BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080

Questions and Answers

M
Melvin FisherAug 9, 2025
Why does the display vary too much on my BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080?
- C
  christina93Aug 9, 2025
  If the display varies too much on your BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES Switch, it could be due to several reasons. The time constant might be too small, in which case you should increase it. Another cause could be a count rate that is too low, so you should check the source age and irradiation level and replace the detector. Finally, detector stabilization may be faulty, so consider replacing the detector.
L
Linda WolfAug 14, 2025
What to do if the count rate is too low on my BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080?
- R
  reedgregoryAug 14, 2025
  If the count rate is too low on your BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES Switch, first check if the shielding is not open or not properly open and lock the shutter in the OPEN position. Also, verify that the useful radiation is correctly aligned towards the detector and optimize the alignment. Container installations in the radiation path may be the cause, so offset the irradiation level. Additionally, remove any wall deposits in the container. Finally, the source may have reached the end of its service life, so replace the source.
D
Diane Moore DVMAug 20, 2025
Why does the display drift on my BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080?
- T
  Travis CarterAug 20, 2025
  If your BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES Switch display drifts, it could be due to wall deposits on the container wall; perform a new empty calibration. Alternatively, the photomultiplier might be faulty, so replace it.
R
Robert MyersAug 27, 2025
How to fix no display on BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080?
- X
  xcookAug 27, 2025
  If there is no display on your BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES Switch, check the power line to ensure there is a power supply. Also, check the fuse.
K
Kayla HuberSep 2, 2025
What to do if the display is not readable on BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES LB4710-080?
- T
  Travis SmithSep 2, 2025
  If the display on your BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES Switch is not readable, it could be due to a processor error. Observe the error code and perform a reset by keeping the Clear button pushed down while you turn on the power supply. Alternatively, the evaluation unit may need replacement.

Summary

Chapter 1. General Information

1.3 Radiation Protection Courses

Details on special and refresher courses for radiation protection training.

Chapter 2. Safety

2.1 Safety Concept

System design adheres to accepted safety rules for maximum on-the-job safety and radiation exposure limits.

2.3 Radiological Safety Officer

Role and responsibilities of the appointed radiological safety officer for radiation protection.

2.4 Duty of Notification

2.5 Radiation Protection Areas

Definition and distinction of radiation protection areas: Exclusion, Controlled, and Monitoring Areas.

2.6 Safety Installations

Information on safety installations, including source shieldings, which require licensed personnel for operation.

2.7 General Safety Instructions

Mandatory adherence to all safety instructions, laws, and regulations. System must be technically sound and used for contractual purposes only.

2.8 Emergency Instructions

Basic principles for health and safety in emergencies: Time, distance, and shielding. Specific provisions for radiation hazard situations.

Chapter 3. Functional Safety

3.1 Use and Function

The LB 471 Mini Switch monitors and detects limit levels of liquids and bulk material in containers and pipelines.

3.2 Safety Function

The system detects and indicates changes in count rate caused by product presence, defining safe status based on operation mode.

3.3 Safety Requirement

Table detailing Safety Integrity Levels (SIL), Failure Rates (PFDavg, PFH), Safe Failure Fraction (SFF), and Hardware Fault Tolerance (HFT).

3.4 Project Planning

3.6 Behavior during Operation and Malfunctions

3.7 Recurrent Performance Test

Procedure for checking the safety function periodically to uncover undetected dangerous failures and ensure operational capability.

3.8 Safety-Technical Data

FMEDA-determined failure rates for electronics according to IEC 61508, including FIT values, SFF, and reaction time.

Chapter 4. Instrument Description

4.1 Function

The LB 471 Mini Switch operates via non-contact Gamma absorption measurement, suitable for heavy process conditions and aggressive media.

4.2 Mini Switch LB 471 Versions

4.3 Detectors

4.3.3 Super-Sens Detector

Chapter 5. Installation

5.1 Transport to the Installation Site

5.1.2 Transport Shielding with Source

Caution! Radioactivity! Radiation protection directives must be observed. Transport radioactive substances only by persons with proper licenses.

5.1.4 Installation Site

5.2 Installing the Detector

Procedure for marking the monitoring level, positioning the detector horizontally with the source, and ensuring the radiation window is not covered.

