GAMMA TECHNICAL CORPORATION

Technical description and User’s manual

NDI
Intelligent scintillation detectors
GAMMA TECHNICAL CORPORATION

NDI
Intelligent scintillation detectors

2013 V1.0
 Table of contents

1. The purpose and usage of the detector 3

2. Structure 4
3. Operating principles 6
4. Technical data 9
5. Maintenance, repair service, warranty 10
6. Controlling, repairs 11
Quality certification 12
1. THE PURPOSE AND USAGE OF THE DETECTOR
The NDI type Intelligent scintillation detectors equipped with scintillation crystals of various
sizes and kinds are capable of measuring:

- alpha,
- beta,
- gamma,
- neutron radiation, and
- with sandwich crystals, the simultaneous measuring of alpha-beta, gamma-neutron etc.
radiation based on the principle that the NDI type Intelligent scintillation detectors are capable
of selecting different impulses generated within the individual layers of the sandwich crystals
according to its various signal width values.

The NDI type Intelligent scintillation detectors do not require any external hardware devices for the
various measuring tasks, the high-voltage supply unit, the analog circuits, the spectrum-analyzer,
etc. are all integrated in the detector. The detector is capable of transmitting recorded spectra to the
data collecting and processing computer via its serial communication system.

Its microcomputer can be programmed to execute specific tasks as well, such as to identify the
activity concentration of selected nuclides or to function in radiation portal monitor mode. In this
case, its communication system of the RS 485 makes it possible to collect various nuclide-specific
measurements for a specific nuclear facility.

The integrated spectrum stabilizer of the NDI type detectors makes it possible to carry out
measurement tasks under extreme climatic conditions, such as in terrain or in the hot steam of a
reactor etc.

During production, the NDI detectors can be pre-programmed for the following modes with the
technological software:

- Test mode
- Spectrum measurements with PC
- Radiation portal monitor mode.
- Critical level alarm mode

a., Test mode:

In "Test mode" adjustments and control can be carried out with a test program during the
manufacturing phase. The test program is extremely suitable for educational purposes, since high
voltage can be adjusted from a PC and the discrimination level and windows can also be
determined. The program allows amplitude and pulse width analysis.

b., Spectrum measurements with PC

"Measurement with PC" can be carried out with the MultiAct software package. The multi-purpose
nuclear spectrometric software is capable of:

- calibration tasks,
- recording gamma spectra, isotope identification, determination of concentration,
- simultaneous alpha-beta counting with low background, etc.

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c., Radiation portal monitor mode

In "Radiation portal monitor” mode the detector is applying a special measuring algorithm,
patented by the GAMMA Technical Corporation, that is executing the automatic background
compensation. The program used for processing and displaying data is the IntelliGate.

d., Critical level alarm mode

In "Critical level alarm" mode, the detector initiates an alarm in case a threshold value is exceeded
in the pre-programmed channel or channels.

2. STRUCTURE

The various types and sizes in mm (inch) of the NDI detectors:

Type Tube PMT Crystal Type No of basic selection

diameter diameter diameter NaI(Tl) Plastic ZnS(Ag)
NDI – 40 40 30 25 (1") S111365 S522348 S212330
NDI – 65 65 52 40 S111465* S522448 S212430
NDI – 65/50 65 52 50 (2") 5S111068* 5S522048 5S212030
NDI – 90 90 76 63 (2,5") S111569* S522548 S212530
NDI – 110/76 110 90 76 (3") 7S111060* 7S522048 7S212030
NDI – 110/90 110 90 90 9S111071 9S522048 9S212030
NDI – 160 160 130 100 (4") S111671 S222648

Notes:
- The thickness and diameter of the NaI(TI) gamma crystals listed in the basic selection are the
same. The table does not contain crystals of different thickness, such as thin soft gamma and x-
ray crystals.
- The thickness of plastic crystals listed under basic selection that are suitable for low-background
beta-counting is 0.5 mm. Plastic crystals are also available with a thickness of 5 mm for
spectrometric purposes
- In the range of GAMMA products, the following are also available.

 thermic neutron crystals

 sandwich crystals
 crystals with well and transversal bore
 Gamma crystals marked with * are also available with LED for spectrum stabilized
types.

Besides traditional components, the spectrum analyzer and all functions of the PC analyzer card
have been integrated into the detector. In addition, further circuit components support
programmability, communication, system stability etc.

