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Troxler 3440-L User Manual

Troxler 3440-L
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Manual of Operation and Instruction
Model 3440-L
Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
3008 Cornwallis Rd. P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
Outside the USA: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: +1.919.549.0761
www.troxlerlabs.com

Table of Contents

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Troxler 3440-L Specifications

General IconGeneral
Model3440-L
CategoryMeasuring Instruments
TypeNuclear Density Gauge
DisplayLCD
MeasuresDensity and moisture
Measurement PrincipleNuclear
Measurement ParametersDensity, Moisture
Source TypeCesium-137 and Americium-241
Detector TypeGeiger-Mueller tube
Power SupplyRechargeable batteries
Operating Temperature Range-10°C to 50°C
Standards ComplianceASTM D6938, ASTM D2922, ASTM D3017, AASHTO T310, AASHTO T238

Summary

Cautions and Warnings

EU Declaration of Conformity

Attention Gauge Owner

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Model 3440-L

Introduction

Overview of the gauge's features, capabilities, and manual structure.

Gauge and Accessories

Details and illustrations of the gauge and its standard accessories.

Control Panel Keypad

Explanation of the gauge's control panel keypad layout and functions.

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Turning the Gauge On

Procedure for powering on the gauge and its initial self-test phase.

Daily Inspection

Steps for performing a daily visual inspection of the gauge's safety features.

Basic Parameter Setup

Configuration of essential gauge parameters like units and count time.

Count Time Selection

Options for selecting different count times to affect reading accuracy.

Mode Selection

Selecting between Soil and Asphalt modes, including sub-mode options.

Selecting a Project Number

How to input and manage project numbers for data storage and recall.

Setting the Clock/Calendar

Instructions for adjusting the gauge's internal clock and calendar settings.

Taking the Standard Count

Procedure for performing a standard count to ensure gauge accuracy and stability.

Viewing the Last Four Standard Counts

How to access and review the gauge's stored standard count history.

Chapter 3: Measurement Site Preparation

Soil and Base Course Preparation

Steps for preparing soil and base course surfaces for accurate measurements.

Asphalt Surface Preparation

Procedure for preparing asphalt surfaces to ensure proper gauge contact and readings.

Chapter 4: Taking a Density/Moisture Measurement

Taking a Reading

Procedure for performing density and moisture measurements.

Storing a Reading

How to save measurement data using project and station numbers.

Chapter 5: 3440 Operations

Offsetting a Reading

Adjusting gauge readings to compensate for material properties or environmental factors.

Wet Density Offset

Procedure for enabling and setting wet density offset values.

Moisture Offset

Process for enabling and setting moisture offset values.

Trench Offset

Method for applying offsets when measuring inside trenches or near structures.

Count Time Function

Configuration of different count times to affect measurement accuracy.

Store Function

Saving measurement data with project and station numbers for later recall.

Proctor/Marshall/Voidless Function

Storing and using Proctor, Marshall, and Voidless density values for compaction calculations.

Status Function

Checking current gauge settings and operational status without executing functions.

Mode Function

Selecting between Soil or Asphalt measurement modes.

Project Function

Managing project numbers for organizing and storing measurement data.

Print Function

Downloading stored project data to a printer or computer.

Erase Function

Removing all stored project data from the gauge's memory.

Counts Function

Reviewing density and moisture counts from the last measurement.

Recall Function

Reviewing the last recorded density and moisture readings.

Depth Function

Selecting between manual or automatic depth measurement modes.

Calculator Function

Using the gauge as a four-function calculator for basic arithmetic operations.

Chapter 6: Special Functions

Stat Test

Performing a statistical stability test to validate normal gauge operation.

Drift Test

Checking the gauge for long-term drift by comparing current readings to stat test averages.

Recover Erase

Function to potentially recover accidentally erased project data from memory.

Keypad Data

Storing numeric information under a specific station number for project data.

Auto-Station

Initializing and enabling automatic station number incrementing for readings.

Special Calibration

Re-calibrating gauge constants for specific materials or conditions.

Nomograph

Using the Nomograph method for determining thin asphalt overlay density.

Precision

Setting and achieving specific precision limits for test measurements.

Set Units

Selecting display and printout units between Metric and PCF.

Baud Rate

Configuring the data transmission speed for printers or computers.

Communication Protocol

Selecting transmission protocols (Line Feed with Carriage Return).

Battery Monitor

Methods for monitoring and displaying battery status, life, and voltage.

Source Decay

Calculating theoretical standard counts to compensate for radioactive source decay.

Special Roadway

Configuring gauge prompts for specific project data collection (e.g., FHWA).

Chapter 7: Extended Functions

Time/Date

Adjusting the gauge's current time-of-day and date settings.

Customer Name

Entering or changing the name of the gauge owner for reports and printouts.

Serial Number

Changing the gauge's serial number if lost in memory.

Calibration Date

Updating the date of the last gauge re-calibration.

Calibration Constants

Changing gauge constants for test result calculations; requires re-entry if memory is lost.

Rod Length

Manually setting the rod length if depth readings appear incorrect.

Erase Standard Counts

Removing all standard counts from the gauge memory.

Memory Clear

Erasing critical gauge information; for service personnel only.

Burn-In

Function for service personnel use only.

Calibration Standard

Inputting the factory calibration standard count into the gauge.

Remote Control

Function for service personnel use only.

Appendix A: Theory of Operation

Density

Explanation of how the gauge measures density using direct transmission and backscatter modes.

Moisture

Explanation of how the gauge measures moisture content using neutron thermalization.

Appendix B: Radiation Theory

Atomic Structure

Fundamental components of an atom: protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Radiation Theory

Explanation of radioactivity, curies, becquerels, and half-life.

