cancer this radio nuclide is of high concern in
radiation protection.

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Measurements provide clarity! According to this principle measure-
ments of the radon exposure form the fundamental requirements for
assessing the risk human beings are subjected to, for adopting
appropriate safety measures as well as for planning and implementing
mitigation actions for the population and workers.
Generally, assessments of human radon exposure and dose are derived
from averaged measurements of the radon concentration at the spots
where the people habitually stay like homes and work places, ignoring
the actual use of the premises. As peoples’ living behaviour and residing
habits affect the prevailing level of radon and its decay products on a
high degree the above mentioned approach implies significant
uncertainties in determining the real personal radon exposure and
received dose. Accurate exposure and dose estimation can be obtained
by using active measurement devices which provide real-time data and
are permanently worn by the persons under surveillance.
For this purpose AlphaE , based on a silicon diode diffusion chamber, a
light-weight personal exposimeter, has been developed by a cooperation
of the Munich Helmholtz Centre and Saphymo GmbH, Germany. AlphaE
is available in two versions:
AlphaE (SI): Displays and stores the values in SI units (Bq, Sv and °C)
AlphaE (US): Displays and stores the values in US units (Ci, rem and °F)
Combining all suitable features AlphaE represents an appropriate tool for
recording the personal exposure to radon and the accumulated dose as
well as for stationary short- and long-term monitoring of indoor radon
concentration. The detector provides a wide measurement range up to
10 MBq/m³ and is sufficiently sensitive for reliable measurements also
below 100 Bq/m³.
This manual describes all basic functions of the AlphaE necessary for
complying with above mentioned measuring requirements. It contains
general advice for safe handling as well as recommendations for reason-
able use. The goal is to quickly put the user in a position to conduct
high-quality measurements and screenings.
In principle AlphaE is a user-friendly instrument. Its few functions can
be mastered easily, quickly making the instruction manual superfluous.
For any questions that are not answered by this manual, please contact
Saphymo GmbH directly. We will do our best to solve the problem quick-
ly.

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3 Scope of delivery
Basic configuration
The basic delivery scope includes:
 AlphaE handheld radon exposimeter device
USB Mains charger/adapter
USB cable (USB to Mini USB)
DataVIEW communication and evaluation software (on CD)
Options
Available accessories (see chapter 8, page 27):
Wall support
Belt pouch
Suitcase for 1 x AlphaE and accessories
Suitcase for 5 x AlphaE and accessories
Dust protection bag
4 Instructions for Safety
AlphaE is a user-friendly and easy to handle instrument and complies
with relevant EN/IEC norms with regard to safety requirements and
electromagnetic compatibility (declaration of conformity on request).
Nevertheless, for the user’s particular safety and for assuring undis-
turbed functioning of the device, please strictly obey following instruc-
tions:
Do not expose the device to rain or excess moisture of any kind.
Do not allow liquid to enter the openings of the case (namely:
diffusion orifice and USB socket).
Do not operate the device in corrosive environment.
Avoid excess exposure to dust - use the belt pouch or dust pro-
tection bag (Tyvek).
Do not cover the diffusion inlet of the device during measure-
ment.
The battery charger works with 100 - 240 V power supply. Pay
attention to the danger of high voltage! Only use the original or
technically compatible charging devices.
Detector and electronics are highly sensitive components and re-
spond under certain circumstances also to electromagnetic fields.
Hence wireless (DECT) and cellular phones should be kept on a
distance of at least 20 cm to the AlphaE .
In case of failure do not open the device nor try to repair it !