5.2.3 Installation of the GM Detector

5.2.4 Installation of the GM Detector

5.2.5 Installation of Super-Sens with Axial Irradiation

5.2.6 Installation of Super-Sens with Radial Irradiation

Chapter 7. Shielding Installation

7.1 General Installation Instructions

Caution! Radioactivity! Installation and start-up by instructed personnel. Work under supervision of radiological safety officer. Ensure shielding lock is closed.

7.2 Installation Proposal for Shielding

Chapter 8. Electrical Installation

Danger!

Special aspects of intrinsically safe installation. In Ex-areas, connect detector to equipotential busbar. Disconnect evaluation unit from power.

Warning!

8.1 Connecting Evaluation Unit and Detector

Procedure for connecting the detector via a 2-wire cable, observing cable cross-section and temperature limits. Ensure connection room is sealed against water.

8.1.1 Pin Assignment of Terminal Block

8.1.2 Installing NaI Detector or Super-Sens

8.1.3 Installing the GM Detector

8.3 Connecting the Evaluation Unit to Power

Danger! Installation on electrical equipment only in idle state. Secure components against power restoration. Observe VDE and Ex-regulations.

Chapter 9. Maintenance

9.1 Malfunctions

Danger! Electrical installation work only in idle state. Secure components against power restoration. Troubleshooting table for common malfunctions.

9.2 Replacing Fuses

9.4 Repairing the Detector

9.4.2 Checking the Crystal-Multiplier Combination

9.4.3 Assembly of Crystal-Multiplier Combination

9.4.4 Plateau Measurement

Procedure for checking detector function via plateau measurement. Errors indicated by plateau too short or steep. Criteria for replacement.

9.5 Replacing the Source

Conditions for source replacement due to statistical fluctuations or time constant limitations. Information required for re-ordering.

9.6.2 Sending in Source and Shielding

Chapter 10. Servicing the Shielding

10.1 Checking Shielding and Source

Ensuring the active beam can be shut off anytime. Performance tests repeated at intervals, latest every six months.

10.1.1 Testing the Locking Mechanism

Test to ensure the locking mechanism functions correctly, the shutter is closed, and the source is fully shielded.

10.2 Leak Test

10.2.2 Performing a Wipe Test

Chapter 11. Radiation Protection

11.1 Basics and Directives

International and German (August 2001) regulations on maximum permissible radiation exposure limits for operating personnel.

11.2 Radiation Dose Calculations

Importance of calculating expected radiation exposure in advance for safety precautions, using isotope and activity information.

11.3 Calculation with a given Dose Rate

11.4 Activity-based Calculation

Chapter 12. Disposal

Caution!

Radioactive sources no longer in use must be returned to the national disposal center or manufacturer. Contact BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES for questions.

Caution!

Chapter 13. Technical Data

13.1 Evaluation Unit

Technical specifications for the evaluation unit, including design (19" rack, cassette, wall housing), auxiliary energy, power consumption, operating temperature, and weight.

GM detector

NaI detector

Super-Sens detector

13.3 Shieldings

Chapter 14. Certificates

14.1 ATEX Certificate for Evaluation Unit LB 4710-XXX

Copy of the EC-Type Examination Certificate for the evaluation unit, detailing ATEX classification and conformity.

14.2 ATEX Certificate NaI Detector

Copy of the EC-Type Examination Certificate for the NaI Detector, issued by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt.

14.3 ATEX Certificate GM Detector

Copy of the EC-Type Examination Certificate for the GM Detector, issued by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt.

14.4 EC Declaration of Conformity

Declaration by BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES GmbH & Co. KG confirming conformity of the LB 471 device with relevant EU directives.

Summary

Chapter 1. General Information

1.3 Radiation Protection Courses

Details on special and refresher courses for radiation protection training.

Chapter 2. Safety

2.1 Safety Concept

System design adheres to accepted safety rules for maximum on-the-job safety and radiation exposure limits.

2.3 Radiological Safety Officer

Role and responsibilities of the appointed radiological safety officer for radiation protection.

2.4 Duty of Notification

2.5 Radiation Protection Areas

Definition and distinction of radiation protection areas: Exclusion, Controlled, and Monitoring Areas.

2.6 Safety Installations

Information on safety installations, including source shieldings, which require licensed personnel for operation.

2.7 General Safety Instructions

Mandatory adherence to all safety instructions, laws, and regulations. System must be technically sound and used for contractual purposes only.

2.8 Emergency Instructions

Basic principles for health and safety in emergencies: Time, distance, and shielding. Specific provisions for radiation hazard situations.

