2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The XRS4 is an industrial type open beam X-ray generator intended to radiograph inanimate objects. The XRS4 is
a pulsed X-ray device that produces X-ray pulses of very short duration (10 nanoseconds). The energy produced
by the XRS4 is up to 370kVp, which makes it possible to radiograph up to one (1.5) inch (3.81 cm) of steel.
XRS4 standard accessories are two keys, two battery packs, and one battery charger. Remote cable, carrying case,
and film developing equipment are also common accessories.
2.0 WARNINGS
The XRS4 is a pulsed X-ray generator that emits hazardous ionizing radiation when pulsing. The XRS4 should only
be operated by authorized personnel who are properly trained to safely operate the generator. The XRS4 must
be registered with proper authorities prior to use and should not be used to intentionally expose humans.
Develop and closely follow a safe operating system for using the XRS4. The safe operating system must ensure that
no one is exposed to radiation above the permissible limits which are 2 mR (0.02 mSv) per hour for a member of
the public.
The safe operating system must ensure the XRS4 is used within federal and state guidelines.
All operators and users of the XRS4 X-ray machine must wear a personal radiation monitoring device, such as a
TLD (thermo luminescent dosimeter), film badge, and/or a pocket dosimeter consistent with the appropriate fed-
eral, territorial or provincial standards (note: an electronic dosimeter will not detect the XRS4 radiation pulses). If
an operator or bystander is exposed to an unacceptable level of radiation contact your Radiation Safety Officer
and/or appropriate health care provider.
Due to the short pulse width of the XRS4, survey meters of the Geiger-Mueller and scintillator type do not accu-
rately detect the radiation emitted from the X-ray source.
Survey meters should be of the ionization type and should be used in the integration mode
. Survey meters must not
be used in the rate mode because the XRS4 does not produce constant radiation. The XRS4 produces very high
rates of radiation for very short periods of time resulting in either unrealistically high readings or no readings for
a survey meter in rate mode.
The XRS4 has no explosion proof rating and should not be used in an explosive atmosphere. The Spark Gap
is vented to the air and could be a source of ignition.
THE STANDARD XRS4 WITHOUT A MODIFIED SPARK
GAP WILLL LIKELY FAIL PREMATURELY WHEN USED ABOVE 5000 ft. (1524 m) ELEVATION.
The XRS4 produces high levels of radiation and must be operated by qualified personnel who have read
the Warning and Operations section of the manual before operating the device.
DUTY CYCLE WARNING.
The XRS4 is a light duty machine that is not made to pulse continuously.
The maximum
duty cycle for the XRS4 is 200 pulses every four minutes (3000 pulses per hour). Additional 30 second rest every
50 pulses is suggested for applications requiring more than one hour continual use or in temperatures exceeding
90 degrees F. Exceeding the duty cycle will shorten the life of the tube and head.