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5 Instructions for first Start-Up
With completely charged battery the AlphaE allows autonomous opera-
tion of up to 6 months.
Note: Before starting up the device for the first time the battery
should be charged for minimum 6 hours.
Charging of the AlphaE can be performed
either directly by mains, connecting the device to the charging
adapter using attached USB cable
or
indirectly via PC by connecting the device to a running computer
using attached USB cable.
During charging the display shows a flashing battery symbol.
Note: We recommend recharging the device every 3 months in
order to prevent power failure during operation.
6 Technical Description of AlphaE
6.1 Principle of Detection and Operation
1
AlphaE is an active measurement device for detecting and recording
the radon concentration, exposure and dose. Based on the diffusion
principle with silicon detector the radon gas diffuses through the entry
holes of the case into the inner of the diffusion chamber. As the holes
are entirely covered by a Gore-Tex membrane only the radon gas can
enter the chamber while the decay products, also called radon
daughters (Polonium, Lead, Bismuth), are retained by the filter.
Hence, the measurement performs independently from fluctuating
external parameters like aerosol concentration and air humidity. This is
worthwhile to mention, as these factors have a big impact on the
measurement of radon progenies but no influence on the radon gas.
The alpha radiation emitted during the decay of Radon-222 is recorded
by the silicon detector. However, along with the decay of Radon-222
also its progenies develop in the interior of the chamber and separate
out at its walls. The alpha radiation caused by the Radon progenies
when decaying is proportional to the Radon-222 concentration inside the
chamber. Its radiation contribution accounts for the major part of the
signal and is considered accordingly by the evaluating algorithm and
calibration factor.
Voltage pulses generated by the silicon detector are subsequently
amplified, counted, converted to the required units and stored by the
mirco controller in accordance to the predefined measurement cycle.
In addition to the discrete measurement values derived from the
accumulated counts in the course of respective measurement cycle as
!
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AlphaE –User Manual 07/2016 7
described before, a floating (sliding) mean is calculated permanently,
stored and always shown on the display of the device. This mode
suppresses the statistical fluctuations and allows the AlphaE even at low
radon concentration levels to always provide on its display a reliable
value which is adjusted for statistical outliers.
It should be mentioned at this point that there is a principle goal conflict
between the requirement of providing stable and reliable measurement
values also at low radon concentrations and the demand of a fast and
appropriate response on possible radon gradients. We have
implemented the most suitable smoothing characteristics in order to
optimally meet both requirements. However, the user is able to adjust
the smoothing factor according to his specific needs (communication
software).
Besides the Radon concentration the accumulated dose is calculated on
basis of factors for the equilibrium concentration (EEC) and dose
conversion. Both factors are preset and can be adjusted by the user
according to his condidions and requirements. (communication
software) The dose data is continuesly accumulated and stored. The
recent value can be called up on the display whenever required.
Inbuilt sensors for measuring air temperature, humidity and pressure as
well as for recording shock and relocation events (tampering) provide
auxiliary data. These values are also stored along with the radiological
data and serve for thorough analysis especially of the dynamics of Ra-
don.
Two alarm thresholds can be defined for the radon concentration as well
as one limit value for the accumulated dose.
6.2 Case
All the electronic components of the AlphaE radon exposimeter are
housed in an impact resistant aluminum case. The case consists of a
rectangular hollow section that is sealed with aluminum molds at the
front and back. The outer dimensions of the AlphaE are:
6.2.1 Dimensions and Weight
Width : 68 mm
Weight : 165 g
Height : 108 mm
Depth : 30 mm

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6.3 Functional and Control Elements
AlphaE provides the following functional and control elements:
Mini USB (upper front side)
ON/OFF button
Mode button
Multifunctional display (6 digits LCD + 5 digit alphanumeric)
Beeper
Air entrance window Diffusion orifice (arrangement of drill holes
covered by a membrane)
6.3.1 Mini-USB port
AlphaE provides an interface based on standard USB which is designed
as Mini-USB socket. The port serves for data exchange between AlphaE
and a PC (download of measurement data and parameterization of the
device) as well as for charging the inbuilt battery. The device can be
charged by a PC alternatively by using a mains charger which is suited
with a Mini-USB plug (5 VDC).
6.3.2 ON/OFF Button
ON/OFF button serves for switching the AlphaE on/off and for activating
the display backlight (see chapter 6.4.1., 6.4.3 and 6.4.4)
Figure 1: AlphaE –Functional and control elements
Mini USB
Data download, configuration and charging
Mode button
Navigate through display modes
ON/OFF button
Power switch and display backlight
Air entrance window
Entry for measuring gas
Beeper
Output of acoustical alarm
LCD
Display of values and configuration