Troxler 3400-B Series User manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction
3
34 40 00 0- -B B S Se er ri ie es s
M
Mo oi is st tu ur re e- -D De en ns si it ty y
G
Ga au ug ge e
NOTE
Before using the gauge, carefully read this manual. It
is especially important to understand the Safety
Warnings at the beginning of this manual. Keep this
manual in a safe place that is always easily accessible
during the use of the gauge.
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
Manual of Operation and Instruction3008 E. Cornwallis Road •P.O.
Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 U.S.A.
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
www.troxlerlabs.com

ii
Troxler products are protected by U.S. and foreign patents.
Copyright 1988 – 2011
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written
permission of Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
Magnalube-G is a registered trademark of Magnalube, Inc.
PN 103298
Edition 4
September 2011

Model 3400-B Series
iii

iv
TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS
Troxler Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
(1.877.876.9537)
[e-mail]
North Carolina Service Center
3008 E. Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Florida Office & Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Midwestern Office & Service
Center
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Western Office & Service Center
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Southwestern Office & Service
Center
2016 East Randol Mill Rd., Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Troxler Europe & Service Center
Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33 D.82239
Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++ 49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
[e-mail]
Troxler Electronic Technologies
(Zhangjiagang)
1F, Bldg G, No. 1 Guotai North Road
ZJG, China, 215600
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service partner
near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).

Model 3400-B Series
v
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
The 3400-B Series Manual of Operation and Instruction provides
detailed instructions for the proper use and care of the 3401
and 3411 gauges as well as radiation safety information.
Chapter 1, Introduction
Provides a brief overview of the gauges and their features
Chapter 2, Parts and Accessories
Contains instructions for unpacking and inspection and
describes the controls for the 3401-B and 3411-B.
Chapter 3, 3411 Operating Procedures
Describes procedures for taking standard counts and
measurements, and setting target values
Chapter 4, 3401 Operating Procedures
Explains how to take standard counts and measurements
Chapter 5, Special Use Procedures
Contains special procedures, including correction factors, trench
measurements, thin lift overlays, and roof moisture
Chapter 6, Gauge Base Electronics
Describes the gague’s electrical components and provides
procedures for perofmring stat and drift test
Appendix A, Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Provides maintenance procedures and basic troubleshooting
Appendix B, Radiation Theory and Safety
Describes radiation safety, terminology, and theory
Appendix C, Theory of Operation
Describes how the gauge operates
Appendix D, Specifications
Contains the mechanical, electrical, and environmental
performance specifications
Appendix E, Standard Count Log
Provides the count log template for your use.

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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The 3400-B Series Manual of Operation and Instruction contains
information on safely using this unit. Also included in this
manual are safety warnings, basic parameter setup, system
troubleshooting, and general maintenance.
Do not attempt to operate the gauges before reading this manual
and the safety warnings posted on the units. Troxler stresses
that the user is solely responsible for ensuring safe use. The
manufacturer, its subsidiary, representatives, and distributors
cannot assume responsibility for any mishaps, damage, or
personal injury that may occur from failure to observe the
safety warnings in this manual and posted on the unit.

Model 3400-B Series
vii
WARNING
Warningsindicateconditionsorproceduresthat,
if not followed correctly, may cause personal
injury.
CAUTION
Cautions indicate conditions or procedures that, if not
followed correctly, may cause equipment damage.
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual the following symbols and special
formatting are used to reveal the purpose of the text.
NOTE
Notes indicate importantinformation that mustbe
read to ensure proper operation.
〈KEY〉This style indicates a key or character to press on the
keypad.
1. Indicates a procedure with multiple steps.
♦Indicates a list of things needed (such as equipment) or
important points to know.
Indicates that more than one option is available.
Carefully select the option that applies.

vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Introduction to the 3400 Series .....................................................................................1-2
Licensing and Regulations ...............................................................................................1-4
CHAPTER 2: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Unpacking and Inspection ...............................................................................................2-2
CHAPTER 3: 3411 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Taking Standard Counts....................................................................................................3-2
Taking Soil Measurements ...............................................................................................3-4
Taking Asphalt Measurements .......................................................................................3-6
Setting Target Values .........................................................................................................3-7
CHAPTER 4: 3401 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Taking Standard Counts....................................................................................................4-2
Taking Soil Measurements ...............................................................................................4-4
Taking Asphalt Measurements .......................................................................................4-6
CHAPTER 5: SPECIAL USE PROCEDURES
Corrections for Varying Soils...........................................................................................5-2
Trench Measurements........................................................................................................5-5
Control Strip for Subbase, Base, and Asphalt Paving ...........................................5-7
Thin Lift Overlays..................................................................................................................5-9
Roof Moisture Measurements ..................................................................................... 5-12
3400 Series Use on Coal..................................................................................................5-14
CHAPTER 6: GAUGE BASE ELECTRONICS
Electronic and Detector Service ..................................................................................... 6-2
Stability and Drift Tests...................................................................................................... 6-3

Model 3400-B Series
ix
Gauge Base Electronics...................................................................................................... 6-7
APPENDIX A : MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING
Charging Batteries ...............................................................................................................A-2
Mechanical Maintenance..................................................................................................A-3
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................A-7
Calibration............................................................................................................................ A-10
Returning the Gauge for Service................................................................................ A-12
Replacement Parts............................................................................................................ A-13
APPENDIX B : RADIATION THEORY & SAFETY
Radiation Theory and Safety...........................................................................................B-2
Working with Radiation Sources.................................................................................B-12
APPENDIX C : THEORY OF OPERATION
Density...................................................................................................................................... C-2
Moisture................................................................................................................................... C-5
APPENDIX D : SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement Specifications ...........................................................................................D-2
Mechanical Specifications ................................................................................................D-4
Radiological Specifications ..............................................................................................D-6
Electrical Specifications .....................................................................................................D-7
APPENDIX E : STANDARD COUNT LOG
WARRANTY

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Gauge and Accessories ..................................................................1-3
Figure 2. 3411-B Front Panel Controls ........................................................2-4
Figure 3. 3401-B Front Panel Controls ........................................................2-6
Figure 4. Roller Pattern......................................................................................5-8
Figure 5. Thin Lift Overlay Nomograph (SI Units)................................ 5-10
Figure 6. Thin Lift Overlay Nomograph (US Customary Units)....... 5-11
Figure 7. Midpoint of Interval...................................................................... 5-12
Figure 8. Midpoint of Interval...................................................................... 5-13
Figure 9. Statistical Stability Test...................................................................6-6
Figure 10. 3411-B Display Test Sequence..................................................6-8
Figure 11. 3411-B Rotary Switch Test Format..........................................6-9
Figure 13. Diagram of an Atom.....................................................................B-2
Figure 14. Variation of Radioactive Emission ...........................................B-5
Figure 15. Effects of Distance on Exposure ...............................................B-8
Figure 16. Direct Transmission and Backscatter Geometries ............ C-3
Figure 17. Backscatter Surface Density Effects ....................................... C-4
Figure 18. Effect of Moisture on Depth ..................................................... C-8

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Sample Moisture Correction Chart ............................................. 5-3
Table 2. Key Codes for Keyboard Test Routines...................................6-10
Table 3. Radiation Profile.................................................................................B-9
Table 4. Neutron Thermalization and Absorption Data ...................... C-6

Model 3400-B Series
1-
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 1 1: :
I
In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n
This chapter covers the following topics and tasks:
An introduction to the 3401 and 3411 gauges
Regulatory information

1-2
I
In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n t to o t th he e 3 34 40 00 0 S Se er ri ie es s
The 3400 series Surface Moisture-Density gauge is designed to
measure the moisture content and density of soils, soil bases,
aggregate, concrete, asphalt treated bases, and asphalt
pavement. With a custom calibration or offset, the gauge can
also be used on other materials. The 3400 series gauges allow
you to quickly and precisely determine this moisture content
and density without the use of core samples or other destructive
methods.
Using direct transmission or backscattered gamma radiation,
the 3400 series gauges determine the density of materials by
counting the number of photons emitted by a cesium-137
source, which return to the G-M detectors in the gauge base.
These detectors detect the radiation and the counts are
converted into a density reading.
Utilizing the principle of neutron thermalization, the 3400 series
gauges determine the moisture content of soils and soil-like
materials. Hydrogen (water) in the material slows neutrons
emitted from an americium-241:beryllium source. Detectors
located in the base detect the slowed neutrons.
The 3400 series gauges meet or exceed all the requirements of
ASTM Standards C1040, D6938, D2950, and AASHTO T-310.
The Model 3411-B stores all calibration constants needed to
compute and display wet density, moisture, dry density, percent
moisture, and percent compaction in either kilograms per cubic
meter or pounds per cubic foot.
The Model 3401-B is a simpler gauge. It displays measured
counts and users must perform calculations manually.
Measurement results are determined using computer derived
calibration tables. The Model 3401-B can easily be converted to
a Model 3411-B by changing the keypad and display, also known
as the scaler.

