InstroTek
86
Routine Maintenance
Radiation sources
The MC-3 Elite contains two radioactive sources. The sources
require no maintenance. The small Americium-241:Beryllium
source is in the center of a lead cup. The source is inside a lead
cup which screws into the shielded area in the center of the
gauge base.
Do not attempt to remove this source.
The Cesium-
137 is inside the end of the source rod which is inside the guide
tube. The source is fixed inside the tip of the source rod. In the
safe position (source rod handle at the top of the guide tube
marked “
safe
”) the Cs-137 source is surrounded by lead and
tungsten shielding.
Do not attempt to remove this source from
the source rod.
Bottom Plate
Maintenance in the bottom plate area of the gauge may be
required if the following problems are encountered while using
the gauge. Difficulty in lowering or raising the source rod when
pulling the handle up or down, and/or unusual density counts.
These are generally an indication that soil or other material has
migrated into the bottom of the gauge and it needs to be
cleaned and fresh grease added.
Important: InstroTek recommends use of only MagnaLube G as
a greasing agent in this gauge. MagnaLube has Teflon filler,
which provides superior and longer lasting performance in the
environment these gauges are typically used.
MagnaLube G is a trademark of SaundersEnterprises, Inc.
Teflon is a trademark of DuPont Company.