Professional Documents
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Table of Contents
1 Unit description ................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Function .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.1 Unit ........................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Lithium battery .................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Technical data ....................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 Handling ................................................................................................................ 8
1.4 Docking Station ................................................................................................................... 9
1.4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................ 9
1.4.2 Handling .............................................................................................................. 10
2 Safety................................................................................................................ 14
2.1 User information................................................................................................................ 14
2.2 Intended use ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Prohibited operating conditions ........................................................................................ 15
2.4 Residual risk ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.5 Radiation protection advice .............................................................................................. 20
2.5.1 Safety modes in the manual mode ...................................................................... 20
• Mode 1 ................................................................................................................. 20
• Mode 2 ................................................................................................................. 20
2.5.2 Docking station safety mode ............................................................................... 20
2.6 Safety devices ................................................................................................................... 21
2.6.1 Shutter ................................................................................................................. 21
2.6.2 Protective sleeve ................................................................................................. 21
2.6.3 Docking Station ................................................................................................... 21
2.6.4 Radiation protection shield for non-metallic applications .................................... 22
2.6.5 Radiation protection plate for metal applications ................................................ 23
2.7 Radiation dose under various measurement conditions ................................................... 24
2.7.1 Example 1: ........................................................................................................... 24
2.7.2 Example 2: ........................................................................................................... 26
2.7.3 Example 3: ........................................................................................................... 27
2.7.4 Example 4: ........................................................................................................... 28
2.7.5 Example 5: ........................................................................................................... 29
2.7.6 Example 6: ........................................................................................................... 30
5 Transport/Use ................................................................................................... 34
5.1 Dimensions and weight ..................................................................................................... 34
5.1.1 Unit....................................................................................................................... 34
5.1.2 Transport case (unit) ............................................................................................ 34
5.1.3 Docking Station .................................................................................................... 35
5.1.4 Transport case (docking station) ......................................................................... 35
5.2 Transport ........................................................................................................................... 36
5.3 Use .................................................................................................................................... 36
6 Operation .......................................................................................................... 37
6.1 Overview of controls .......................................................................................................... 37
6.2 Displays ............................................................................................................................. 38
6.2.1 Instrument ............................................................................................................ 38
6.2.2 Screen.................................................................................................................. 39
6.3 Switching the unit on ......................................................................................................... 40
6.3.1 Preparing the unit for use .................................................................................... 40
6.3.2 Switching on the unit............................................................................................ 40
6.4 Switching the unit off ......................................................................................................... 41
6.5 Offline mode ...................................................................................................................... 41
6.6 Performing measurements ................................................................................................ 42
6.6.1 Preparing the measurement ................................................................................ 42
6.6.2 Measure ............................................................................................................... 43
• Measurement example: approximate analysis/overview analysis ....................... 43
• Measurement example: identity check ................................................................ 44
8 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 51
10 De-commissioning ............................................................................................ 53
1 Unit description
1.1 Function
X-rays excite the atoms of the sample to emit radiation. This radiation is measured
by a semiconductor detector.
The unit is delivered including at least one installed analysis method. Based on the
method data that are stored in the unit, the measured data are used to determine
the composition of an unknown sample. The results are displayed on the screen.
1.2 Overview
1.2.1 Unit
Note
Charge the lithium battery completely prior to using them for the first time.
Further information can be found in the supplied instruction manual of the
lithium battery and the docking station..
Name Value
Energy 48 Wh
1.3.2 Handling
In order to change the lithium battery (handle), proceed as follows:
Note
The docking station (Item no.: 77060802) is not part of the delivery scope.
The protective sleeve must always be used.
For the safe analysis of non-metallic or small metallic samples, the unit can be
integrated in the docking station. If these samples are not examined in the docking
station, the radiation protection shield 2.6.4 must be used.
1.4.1 Overview
1.4.2 Handling
Please proceed as follows in order to install the unit in the docking station:
2 Safety
Every user of the unit must have understood the present Operating Instructions.
This applies in particular to the safety regulations.
Measuring
Measurement without samples is prohibited.
Do not hold the sample in your hand during the measurement.
The shutter will be closed automatically when
the button "Start measurement" or the enable button (for safety
modes, see 2.5.1) has been released.
the mechanical sample sensor has not been actuated.
The tube will be switched off in less than 100 milliseconds when
the detector does not detect a sample in front of the measuring
window.
During this period (in the direction of the beam at a distance of 1 m (39.4
inches)), an accumulated dose
of approx. 0.1 µSv is reached for methods for the analysis of metallic
samples (see chapter ).
of approx. 0.5 µSv is reached for methods for the analysis of
nonmetallic samples (see chapter ).
In Europe, a dose of 1000 µSv (1 mSv) per calendar year is allowed (for
persons who are not exposed to any additional radiation through their
profession).
The natural radiation exposure in Germany for one year lies is 2400 µSv
(2.4 mSv) on average.
During the measurement, the operator must ensure that no person is
located in the radiation cone.
Special care should be taken with non-metallic samples, samples made
of light metal as well as thin foils and small components that do not cover
the measurement window completely.