The structure of the NDI can be seen in the following block diagram:

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NDI type INTELLIGENT SCINTILLATION DETECTORS

.
1. Crystal 2. Pre- 3. Discriminator 4. 5. μC 6.
PMT amplifier, peak-detector, A/D ROM, RAM Serial interface
HV-divider comparator EEPROM
LED HV osztó Thermometer
RS-485

+5V
10. Spectrum 9. Adjustable 8. -7V 7.
stablizer D/A Power supply
HV supply

8 –34 V

1.+2.+(9.) Traditional detector (with an integrated high-voltage supply unit)

3.+4.+5. PC amplitude analyzer card integrated in the detector

NDI specialities:

3. Signal width identification with peak-detector and comparator

4. 12 bit A/D in µC: simultaneous 512-channel amplitude- and 128 channel width analysis
Temperature compensation.
5. Internal program and data memories, external 128 Kbyte RAM, e.g. background spectrum record
External flash EEPROM’s: 512 Kbyte data- and 64 Kbyte program memory programmable for specific
target tasks.
6. RS-485 bidirectional serial communication with PC, network connection.
7. Isolated power supply.
8. D/A: high-voltage, discrimination threshold, spectrum analyser, etc. control from PC
10.+LED+3.+9. Spectrum stabilising: AF sinus generator + blue LED + demodulator + controlled HV supply unit.
The LED can also be used for measuring crystal temperature.
3. OPERATING PRINCIPLES
3.1. Detector

Upon interaction, radioactive radiation transmits energy to any substance. The energy
absorbed by the substance generates photons in the scintillator. The amount of photons thus
generated is proportional to the energy of the radiation absorbed. If arranged appropriately, a
great deal of the photons generated in the scintillator reaches the photo-electron multiplier
cathode.

As a result of the photons striking the photo cathode, electrons are emitted. The dynode
system multiplies these electrons (by 1 million) through secondary emission. An easily
measurable current impulse is generated on the anode of the photomultiplier. This impulse
produces voltage impulse in the parallel RC circuit which is comprised of the multiplier’s load
resistor and capacitors.

The amplitude of the impulse will be proportional to the energy dissipated in the scintillator
as well as its frequency to the intensity of the radiation.

3.2. Electronic circuits:

- Pre-amplifier

The signal emitted from the photomultiplier anode is led into the impedance converter. The
impedance converter is set up as an inverting amplifier.

- High-voltage supply unit

The high-stability high voltage is generated by a switching supply unit for a low-current active
voltage divider. The high-voltage value can be adjusted through the voltage-controlled inlet of
the supply unit from a program using a D/A converter.

- Spectrum stabilizer

The integrated reference light source (blue LED) is controlled by a sinus signal. The sinus
signal emitted from the reference is the input signal of the spectrum stabilizer circuit, which
controls the high voltage in order to stabilize the output signal amplitude.

Temperature dependence is compensated by an internal algorithm. In case of spectrum

stabilizing controlled by the processor panel, the high-voltage cannot be controlled externally.

- Discriminator

Cuts off noises under the discrimination level. The level can be adjusted through the voltage-
controlled inlet using a D/A converter.

- Peak-detector and comparator

Generate signals required to determine the amplitude and width of the individual impulses.

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 - A/D converter

The 12-bit A/D is integrated in a microcomputer and facilitates a 512-channel signal

processing on the impulse amplitude and a 128-channel processing on the width. Temperature
measuring /LED voltage measuring/ adjusting voltage measuring.

- Microcomputer with memory

The program executing controlling and communication tasks are burnt into the
microcomputers’ internal 8 K byte program memory. The external 128 K RAM can be used to
extend the internal RAM and data memory. Additional solutions are provided by the external
plug-in FLASH EEPROM’s: 64 K byte program (programmable for specific tasks) and 512 K
byte data memory.

- D/A converter

Circuit executing the program-controlled adjustment of the high-voltage, the discrimination

level, the LED current and reference of the spectrum stabilizer.

- Serial line interface

Facilitates bilateral serial communication between the detector(s) and the computer via an RS-
485 line.

- Power supply unit

Generates internal voltage necessary for the operation of the detectors’ circuits.

3.3. The NDI’s serial line communication functions are as follows:

- Test mode

The manufacturer’s adjustments and verifications of the device take place here.

In the test mode, the following can be adjusted and checked:

 Retrieval and verification of the device data

Type, mechanical size, detector type, year of production, serial number, date and status
of validation, program version, retrieval and checking of operating mode
 Adjustment of network identification byte
 Adjustment of permitted parameters
High-voltage on/off, high-voltage adjustment, discrimination level adjustment
 Retrieval of permitted parameters
Test mode functions necessary for the execution of measurements: start of measurement,
end of measurement, retrieval of parameters, retrieval of measurement headings, sending
of measurement results.

Adjustable modes:
1. Spectrum measurements with PC
2. Radiation portal monitor mode.
3. Critical level alarm mode
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- Spectrum measurements with PC

 AD measure starting
Measuring periods and times with the measuring program. The measuring program would be:
1. 2 byte 512 x 128 line, all from impulse.
2. 4 byte  amplitude impulse number.
3. 3 byte x 512 line  amplitude spectrum.
4. 8 width line with 3 byte x 512 line  amplitude spectrum.
5. 8 amplitude width - collect 8 x 4 byte  impulse number.
 AD measure stopping
 Checking the parameters of the detector
LED voltage, adjusting voltage, measured temperature, status.
 Checking the measure heading
Measure program, parcel code, measure periods number, collected and processed impulses
number.
 Checking the measured results
Amplitude and width spectrum checking in parcels.

