How does XRF work?
- The surface to be measured
is irradiated with gamma rays that excite the emission of K shell x-rays.
The gamma ray source in the LPA-1 XRF is an isotope of cobalt, Co57.
The x-rays are then collected by a solid state radiation detector within
the analyzer. The lead concentration is then computed and displayed
in mg/cm2.
- The LPA-1 method of measurement
is based on the spectrometric analysis of lead K-shell x-ray fluorescence
in a controlled depth of paint. K-shell energy can easily go through
the paint without being affected by different thickness and composition
of various layers of paint that can cause false readings. Controlled
depth used in the design of the LPA-1 XRF Lead Paint Analyzer restricts
the penetration of the energetic K-shell x-rays into the substrate.
The system cannot be misled by the presence of lead pipes or other objects
located deep in a wall.
What makes the LPA-1
so fast?
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- In designing the instruments,
RMD, now PROTEC Instrument Corporation, worked with government agencies
and the inspection community to understand the issues facing the lead
paint inspector. Productivity and portability consistently came
back as themes in almost all of the discussions. Utilizing their
extensive knowledge in microprocessor based analytical instrumentation,
the engineers designed an intelligent instrument that acquires and analyzes
data simultaneously. In addition, the LPA-1 are true spectrum
analyzers. While some instruments require the user to visually
evaluate a spectrum and interpret results, the LPA-1 are intelligent
enough to acquire a spectrum, interpret it, and compute a result without
help from the user. They perform this process faster and more
accurately then can possibly be done by the human eye giving it astounding
speed of measurement.
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How long is the half
life for CO57 and when do I resource the instrument?
- The half life for CO57 is
approximately nine months (272 days). The source will decay at
the same rate whether the instrument is used once or a million times.
It is not necessary, however, to change the source after one half life.
The source in the LPA-1 can be used well beyond nine months. In
fact the instrument’s intelligence will automatically adjust for the
age of the source in Quick Mode or when using the Time Corrected Mode
during calibration checks. The recommended source change is 15-18
months.
How much radiation is an
operator exposed to by the LPA-1?
- The LPA-1 Analyzer contains
a maximum of 12 mCi (millicurie) of Cobalt 57 (Co57) radioactive material
sealed, and housed in a tungsten shield inside the instrument.
The source can only be exposed when the system is in contact with a
surface. The low activity of the source and the shield, along
with proper operation results in no radiation hazard to the operator.
The radiation dose rate at the operators hand is approximately 0.3 mRem/hr
(Millirem per hour) with the shutter open or closed. This is substantially
below the permissible dose rate. The LPA-1 Analyzer has been through
the Device Safety Evaluation Review and is a nationally registered device.
Has the LPA-1 been issued
a Product Characteristic Sheet (PCS)?
- The LPA-1 has been issued
a Performance Characteristic Sheet (PCS). Call us to obtain a
copy. It is also available for downloading from our website, the HUD
website or by calling the HUD clearing house at 1-800-424-LEAD.
What is required before
PROTEC Instruments can deliver my LPA-1?
- In order to deliver any LPA-1
three items must be completed.
1. The user must receive a license or registration from the local
state agency. Some states accept a general license. (Call for the LPA-1
Specification & Licensing Requirements for instructions).
A copy of the device specific license or general license registration
approval may be mailed or faxed to PROTEC Instruments prior to shipment.
2. The user must complete a factory authorized training course.
The training, which is provided by an authorized representative of PROTEC
Instruments, can be completed in one day and is included in the purchase
price.
3. Payment must be arranged and confirmed. Accepted methods
include, a certified or bank check, a signed and approved lease agreement,
or an institution or government purchase order.
Do I have to go to Watertown
Massachusetts to be trained?
- While customers are always
welcome to train and tour the facility in Watertown, MA, PROTEC Instruments
holds regular training sessions around the country. Contact us
for exact location and dates. Safety training is also available
on line. Contacy us for details.
Can I finance the LPA-1
instrument? If so, how?
- For those who wish to finance
their purchase, PROTEC Instruments works through several leasing companies
to allow customers to spread out payment in convenient monthly installments.
Contact PROTEC Instruments for a list of lease-to-own companies.
Will the software run on my computer?
- The software is compatible
with all Windows® operating systems
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What is included
in the LPA-1 Lead Paint Spectrum Analyzer Package?
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- (1) XRF Analyzer
- (2) Rechargeable batteries
- Battery Charger
- (2) stabilizers
- Standard reference material
for calibration
- Instruction manual
- Computer interface cable
- Windows® based software
- Software instruction
manual
- Foam-lined carrying
case
- Optional portable hand
held PC
- Warranty: parts &
labor – 2 years
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How long has RMD
/ PROTEC Instruments been in the instrumentation business?
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RMD Instruments, now PROTEC
Instrument Corporation, has been producing quality nuclear instrumentation
since 1974, and is one of a few companies in the world with the technology
to produce Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) for commercial use, a critical
component in the detection of X-rays in the LPA-1 Analyzer.
Some of the other products include nationally recognized surgical
probes for radiological medicine and imaging, safety monitors for
nuclear power plants, systems for nuclear surveys, and quality control
instruments for analyzing composite and plastic materials. PROTEC
Instrument Corporation has always been committed to providing total
support to their customers through innovative products and services |
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