ORTEC Micro-Detective-HX, Operation Manual

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1
Hereinafter referred to simply as the HX.
2
Hereinafter referred to simply as GammaVision.
3
Hereinafter referred to as the HX Performance Check Guide.
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1. INTRODUCTION
The ORTEC Micro-Detective-HX
1
portable nuclide identifier incorporates a high-purity
germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray detector, a moderated neutron detector, and a Geiger-Müller
tube into a compact unit weighing approximately 15 lbs (6.8 kg). The HPGe detector must be
cooled to near-liquid-nitrogen temperatures before it can function. This is handled by a small
mechanical cooler designed for years of continuous operation.
You need only unpack the instrument, connect it to an ac power supply, power it on, allow the
HPGe detector to cool down to operating temperature, and collect a background sample
representative of the intended monitoring site. The HX is then ready for surveying and sampling.
The HX monitors for radiation at all times and posts alarms in all operational modes. It can be
used as a stationary detector for extended periods by connecting it to either the adaptor/charger
or a 12 V dc power source.
The instrument periodically adjusts its calibration based on naturally occurring K-40.
Experienced spectroscopists can use the LCX expert identification mode (see Section A.5). In
addition, the innocent status of the radioisotopes in the pre-loaded library can be switched to
threat status for a particular site (see Section 3.4.2.2).
The HX is essentially maintenance-free. There are no user-serviceable components inside the
instrument; only the SecureDigital™ (SD) and CompactFlash™ (CF) memory card drives and
the internal battery compartment are accessible to users.
1.1. Performance Monitoring (HPRDS-Qualified Unit Only)
If you purchased the HPRDS-qualified HX, it includes the ORTEC GammaVision
®
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Gamma-Ray Spectrum Analysis and MCA Emulator software (A66-B32),
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which has a quality
assurance module to measure and track the performance of the HPGe detector. For instructions
on implementing this feature, see the Micro-Detective-HX System Performance Check with
GammaVision-32 guide
3
(P/N 931078) provided with the HPRDS-qualified unit.
NOTE
If using the GammaVision performance-checking module, it must be configured before
the HX is used for monitoring and surveying.