In the PC measure mode the permitted parameters can be checked and adjusted.

- Radiation portal monitor mode

The functions in this mode ensure the following:

The special algorithm is burnt into the microprocessors’ memory. After program start-up, the
detector sends data packages at half-second intervals without interruption. Following a half-
minute warm-up, it measures the background and sends out an alarm if significant increase is
recorded.

- Critical level alarm mode

The functions in this mode provide for the following:

After 30 sec. of warming and data collecting, and 2 min. of background measuring the detector
provides continuous measurement. Using the pre-recorded background spectrum, background
deduction is carried out. At the end of each measurement cycle, the detector sends out a data
package. If the threshold value is exceeded in a window, an alarm is sent off.

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4. TECHNICAL DATA

4.1. Nuclear parameters

Nuclear parameters depend on the applied scintillator.

 General characteristics of gamma scintillators:

- Scintillator: NaI(Tl)
- Density: 3,67 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 1.774
- Emission of light max. 4130 Å
- Light yield: 230 … 280 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 0.23 µs
- Material of housing: Al-Mg-Si with anodized surface
- Radiation window: Al-Mg-Si
- Optical window: optical glass
- Material of reflection: Non-stick strip
- Resolution: 7 … 11% tested with Cs-137 source.

Note: in general, increasing the size of the crystal and departing from the diameter = thickness
geometry increases the FWHM, i.e. the rate of resolution becomes lower.

 General characteristics of beta scintillators:

- Scintillator: Plastic
- Density: 1,03 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 1.57
- Emission of light max. 4200 Å
- Light yield: 60 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 2,5 ns
- Material of mounting: Al-Mg-Si with oxidized surface
- Radiation window: 1 mg/cm2 metal-fumed Mylar foil

 General characteristics of alpha scintillators:

- Scintillator: Zn/S(Ag)
- Density: 4,09 g/cm3
- Absolute index of refraction: 2,356
- Emission of light max. 4500 Å
- Light yield: 300 % compared with same size anthracene
- Decay time: 2 µs
- Material of mounting: Al-Mg-Si with oxidized surface
- Radiation window: 0.7 mg/cm2 metal-fumed Mylar foil

 General characteristics of thermal neutron scintillators:

- scintillator: Boric-polyester + Zn/S(Ag)

- B10 enrichment factor: 30 %
- Emission of light max. 4500 Å
- Light yield: 300 % compared with same size anthracene
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 - Decay time: 2 µs
- Material of mounting: Al-Mg-Si with oxidized surface
- Radiation window: Al-Mg-Si

4.2. Power supply

 Power supply voltage: 9 … 24 V DC

 Power consumption with a nominal supply voltage of 12 V:
- PC-side RS-485/232 without converter: < 40 mA,
- PC-side RS-485/232 with converter: < 60 mA.

4.3. Data transmission

 RS-485, bidirectional.
 19,2 K BPS
 Cable length: max. 2 km.
 Number of detectors on one cable: max. 32.

4.4. Environmental resistance

 Temperature range: 0 … 40 ºC,

extended temperature range version: - 25 … + 60ºC.
 Vapour resistance: max. 85 % RH.
 Overvoltage protection
The detectors are equipped with overvoltage protection in accordance with ETS 300 386-
1:1994
 Radio electronic protection
- Leakage penetrability: 3. level, according to IEC-801-3.
- Electrostatic sensitivity: 3. level, according to IEC-801-3.
- Radio frequency sensitivity: 3. level, according to IEC-801-6.
 Transportation: Category: 2.2, according to ETS-300 019-1-2, in factory packing.
 Storage: Category: 1.2, according to ETS-300 019-1-1, in factory packing.

4.5. Parts and accessories of the instrument

 NDI intelligent scintillation probe

 Interface cable
 AC adapter
 Technical description and Users’ manual

5. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, GUARANTEE

 The NDI type detectors – except cleaning – does not need further maintenance.
Alcohol and decontaminators are equally usable for cleaning.
 In case of failure the manufacturer performs the repairs.
 GAMMA Technical Corporation provides 12 months of guarantee for the NDI type
detectors from the date of purchase. The guarantee is subject to proper use and storage.
Manufacturing and development of the NDI type detectors are maintained by ISO
9001:2009 and NATO AQAP 2110:2006 quality control systems.

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6. CONTROLS AND REPAIRS

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 Certificate of Quality

Number of Certificate: …………….. Date: …………………….

Type: NDI ……..

Description: Intelligent scintillation detector

Batch number:...............................

We declare that our product of the above mentioned type and batch number satisfies
the requirements.

....................................... .......................................
Final Controller Quality Controlling Delegate