This means that there may be X-radiation behind a sample, e.g. a
wooden wall or plastic plate. The operator is responsible for ensuring that
there are no persons in this area.
~1,25 m
30 m
Outside the docking station, the samples must not be analyzed without
the protective sleeve.
The protective sleeve prevents the scattered radiation from reaching the
user or persons outside the radiation cone. This problem may occur if the
measuring window and the sample are not lined up absolutely precisely.
The use of the docking station prevents the occurrence of leakage
radiation. The dose of the leakage radiation to the docking station is less
than 1µSv/h.
Use the radiation protection shield for analyzing plastic or wood samples
outside the docking station if this is possible.
Samples that do not cover the measurement window completely, must be
analyzed with the docking station. In the case of metallic samples, the
adapter plate for small parts may be used.
Note
The safety circuits in the unit are designed so that shutter must be closed.
Otherwise, the X-ray tube will be shut off, when no sample is being measured.
For your safety, the safety circuits are checked automatically. For this reason, a
message is displayed during software start-up (at other points as well).
Mode 1
In order to prevent unintentional measurements, the unit must be enabled for the
measurement with the enable button (see 6.2.2). The button “Start Measurement”
must then be pressed continuously during the measurement. If no measurement
takes place during a predefined period, the unit is blocked automatically.
Mode 2
In order to avoid unintentional measurement the buttons “Start Measurement” and
the enable button (see 6.2.2) must be pressed continuously during the
measurement. The unit is otherwise permanently blocked.
2.6.1 Shutter
The radiation outlet of the SPECTRO xSORT is equipped with a shutter.
The shutter will be closed automatically after the start of a measurement when
no sample is in front of the measurement window or
the button "Start measurement" or the enable button (for safety modes, see
chapter 2.5.1) has been released.
2.7.1 Example 1:
Misoperation (unauthorized use)
Measurement conditions:
No sample
Shutter open
Since the tube would be automatically switched off 100 ms under these
measurement conditions, the following absolute values would result:
The maximum permissible dose for the skin and hands, for example in Germany,
is 50,000 µSv per year (this corresponds to 50 mSv/a). In the worst case of 2 mSv,
the operator would have to repeat the misoperation deliberately 25 times in order
to exceed the maximum permissible annual dose. This is a rather theoretical
consideration, since in view of radiation protection every unnecessary radiation
exposure should be avoided.
The dose rate values of the following examples were performed with a filtered
excitation, once with the typical 21 µA for metal samples and once with the
maximum current of 50 µA, in both cases at 50 kV.
2.7.2 Example 2:
Measurement conditions:
Use of the radiation protection shield.
The sample thickness prevents the protective sleeve from touching the
radiation protection shield.
Measuring point 1 2 3 4 5
15 cm 80 cm 200 cm
(5.9") (31.5") (79")
distance distance distance
Method for analyzing <1 µSv/h <1 µSv/h 30 µSv/h 2 µSv/h <1 µSv/h
metallic samples
2.7.3 Example 3:
Measurement conditions:
Without using the radiation protection plate / the radiation protection shield
The protective sleeve encloses the plastic sample completely (measured
value a)/incompletely (measured value b)
These values underline why - for the protection against radiation - the docking
station or the radiation protection shield should always be used for non-metallic
samples.
2.7.4 Example 4:
Measurement conditions:
Use of the radiation protection shield
The sample consists of a thin plastic material (housing, toy, etc.)
Measuring point 1 2 3 4 5
Distance Distance Distance
5 cm 50 cm 200 cm
(2.0 inch) (19.7 inch) (79 inch)
Method for analyzing <1 µSv/h 15 µSv/h 20 µSv/h 4 µSv/h <1 µSv/h
metallic samples
2.7.5 Example 5:
Measurement conditions:
Sample: Polyethylene; diameter 50 mm (2.0"), height 25 mm (1.0")
The sample is placed on different substrates
Use of maximum parameters/method for metallic samples
Use of a radiation protection sleeve that does NOT enclose the sample
completely
Measuring point 1 2 3 4
At the start Distance 30 cm (11.8") 100 cm
button or at 10 cm (3.9") distance (39.4")
the hand of (µSv/h) distance
the operator (µSv/h)
(µSv/h)
(µSv/h)
Without any substrate (e.g. 20 (3) 160 (80) 20 (7) 1.5 (1)
on the tabletop)
The values in brackets are the values for the method for the analysis of metallic samples.
The first values in the cells stand for the measurement with maximum parameters.
These values underline why - for the protection against radiation - the docking
station or the radiation protection shield should always be used for non-metallic
samples.
2.7.6 Example 6:
Measurement conditions:
Use of maximum parameters / a method for analyzing metallic samples
Various samples
Measuring point 1 2 2 3 4
At the Directly Distance 30 cm 100 cm
start behind 10 cm (11.8") (39.4")
button or the (3.9") distance distance
at the sample (µSv/h) (µSv/h)
hand of (µSv/h)
(µSv/h)
the
operator
(µSv/h)
Steel sheet sample, < 1 (<1) 5 (4) 1 (2) ≤1 (<1) < 1 (<1)
thickness 5 mm (0.2"), 100
x 100 mm
Steel sheet sample, < 1 (<1) 300 (45) 50 (25) 15 (5) 5 (< 1)
thickness 2.5 mm (0.1"),
100 x 100 mm
3.1 General
Depending on the sample material, thickness, and dimensions, different ways of
handling the sample and of using the protection equipment are recommended.