Chapter 3. Functional Safety

3.1 Use and Function

The LB 471 Mini Switch monitors and detects limit levels of liquids and bulk material in containers and pipelines.

3.2 Safety Function

The system detects and indicates changes in count rate caused by product presence, defining safe status based on operation mode.

3.3 Safety Requirement

Table detailing Safety Integrity Levels (SIL), Failure Rates (PFDavg, PFH), Safe Failure Fraction (SFF), and Hardware Fault Tolerance (HFT).

3.4 Project Planning

3.6 Behavior during Operation and Malfunctions

3.7 Recurrent Performance Test

Procedure for checking the safety function periodically to uncover undetected dangerous failures and ensure operational capability.

3.8 Safety-Technical Data

FMEDA-determined failure rates for electronics according to IEC 61508, including FIT values, SFF, and reaction time.

Chapter 4. Instrument Description

4.1 Function

The LB 471 Mini Switch operates via non-contact Gamma absorption measurement, suitable for heavy process conditions and aggressive media.

4.2 Mini Switch LB 471 Versions

4.3 Detectors

4.3.3 Super-Sens Detector

Chapter 5. Installation

5.1 Transport to the Installation Site

5.1.2 Transport Shielding with Source

Caution! Radioactivity! Radiation protection directives must be observed. Transport radioactive substances only by persons with proper licenses.

5.1.4 Installation Site

5.2 Installing the Detector

Procedure for marking the monitoring level, positioning the detector horizontally with the source, and ensuring the radiation window is not covered.

5.2.3 Installation of the GM Detector

5.2.4 Installation of the GM Detector

5.2.5 Installation of Super-Sens with Axial Irradiation

5.2.6 Installation of Super-Sens with Radial Irradiation

Chapter 7. Shielding Installation

7.1 General Installation Instructions

Caution! Radioactivity! Installation and start-up by instructed personnel. Work under supervision of radiological safety officer. Ensure shielding lock is closed.

7.2 Installation Proposal for Shielding

Chapter 8. Electrical Installation

Danger!

Special aspects of intrinsically safe installation. In Ex-areas, connect detector to equipotential busbar. Disconnect evaluation unit from power.

Warning!

8.1 Connecting Evaluation Unit and Detector

Procedure for connecting the detector via a 2-wire cable, observing cable cross-section and temperature limits. Ensure connection room is sealed against water.

8.1.1 Pin Assignment of Terminal Block

8.1.2 Installing NaI Detector or Super-Sens

8.1.3 Installing the GM Detector

8.3 Connecting the Evaluation Unit to Power

Danger! Installation on electrical equipment only in idle state. Secure components against power restoration. Observe VDE and Ex-regulations.

Chapter 9. Maintenance

9.1 Malfunctions

Danger! Electrical installation work only in idle state. Secure components against power restoration. Troubleshooting table for common malfunctions.

9.2 Replacing Fuses

9.4 Repairing the Detector

9.4.2 Checking the Crystal-Multiplier Combination

9.4.3 Assembly of Crystal-Multiplier Combination

9.4.4 Plateau Measurement

Procedure for checking detector function via plateau measurement. Errors indicated by plateau too short or steep. Criteria for replacement.

9.5 Replacing the Source

Conditions for source replacement due to statistical fluctuations or time constant limitations. Information required for re-ordering.

9.6.2 Sending in Source and Shielding

Chapter 10. Servicing the Shielding

10.1 Checking Shielding and Source

Ensuring the active beam can be shut off anytime. Performance tests repeated at intervals, latest every six months.

10.1.1 Testing the Locking Mechanism

Test to ensure the locking mechanism functions correctly, the shutter is closed, and the source is fully shielded.

10.2 Leak Test

10.2.2 Performing a Wipe Test

Chapter 11. Radiation Protection

11.1 Basics and Directives

International and German (August 2001) regulations on maximum permissible radiation exposure limits for operating personnel.

11.2 Radiation Dose Calculations

Importance of calculating expected radiation exposure in advance for safety precautions, using isotope and activity information.

11.3 Calculation with a given Dose Rate

11.4 Activity-based Calculation

Chapter 12. Disposal

Caution!

Radioactive sources no longer in use must be returned to the national disposal center or manufacturer. Contact BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES for questions.

Caution!

Chapter 13. Technical Data

13.1 Evaluation Unit

Technical specifications for the evaluation unit, including design (19" rack, cassette, wall housing), auxiliary energy, power consumption, operating temperature, and weight.