Vernier Drm-btd User manual

Digital Radiation Monitor

(Order Code DRM-BTD)

The Digital Radiation Monitor is used to monitor alpha, beta,

and gamma radiation. It can be used with a number of

interfaces to measure the total number of counts per specified

timing interval. Since it has its own display, it can also be used

independent of interfaces in the field to measure radiation

levels. The Radiation Monitor allows students to

•Detect the presence of a source of radiation.

•Monitor counts/interval (rate) as different thicknesses of a particular type of

shielding are placed between the Geiger-Mueller tube of the Radiation Monitor

and a beta or gamma source.

•Compare the effect of different types of materials to shield beta or gamma

radiation.

•Set up a histogram with a very long run time to show students how initial

randomness of data develops into a Gaussian distribution curve.

•Measure radiation of common radioactive materials, such as lantern mantels or

old Fiestaware.

•Monitor variation in background radiation at different elevations.

•Monitor radioactivity in the environment over long periods of time.

•Monitor counts per interval (rate) from a beta or gamma radiation source as a

function of the distance between the source and the Radiation Monitor.

The Digital Radiation Monitor includes a cable (RCD-BTD) that allows the monitor

to be connected to a data-collection interface.

The cable that accompanies the DRM-BTD Radiation Monitor has a small 3.5 mm

(micro-miniature) stereo jack on one end and a white rectangular digital British

Telecom (BT) plug on the other end. This cable is used to directly connect the

DRM-BTD to the Vernier LabQuest®, LabQuest®Mini, LabPro®, or SensorDAQ®,

or to the Texas Instruments CBL 2TM.

Extended User Manual

A more extensive user manual can be viewed from the Digital Radiation Monitor

page of the Vernier web site, www.vernier.com/probes/drm-btd.html.

NOTE: This product is to be used for educational purposes only. It is not appropriate

for industrial, medical, research, or commercial applications.

Using the Radiation Monitor

Here is the general procedure to follow when using the Digital Radiation Monitor:

1. Connect the Digital Radiation Monitor to the interface.

2. Start the data-collection software.

3. The software will identify the Digital Radiation Monitor and load a default data-

collection setup1. You are now ready to collect data.

The Digital Radiation Monitor is compatible with the following data-collection

interfaces:

•Vernier LabPro®

•Vernier LabQuest®

•Vernier LabQuest®Mini

•Texas Instruments CBL 2™

•Vernier SensorDAQ®

Specifications

Sensor: LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end

window, 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm2thick. Rated at 1000 counts per minute using a Cesium-

137 laboratory standard.

Power: One 9-volt alkaline battery provides a battery life of 2000 hours at normal

background radiation levels.

Accuracy: ±10% typical, ±15% max. (mR/hr and µSv/hr modes)

Dimensions: 150 x 80 x 30 mm (5.9" x 3.2" x 1.2")

Weight: 225 g (8 oz) with battery installed

Energy Sensitivity: 1000 CPM/mR/hr referenced to Cs-137

Audio Output: Chirps for each count (operational in audio mode only–can be muted)

Temperature Range: –20°C to 50°C

Operating Range:

mR/hr: 0.001 to 110

CPM: 0 to 350,000

Total: 1 to 9,999,000 counts

µSv/hr: 0.01 to 1100

CPS: 1 to 3,500

How the Radiation Monitor Works

The Radiation Monitor senses ionizing radiation by means of a Geiger-Mueller

(GM) tube. The tube is fully enclosed inside the instrument. When ionizing radiation

or a particle strikes the tube, it is sensed electronically and monitored by its own

display, a computer, or by a flashing count light. When the switch is in the AUDIO

position, the instrument will also beep with each ionizing event. It is calibrated for

1If you are using a LabPro or CBL 2 for data collection, the sensor will not auto-ID.

Open an experiment file in Logger Pro or manually set up the sensor.

