The MP3-PL Therapy Beam Analyzer T41050 is a computer-controlled system designed for measuring dose distributions (depth dose curves and profiles) in order to check the emitted irradiation of particle accelerators (such as a cyclotron or synchrotron).
Function Description:
The system operates via a control unit (TBA CONTROL UNIT) and a control pendant. The control unit serves as an interface connecting the MP3-PL water phantom to a computer, supplying power to stepper motors and controlling detector movement. The control pendant allows for the indication of detector coordinates (A, B, and C) and movement of the detector at two different speeds (10 mm/s and 50 mm/s). It also enables the determination of detector movement limits, the null point in the central beam, and reference points. For optimal functionality, it is recommended to connect the control pendant directly to the junction box at the Perspex tank, as some functions are only available in this configuration.
The core of the system is the MP3-PL Perspex tank, which is filled with water for measurements. The tank is equipped with a moving mechanism that allows for precise positioning of detectors within the water. This mechanism consists of stainless steel arms (A, B, and C axes) that move horizontally and vertically. The A-axis is fixed, the B-axis moves vertically, and the C-axis moves horizontally with a slider. The reproducibility of the moving mechanism is 0.1 mm, and its positioning accuracy is 0.5 mm.
The positioning device allows the Perspex tank to be aligned with the accelerator's laser system and the lines on the tank walls. It features three adjustable legs for height adjustment (± 10 mm) and three adjusting screws for horizontal alignment (± 10 mm or approximately 1° on a vertical axis). The tank can also be rotated by 45° or 90°.
The system supports various detectors, including a 3D-detectorblock with 24 PinPoint chambers (Type 31015) and Bragg Peak Chambers (Type 34073 and 34070). These detectors are mounted on the moving mechanism and connected to detector connection boxes (T16007) and ultimately to the MULTIDOS (T10004) for data acquisition. A reference detector can also be mounted and connected to the MULTIDOS.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Manufacturer: PTW-Freiburg
- Use: Computer-controlled system for measuring dose distributions (depth dose curves and profiles) in order to check the emitted irradiation of particle accelerators (such as a cyclotron or synchrotron).
- Electromagnetic compatibility: Suitable for operation in an industrial electromagnetic environment according to IEC 61326-1.
- Perspex tank:
- Material: PMMA
- Wall thickness (side walls and bottom window): 18 ± 0.15 mm
- Wall thickness (front window): 5 ± 0.05 mm
- Outside dimensions: 630 ± 1.3 mm x 520.5 ± 1.15 mm x 632 ± 1.3 mm
- Inside dimensions: 594 ± 1.0 mm x 502.5 ± 1.0 mm x 596 ± 1.0 mm
- Window dimensions: 250 ± 0.2 mm x 250 ± 0.2 mm
- Window position: Middle of moving range of C-axis and 217.5 mm from the tank surface in direction of B-axis.
- Deflection of the window with filled tank: < 1.0 mm
- Max. water quantity: approx. 170 l
- Weight: approx. 44 kg (Perspex tank with moving mechanism and junction box)
- Mounting of special accessories: In front of the window, max. 15 kg
- Moving mechanism:
- Moving range A-axis: 500 mm
- Moving range B-axis: 408.5 mm
- Moving range C-axis: 500 mm
- Reproducibility: 0.1 mm
- Positioning accuracy: 0.5 mm
- Step interval: 0.1 mm
- Max. cable length: 40 m (between control unit and water phantom)
- Positioning device:
- Adjustments (Vertical with a travel of): ± 10 mm
- Adjustments (Horizontal in the plane): ± 10 mm
- Adjustments (Pivoting around vertical axis): approx. ± 1°
- Swiveling to positions: 0°, ± 45° and ± 90°
- Support plate material: 5 mm aluminum, anodized
- Outside dimensions: 671 mm x 669 mm
- Overall height in middle position: 117.5 mm
- Outside dimensions of the support plate: 636 mm x 634 mm
- Weight: approx. 25 kg
- Effect of electromagnetic disturbances: No effect
- Rated range of use:
- Temperature: (+10 ... +40) °C / (50 ... 104) °F
- Relative humidity: (10 ... 80) %, no condensation (max. 20 g/m³ absolute humidity)
- Atmospheric pressure: (700 ... 1060) hPa
- Maximum operating altitude: 3000 m above sea level
- Environmental conditions for transport and storage:
- Temperature: (-20 ... +60) °C / (-4 ... 140) °F
- Relative humidity: (10 ... 85) %, no condensation (max. 20 g/m³ absolute humidity)
- Atmospheric pressure: (600 ... 1200) hPa
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The system components are assembled using supplied tools and stainless steel screws. The SCANLIFT, positioning device, chamber cable holding device, and Perspex tank are integrated. The junction box and moving mechanism are then assembled on the Perspex tank.
- Detector Mounting: Detectors like the 3D-detectorblock or Bragg Peak chambers are mounted on the moving mechanism using specific holders and screws, ensuring proper orientation for accurate measurements.
- Cable Management: Chamber cables are bundled with Velcro strips and connected to detector connection boxes and the MULTIDOS. Care must be taken to prevent tensile loading on cables, which could deform the C-axis and lead to erroneous measurements.
- Water Filling and Draining: The Perspex tank is filled with distilled water, preferably with an anti-corrosion fluid (PTW-Nr. L999010). The SCANLIFT control pendant is used to manage the pumping process between the SCANLIFT water reservoir and the Perspex tank. After use, the tank must be drained to prevent deformation of the walls and undue stress on the seams. The tank should not be filled continuously for more than 12 hours and should be left to dry for 12 hours after draining.
- System Connection: The TBA CONTROL UNIT, MULTIDOS, and TBA CONTROL PENDANT are connected via RS232 and motor cables. It is crucial to position these devices away from direct or scattered radiation to prevent damage and erroneous measurements.
- Installation Check: Before operation, a comprehensive installation check is performed to ensure all connections are correct, power LEDs are illuminated, and the control pendant is functioning properly.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The product cannot be sterilized or completely disinfected. It should be cleaned by wiping it with a dry or slightly moistened cloth using water or a mild soap solution. Disinfectants on an aldehyde base or with a quaternary ammonium compound are recommended for medical instruments. Disinfectants on a phenol base or peroxide compounds should not be used.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining the system's functional security and operational safety. These inspections, including visual checks for mechanical damage and technical inspections of the measuring system, should be performed by PTW-Freiburg or authorized personnel every two years.
- Storage: PMMA plates (e.g., for inhomogeneous phantoms) should be stored horizontally to maintain evenness and allow for temperature equalization.
- Disposal: The typical lifetime of the MP3-PL Therapy Beam Analyzer system is about 10 years. At the end of its life, components must be disposed of in compliance with waste control regulations, with materials separated and recycled as appropriate. The system does not contain hazardous materials, and electronic components must be recycled according to local regulations.