S.E. International Radiation alert Monitor 1000 EC Operation Manual - page 3
3
The Monitor 1000
EC
is a health and safety instrument that is optimized to detect low levels of radiation. It
measures gamma and x-ray radiation (ionizing radiation only).
Its applications include:
• Detecting and measuring surface contamination
• Monitoring possible radiation exposure while working with radionuclides
• Screening for environmental contamination
• Detecting noble gases and other low energy radionuclides
How the Monitor 1000
EC
Detects Radiation
The Monitor 1000
EC
uses a Geiger-Mueller tube to detect radiation. The Geiger tube generates a pulse of
electrical current each time radiation passes through the halogen quenched tube. Each pulse is electronically
detected and registers as a count. The count is displayed in the mode you choose.
The number of counts detected by the Monitor 1000
EC
varies from moment to moment due to the random
nature of radioactivity. A reading is expressed more accurately as an average over time, and the average is
more accurate over a longer time period. See Chapter 3: Operating in Count Mode.
Precautions
To keep the Monitor 1000
EC
in good condition, handle it with care, and observe the following precautions:
• CAUTION: Never touch the Monitor 1000
EC
to a surface that
may be contaminated. You may contaminate it.
• Do not leave the Monitor 1000
EC
in temperatures over 100° F (38°C)
or in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
• Do not get the Monitor 1000
EC
wet. Water can damage the circuitry.
• Do not put the Monitor 1000
EC
in a microwave oven. It cannot measure
microwaves, and you may damage it or the oven.
• The Monitor 1000
EC
may be sensitive to and may not operate properly in radio
frequency, microwave, electrostatic, and electromagnetic fields.
• The software may disconnect in high static conditions and may need to be restarted by the user.
• If you do not expect to use the Monitor 1000
EC
for longer than one month, remove the batteries to avoid
damage from battery corrosion. A battery indicator appears on the display to show remaining power.
Chapter 1: Introduction