The VF Hand-Foot Contamination Monitor is designed for measuring surface contamination by alpha, beta, and gamma-emitting radionuclides on hands, feet, and clothing (when equipped with an optional frisking probe). These monitors are suitable for use in nuclear power plants, radiochemical plants, research institutes with reactors, and PET centers. Different workplaces can utilize appropriate one or two-channel models optimized for measuring alpha; alpha + beta; alpha + beta + gamma; alpha/beta; and alpha/beta + gamma radiation.
The monitor is available in two design variants, differing in the orientation of hand detectors: one with a vertical layout of hand detectors, featuring a special biaxial pressure mechanism for optimal alpha radiation measurement geometry, and another with a horizontal layout of hand detectors, using a uniaxial pressure mechanism and gravity for optimal measurement geometry.
Technical Specifications:
The HF series includes models HF-50, HF-100, HF-150, HF-300, HF-350, HF-4A, HF-4B, HF-4C, HF-4D, and HF-4E, with corresponding types K1010-K1014 and K1175-K1179.
- Dimensions (W x H x D):
- Horizontal hand detectors: (599 x 1438 x 732) mm (23.58 x 56.5 x 29 in)
- Vertical hand detectors: (822 x 1438 x 825) mm (32.38 x 56.5 x 32.5 in)
- Weight: 52 kg (114.6 lb)
- Power Supply: (100 ÷ 240) V AC, (45 ÷ 65) Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 50 W (typical current consumption of 0.2 A / 230 V)
- Electric Protection: IP 20
- Number of Detectors:
- 6 (7) total: 4 x SCD-286 (hand detectors) or 2 x SCD-286 for HF-4 series, and 2 x SCD-525 (foot detectors).
- 1x SFP-100 (frisker) – optional accessory.
- Communication with PC: 1 x Service USB port, 1 x USB port for data import/export, 1 x Ethernet 10/100.
- Result Indications:
- Display: Color touch-screen (320 x 240) pixels.
- Visual Signalization Unit: Indicator lamp Ø 24 mm, minimum luminous intensity 900 mCd.
- Acoustic Signalization Unit: Voice output, incoming pulse signalization unit for a frisker.
Environmental Conditions:
- Working Temperatures: (0 ÷ +40) °C (32 ÷ +104 °F)
- Working Relative Humidity: max. 90%, non-condensing
- Working Pressure: (86 ÷ 106) kPa
Storage Conditions:
- Storage Temperatures: (-25 ÷ +40) °C (-13 ÷ +104 °F)
- Storage Relative Humidity: max. 90%, non-condensing
- Other Storage Conditions: The instrument should not be stored without switching on for more than 3 months.
Detector Specifications (SCD-286, SCD-525, SFP-100):
These detectors come in various types (A, B, C, D, E) to detect Alpha, Alpha + Beta, Alpha / Beta in two channels, Alpha + Beta + Gamma, and Alpha / Beta + Gamma in two channels.
- Scintillators: ZnS(Ag) on acrylic glass or plastic scintillator, with varying thicknesses and surface densities.
- Photomultiplier: Diameter 25 mm with hemispheric window.
- High Voltage Source: (400 ÷ 1000) V with sensitive current limitation.
- Sensitive Area: SCD-286: 286 cm² (44.3 in²), SCD-525: 525 cm² (81.4 in²), SFP-100: 100 cm² (15.5 in²).
- Window: Aluminized light-tight foil (3 x 0.29) mg-cm⁻².
- Protective Grid: Hexagonal grid, permeability 77-78%.
- Dead Time: Automatically compensated, typically 4.5 µs.
Radiometric Parameters:
- Measurement Ranges: Vary by detector type and channel, typically from 4 cps to 100 kcps.
- Detector Background: Varies by detector type and channel, typically < 0.1 cps to < 160 cps.
- Displayed Quantities: Pulse rate [cps], activity [Bq], surface activity [Bq.cm⁻²].
- Relative Intrinsic Error: ±25%.
- Reference Radionuclide: ²⁴¹Am (alpha), ³⁶Cl (beta).
- Time Constant: Variable (3 ÷ 10) s or (2 ÷ 30) s for SFP-100.