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Cesium-137, but also serves as an excellent indicator of relative intensities for other

sources of ionizing radiation. Gamma radiation is measured in milli-Roentgens per

hour. Alpha and beta are measured in counts/minute (CPM). About 5 to 25 counts at

random intervals (depending on location and altitude) can be expected every minute

from naturally occurring background radiation.

The end of the GM tube has a thin mica window. This mica window is protected by

the screen at the end of the sensor. It allows alpha particles to reach the GM tube and

be detected. The mica window will also sense low energy beta particles and gamma

radiation that cannot penetrate the plastic case or the side of the tube. Note: Some

very low energy radiation cannot be detected through the mica window.

Further Tips for Monitoring Radiation

To measure gamma and X-rays, hold the back of the Radiation Monitor toward the

source of radiation. Low-energy gamma radiation (10–40 KeV) cannot penetrate the

side of the GM tube, but may be detected through the end window.

To detect alpha radiation, position the monitor so the suspected source of radiation is

next to the GM window. Alpha radiation will not travel far through air, so put the

source as close as possible (within 1/4 inch) to the screen without touching it. Even a

humid day can limit the already short distance an alpha particle can travel.

To detect beta radiation, point the end window toward the source of radiation. Beta

radiation has a longer range through air than alpha particles, but can usually be

shielded (e.g., by a few millimeters of aluminum). High energy beta particles may be

monitored through the back of the case.

To determine whether radiation is alpha, beta, or gamma, hold the back of the

monitor toward the specimen. If there is an indication of radioactivity, it is most

likely gamma or high energy beta. Place a piece of aluminum about 3 mm (1/8")

thick between the case and the specimen. If the indication stops, the radiation is most

likely beta. (To some degree, most common radioactive isotopes emit both beta and

gamma radiation.) If there is no indication through the back of the case, position the

end window close to, but not touching, the specimen. If there is an indication, it is

probably alpha or beta. If a sheet of paper is placed between the window, and the

indication stops, the radiation is most likely alpha. (Note: In order to avoid particles

falling into the instrument, do not hold the specimen directly above the end

window.)

The Radiation Monitor does not detect neutron, microwave, radio frequency (RF),

laser, infrared, or ultraviolet radiation. It is calibrated for Cesium-137, and is most

accurate for it and other isotopes of similar energies. Some isotopes it will detect

relatively well are cobalt-60, technicium-99m, phosphorus-32, and strontium-90.

Some types of radiation are very difficult or impossible for this GM tube to detect.

Beta emissions from tritium are too weak to detect using the Radiation Monitor.

Americium-241, used in some smoke detectors, can overexcite the GM tube and give

an indication of a higher level of radiation than is actually there.

Using the Radiation Monitor in Your Classes

Here are some examples of how the Radiation Monitor can be used in a science

class.

Counts/Interval vs. Distance Studies

The data in the two graphs below were collected by monitoring gamma radiation at

various distances from a Radiation Monitor. Data were collected with the run

intervals set at 100 seconds. After each 100 second interval, the source was moved

one centimeter further from the source. Since distance is proportional to time

(300 seconds in the first graph corresponds to 3 cm in the second graph; 400 seconds

to 4 cm, etc.), a new distance column was made using time divided by 100. The

curved fit shown corresponds to distance raised to the –2 power (inverse squared).

Counts/interval vs. time and distance

Counts/Interval vs. Shielding Studies

The data shown here were

collected by monitoring gamma

radiation with an increasing

number of pieces of silver foil

placed between the source and a

Radiation Monitor. Data was

collected with the run interval set at

100 seconds. After each

100 second interval, another piece

of silver foil was placed between

the source and the Radiation

Monitor. Since the number of

pieces is proportional to time

(300 seconds corresponds to 3 pieces of foil, 400 seconds to 4 pieces of foil, etc.), a

new column, pieces of silver foil, was made using time divided by 100.