Samples must not be held in the hand during the measurement.
4 Technical data
Name Value
Protection class IP 52
Charger:
Name Value
Output 30 W
Protection class IP 20
5 Transport/Use
5.1.1 Unit
Name Value
Designation Value
Name Value
Designation Value
5.2 Transport
Always transport the unit in the transport case intended for this purpose.
5.3 Use
6 Operation
6.2 Displays
6.2.1 Instrument
3 "Shutter/X-ray" LED Displays the state of the shutter / the X-ray tube
Green/OFF/orange: shutter closed / tube is switch
on in the standby mode
OFF/red flashing/orange: shutter open / tube
switched on and measurement in progress
Green/OFF/OFF: shutter closed / tube switched off
OFF/red flashing/OFF: shutter open for video mode
or shutter malfunction during a measurement
6.2.2 Screen
The surface of the screen reacts to touch (touch screen). Touch the buttons on the
screen to navigate in the control system.
Note
The unit has an internal battery pack in order to maintain the operational readiness
of the ePC even when the unit has been switched off.
When the unit is switched on, the ePC is immediately ready for operation.
The capacity of the internal battery pack can maintain the rest state of the ePC for
approximately 10 days.
When the unit is switched on, the internal battery pack will be recharged
automatically. Complete charging can take up to 3 hours.
If you have not used the unit for a longer period of time, which means that the
internal battery pack is discharged, the operating system and the software on the
ePC (and, thereby, the spectrometer program) will be restarted. This happens
automatically and takes approximately 90 seconds.
Note
Even in the off state (and without the handle/battery), the ePC can be
activated from the rest mode.
This is the case
when you actuate the button in the corners of the ePC.
Always switch the unit off if you do not use it for a longer period of time (and the
end of the day or before the weekend).
Note
Please use only the adhesive tape that has been authorized by SPECTRO (part
no. 80001098) as the outer protective film. The use of other adhesive tapes may
lead to measurement errors.
6.6.2 Measure
Note
The status of the unit is continuously monitored. If necessary, you will be
asked to perform an ICALization.
Measure a reference sample at regular intervals. This will allow you to identify
changes of the measurement results early enough.
Note
In order to ensure the availability and operational safety of the equipment, we
recommend having the system checked for correct operation and performance at
least once per year by specialized technicians. You can find the contact addresses
of the service organizations that are authorized by SPECTRO at
www.spectro.com.
The maintenance intervals specified in the following table are guidelines which
should be observed as a minimum requirement. The maintenance intervals may
vary, depending on the use of the unit.
To ensure flawless unit function, carry out the following maintenance work:
Note
The standardization, which we also call ICALization, also includes the energy-
channel recalibration (MCA) that is necessary for the XRF analysis.
No. Component
2. In the menu, touch the "ICAL" symbol or the "OK" button when the unit
requests an ICALization.
The corresponding program window is displayed. Inputs are not possible
while the shutter is being measured. The only way to interrupt the
measurement manually is to switch the X-ray tube off.
Ensure that also during the ICALization there are no persons directly in
front of the measuring window or press the unit against the radiation
protection plate or shield.
The standardization is performed automatically.
After the standardization is complete, a protocol is created and stored in
the subdirectory "\ICAL\Log\".
The unit is now standardized.
8 Troubleshooting
The instrument cannot be The handle/battery is not Let the handle properly snap into
switched on firmly locked in the holder. place.
The instrument can be The battery of the ePC is Activate the Reset button
switched on, but no data empty. The internal battery will be
are displayed on the recharged via the storage battery
screen. of the device.
The screen does not The screen is defective. Please contact your service
respond to any entries. centre.
When the measurement Defective safety switches Please contact your service
starts, the high voltage is or defective tube. center.
shut down again.
Error message: Cool- Very high ambient Initially activate the instrument in
down time exceeded! temperature. cooler ambient conditions.
The detector cannot be
cooled.
Error message: Cool- Defective detector window. Seal the opening of the
down time exceeded! measuring window with some
The detector cannot be adhesive tape and place unit in
cooled. the transport case.
Please contact your service
centre.
Missing elements on the A measurement with two Repeat the measurement in strict
measurement screen measurement conditions accordance with the preset total
(for light-metal samples) measuring time.
has been aborted before
the start of the second
measurement.
Error message: The The results or analyses in Transfer all of the analyses to the
stored data are invalid. the results database are PC and then delete all of the
defective. analyses.
After the installation into The safety circuit is not Please push the fastening latch to
the docking station, the closed. its end position.
docking station is not
recognized by the
software.
10 De-commissioning
The unit must only be de-commissioned by organizations or by persons authorized
by the manufacturer of the unit. Please contact your service center