Model 3400-B Series
1-3
Figure 1. Gauge and Accessories

1-4
L
Li ic ce en ns si in ng g a an nd d R Re eg gu ul la at ti io on ns s
Owners of this gauge must maintain a current radioactive
materials license as long as they own the gauge, even if it is in
storage and not actively being used.
Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual by
operator(s) before allowing any use of the instrument. While no
radiation hazard exists for operator(s) during normal use, a
potential hazard does exist if improperly used.
The sections of the manual covering radiological safety should
be required reading for all operators and potential operators. If
these sections are not completely understood, seek assistance
from Troxler, an appointed Troxler representative, or others
designated within the user organization. Additional nuclear
safety information is available by completing our Nuclear Gauge
Training course.
As changes are made to local, state and federal regulations on a
continuing basis, the owner/user must maintain current status
with these regulations. The responsibility for compliance
ultimately falls upon the owner. The owner may also wish to
purchase and subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations in addition to applicable local and state
regulations. These are available at http://hazmat.dot.gov.

Model 3400-B Series
2-1
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 2 2: :
P
Pa ar rt ts s a an nd d A Ac cc ce es ss so or ri ie es s
This chapter covers the following topics and tasks:
Performing an inventory and inspection
Description of 3401-B and 3411-B controls

2-2
U
Un np pa ac ck ki in ng g a an nd d I In ns sp pe ec ct ti io on n
Upon receipt of the gauge from the factory, a complete
inspection and inventory should be performed. If the shipping
case, any other part of the container, and/or the gauge appears
to be damaged, notify the carrier and your Troxler
representative immediately.
For shipping to another location or back to the factory, save the
box and any packing material.
Check to see if the following have been included:
♦Gauge: instrument containing all electronic modules,
battery packs, detectors, and radioactive sources.
♦Reference Block (also called the "standard"): provides a
uniform reference material for gauge adjustment to
compensate for source decay and stability tests.
♦Drill Rod: used to prepare a hole for a direct transmission
reading. Do not use the source rod for this purpose!
♦Drill Rod Removal Tool (also called the "extractor"): used
to remove the drill rod from the test material.
♦Scraper Plate: used to prepare the test site and aid in
guiding the drill rod into the soil.
♦AC Battery Charger: operates from 115 or 230 volt power
at 50-60 Hz.
♦DC Battery Charger: operates when plugged into a DC
charger of a 12-volt negative ground vehicle system.

Model 3400-B Series
2-3
The front panel module is the only difference between the 3401-
B and the 3411-B gauges. The 3401-B scaler does not have
electronics that store data and perform calculations.
The following is a functional description of the 3411-B controls.
These items are labeled in Figure 2 on page 2-4.
1. Connector cover for battery charger cables.
2. The liquid crystal display (LCD) shows accumulated counts
and computed results, and it also has status indicators as
shown below:
ERR – Accumulation in progress or a computational error
has occurred.
BAT – Low battery warning; batteries are in need of a
recharge. The gauge will function normally for several hours
before it automatically shuts off.
−– Displayed number is negative in value.
3. PWR/TIME switch turns the unit on and selects the time
period for an accumulation. The SLOW, NORM, and FAST
positions correspond to accumulation periods of 4, 1, or
0.25 minutes, respectively.
4. The keypad is color coded for ease of use. Five keys are
“dual function.” The yellow 〈SHIFT〉key activates functions
labeled in yellow. The funcitons labeled in white are
operational when 〈SHIFT〉is not depressed.
The 〈STANDARD/MEASURE〉key is used to start an
accumulation of either a standard or a measure count.
The second row of keys is used to determine which register will
be displayed. The 〈MS〉(Moisture Standard) and 〈DS〉(Density
Standard) keys are used to display the standard counts.
The 〈MC〉(Moisture Count) and 〈DC〉(Density Count) keys are
used to display the measure counts.

2-4
Figure 2. 3411-B Front Panel Controls