- Homogeneity: Minimum response > half maximum response across sensitive area (deviation < 50%, typically 25%).
- Crosstalk (alpha to beta/beta-gamma): < 30%, typically 5-15%.
- Overload: Indication when measurement range exceeds 100x upper limit.
Alarm Levels:
Pre-set alarm levels for beta and alpha contamination vary by monitor type (HF-50 to HF-350) and detector type (SCD-286, SCD-525, SFP-100). For example, HF-150 has beta alarm levels of 120 Bq (hand) and 240 Bq (foot), and alpha alarm levels of 24 Bq (hand) and 48 Bq (foot), and 80 Bq (frisker).
Usage Features:
- Control: The instrument is controlled via a PLC touch-screen display and position sensors on hand and foot detectors, and optionally a frisker sensor.
- Signalization: Visual and acoustic signals communicate measurement phases, operating instructions, and evaluation. Faster beeping indicates a higher detected pulse rate when using the frisker.
- Measurement Procedure: The monitor continuously measures background. When a person is detected, background measurement is interrupted, and a visual/voice wizard guides the user to the correct measurement position (hands between detectors, feet on foot detectors with tips touching stops).
- Measurement Results: Results are displayed on the screen, indicating "Not contaminated" or "Contaminated." If contamination is detected, decontamination is required, and a monitor contamination test follows.
- Service Menu: Accessible by pressing the VF logo on the basic screen (password protected). It allows:
- Exporting/clearing archives (measurement results and errors) to a USB flash drive (FAT32, max 4 GB).
- Exporting/importing configuration files ("config.xml").
- Setting date and time.
- Setting network connection (Ethernet setup).
- Displaying detector status and response.
- Resetting the instrument.
- Identification Card Reader: Some versions prompt for an ID card when taking a measurement position.
- Power Failure: The instrument automatically turns off and returns to the basic screen upon power renewal.
- Calibration: The PLC screen can be calibrated during installation or periodic maintenance.
Maintenance Features:
- Daily Maintenance: Visual inspection, cleaning protective foils of foot detectors, and cleaning the metal tray for hand detectors (vertical hand detector variants only). Checking measured background levels is crucial to detect damaged or contaminated detectors.
- Quarterly Maintenance: Check and lubricate foot detector grate switches.
- Annual and Multi-annual Maintenance: Comprehensive inspection, replacement of worn-out spare parts by trained service personnel. PLC backup battery exchange is recommended every five years for permanent operation, or annually if stored.
- Protective Foils: Optional protective foils for foot detectors (cardboard frame for alpha, reel for non-alpha measurements) provide additional mechanical protection.
- Cleaning Dirt Tray (Hand Detectors): Remove the metal triangular grid, pull out and clean the metal tray, then reassemble.
- Checking Foot Detector Grate Switches: Loosen nuts, lift grids, remove protective foils (if used), clean around detectors (carefully, to avoid damaging the light-tight foil), lubricate activation switches with silicone oil, check switch function, replace foils, and secure grids.
- Metrological Traceability: Calibration is performed every two years.
- Photomultiplier (PMT) Life: PMTs are tested and assessed by VF for expected requirements. Drift or instability in instrument response requires contacting authorized service.
Troubleshooting:
- Failure Reports: Indicated by a glowing red lamp and a failure report on the display (e.g., "Out of service E009 Detectors contaminated").
- High Background Level: If the monitor cannot detect the required surface activity due to high background, it indicates "High background level." Solutions include reducing the background source, waiting for background to drop, or relocating the monitor. If localized to one detector, it may be contaminated or damaged.
- Possible Detector Contamination: Indicated by a symbol on the display. Decontamination involves wiping the protective grid with a damp cloth.
- Communication Failure: "Out of service" and "Device addr. xxx no communication" appear on the display, indicating a loss of communication with a detector or instrument component. Information is also available in the service menu.
Warranty Conditions:
The warranty covers material defects and malfunctions, provided the Instructions for Use are followed, maintenance is performed, and no unauthorized changes are made. Claims must be filed within 15 days of the warranty period expiring. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, mechanical damage, improper installation or handling, or natural disasters. Unauthorized repairs void the warranty.
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