Radiation Statistics

Understanding radioactive emission as a random process and Poisson distribution.

Radiation Terminology

Definitions of radiation units like rad, rem, mrem, and quality factors.

Appendix C: Radiological Safety

Radiation Types

Identification of radiation types produced by the gauge: alpha, beta, photons, neutrons.

Radiation Exposure

Methods for limiting radiation exposure: time, distance, and shielding.

Monitoring Radiation

Requirements for personnel monitoring and dosimetry for radiation workers.

3440-L Radiation Profile

Table showing radiation dose equivalent rates for different parts of the gauge.

Source Encapsulation

Description of how the radioactive sources are sealed and protected.

Emergency Procedures

Steps to follow in case of a lost, stolen, or damaged nuclear gauge.

Appendix D: Licensing Requirements

Specific License

Requirement for a specific license issued by the US NRC or equivalent state agency.

Radiation Safety Program

Maintaining control of the gauge to minimize radiation exposure to operators and the public.

Personnel Monitoring

Requirement for wearing monitoring devices to record operator radiation exposure.

Security

Providing security to prevent unauthorized use or removal of the gauge.

Training

One-day training seminar for nuclear gauge operators and Radiation Safety Officers.

Leak Test

Procedure for leak testing the gauge annually to ensure source integrity.

Notice to Employees

Posting a 'Notice to Employees' where gauge users and others can view it.

Incidents

Actions to take if the gauge is lost, stolen, or physically damaged.

Disposal

Following strict methods for disposing of radioactive materials.

Record Keeping

Documentation requirements for licensing agencies, including licenses, certificates, and reports.

Appendix E: Transportation and Shipping

U.S. Requirements

Major requirements for transporting nuclear gauges in the United States per DOT regulations.

Accident Notification Requirements

Procedures for notifying agencies in case of an incident involving radioactive material.

Hazmat Training

Requirements for training, testing, and certifying hazmat employees.

Canadian Shipping Requirements

Regulations for transporting dangerous goods and radioactive materials in Canada.

Appendix F: Periodic Maintenance and Service

Batteries

Information on gauge battery condition, charging, and life indicators.

Alkaline Battery Use

Instructions for using alkaline batteries as an alternative to rechargeable ones.

Mechanical Maintenance

Procedures for maintaining mechanical parts including sources, sliding block, and bearings.

Electronic Maintenance

Guidance for electronic maintenance, emphasizing service by qualified personnel only.

Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and resolving common gauge operational issues and error messages.

Gauge Fails Standard Counts

Troubleshooting steps when the gauge fails to complete standard counts.

No Density Reading

Diagnosing and resolving issues when the gauge does not provide density readings.

Erratic Gauge Readings

Identifying causes and solutions for erratic or unstable gauge readings.

Gauge Turns Off or Will Not Turn On

Troubleshooting steps for issues related to the gauge powering off or failing to turn on.

Non-Functioning Depth Indicator

Resolving issues with the depth indicator, including potential CPU board or strip malfunctions.

Gauge Indicates Short Battery Life

Diagnosing and correcting issues related to short battery life after recharging.

Incorrect Battery Life Hours

Steps to correct inaccurate battery life hour readings and monitor battery status.

RS-232 Port Malfunction

Troubleshooting the RS-232 port for connectivity and data transfer issues.

Counts Satisfactory, Results in Error

Resolving errors when counts are correct but results are inaccurate.

Garbage or '+++++' Displayed

Troubleshooting steps for display issues like garbage data or error messages.

Possible Malfunction Indicators

Common indicators of gauge malfunctions related to internal boards and modules.

CPU Board Malfunctions

Common indicators of CPU board issues and malfunctions.

Preamp Board Malfunctions

Common indicators of preamp board issues and malfunctions.

High Voltage Module Malfunctions

Common indicators of high voltage module issues and malfunctions.

Error Messages

Understanding and correcting common error messages displayed by the gauge.

Replacement Parts

Diagrams and part numbers for replacing components of the 3440-L gauge.

Returning a Gauge for Service

Procedure and required information for sending a gauge back for repair or service.

Appendix G: 3440-L Specifications

Measurement Specifications

Detailed accuracy and error specifications for density, moisture, and depth measurements.

Calibration Specifications

Specifications for calibration standards and operational ranges.

Radiological Specifications

Details on gamma and neutron sources, shielding, and radiation profiles.

Memory Specifications

Specifications for the gauge's RAM and ROM memory capacities.

Electrical Specifications

Specifications for time accuracy, power supply, battery, and data formats.

Mechanical Specifications

Specifications for vibration, drop tests, operating temperatures, dimensions, and weight.

Appendix H: Log Forms & Compaction Test Data

Standard Count Log

Log sheets for recording standard count dates, moisture, and density values.

Nuclear Compaction Test Data

Data sheets for recording project, station, offset, and measurement details.

Appendix I: Unit Conversion

Measurement Units

Conversion factors for common measurement units (inches, feet, pcf to metric).

Radiological Units

Conversion factors for radiological units (rem, Ci, mCi, µCi to Sv, GBq, MBq, kBq).

Appendix J: Printing (Uploading) Project Data

Windows HyperTerminal

Overview of using Windows HyperTerminal for data transfer from the gauge.

HyperTerminal Setup

Step-by-step guide to configuring HyperTerminal for gauge data transfer.

Equipment Connection

Connecting the gauge to a computer using the appropriate serial cable.

Printing (Uploading) Project Data

Procedure for printing or uploading project data from the gauge to a computer.

Viewing Project Data

How to view uploaded data files (.txt) and import them into spreadsheets.

Warranty

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