Counts/interval vs. thickness of filter

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Half-life Determination (counts/interval vs. time)

Using a daughter isotope generator,

it is possible to generate isotopes

with a relatively short half-life. A

solution that selectively dissolves a

short half-life daughter isotope is

passed through the generator. The

linear plot of natural log of decay

rate vs. time can be used to

determine the half-life of the

daughter isotope, using the formula

ln 2 = k•t1/2

where kis the decay rate constant

and t1/2 is the half-life of the

daughter isotope (in minutes).

In the plot of natural log of decay rate vs. time, the decay rate constant, k, is equal to

–m. Using the slope value of m = –0.217 in the example here, the half-life was

calculated to be 3.19 minutes.

Histogram Data Analysis

For an easy in-class experiment, set

up a histogram with a very long run

time and start data collection.

Whenever the graph “overflows”

the top of the graph, it will

automatically be rescaled. This

data collection shows students how

initial randomness of data develops

into a Gaussian distribution. A

gamma radiation source was used.

Lantern Mantels

This graph shows a study of old

and new Coleman mantle lanterns.

These mantles formerly contained

thorium and were often used for

radiation demonstrations. In the

early 1990s, Coleman changed the

production methods and now the

mantles are not radioactive.

New and old lantern mantles

A distribution graph

-li

e determination

Background Radiation

Here is an experiment performed in

the days before airlines insisted

that you turn off your personal

computer before takeoff. It shows

the counts/interval between takeoff

and the time the plane reached its

cruising altitude of 39,000 ft.

Curricular Materials

Nuclear Radiation with Vernier by

John Gastineau

This book has six experiments

written for the Digital Radiation Monitor. Each of the six experiments has a

computer version (for LabPro, LabQuest, or LabQuest Mini), a calculator version

(for LabPro or CBL 2), a LabQuest version (for LabQuest as a standalone device),

and Palm® version (for LabPro). The Nuclear Radiation CD included with the book

contains the word-processing files for all student experiments.

Radioactive Sources

If you don’t have radiation sources, you may be able to obtain pre-1990 Coleman

lantern mantles or other brands of lantern mantles (for a weak source of Thorium).

You may also be able to find pottery, watches, clocks, or minerals that are

moderately radioactive.

For something more active, order radioactive minerals from any of these scientific

supply houses:

Flinn Scientific Inc.

P.O. Box 219

Batavia, IL 60510

Phone (800) 452-1261

www.flinnsci.com

Spectrum Techniques

106 Union Valley Road

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Phone (865) 482-9937

www.spectrumtechniques.com

Canberra Industries

800 Research Parkway

Meriden, CT 06450

Phone (203) 235-1347

www.canberra.com

Radiation during an airline flight

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Warranty

The Vernier Digital Radiation Monitor is manufactured by a third party, and is

subject to their warranty.

This product is warranted to the original owner to be free from defects in materials

and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase with the exception of the

Geiger-Mueller tube, which is warranted for 90 days, and with the exception of the

battery, which is not included in this warranty. Vernier Software. will, at its own

discretion, repair or replace this instrument if it fails to operate properly within this

warranty period unless the warranty has been voided by any of the following

circumstances: misuse, abuse, or neglect of this instrument voids this warranty;

modification or repair of this instrument by anyone other than Vernier Software

voids this warranty; contamination of this instrument with radioactive materials

voids this warranty. Contaminated instruments will not be accepted for servicing at

our repair facility.

The user is responsible for determining the suitability of this product for his or her

intended application. The user assumes all risk and liability connected with such use.

Vernier Software is not responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising

from the use of this instrument.

Vernier Software & Technology

13979 S.W. Millikan Way •Beaverton, OR 97005-2886

Toll Free (888) 837-6437 •(503) 277-2299 •FAX (503) 277-2440

[email protected]m •www.vernier.com

Rev. 2/17/10

Logger Pro, Vernier LabQuest, Vernier LabQuest Mini, Vernier LabPro, and other marks shown are our trademarks or

registered trademarks in the United States.

CBL 2, TI-GRAPH LINK, and TI Connect are trademarks of Texas Instruments.

All other marks not owned by us that appear herein are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be

affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by us.

Printed on recycled paper.

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