Minutes of the DOE Contractor
Health Physics Instrumentation Committee Meeting
December 2 - 4, 1997

Ruh-47-97

Meeting of the Department of Energy (DOE) contractor Health Physics Instrumentation Committee (HPIC) was held on December 2 - 4, 1997, at the Howard Johnson Plaza-Hotel, Cocoa Beach, FL. Discussion was on issues related to performance and standardization of HP instruments and practices at the DOE calibration facilities. The topics included were:

• An introduction and review of the previous HPIC meeting minutes
• A review of recommended amendments to the HPIC Charter
• An update on the HPIC Home Page enhancements
• A discussion on the recent progress on ANSI N323 issuance and the forthcoming revision
• A review of the new 10 CFR 835 Implementation Guide
• Reports on Contemporary Science Radiation Detection Simulators and Synchrotech Systems Radiation Monitoring Systems
• Reports on Beta energy responses from LANL and testing results on the NE Delta
• A review of the HPIC Standard Instrument Manuals
• A discussion on dual phosphor detectors -- what's available/what's tested and what standard specs/models does the HPIC recommend
• A discussion on use of Electronic Pocket Dosimeters (EPDs) in the DOE/Govt. complexes
• Reports and voting on Neutron Detector(s) that are recommended for standardization at the DOE Laboratories and facilities
• A discussion on the standardization efforts for PCM-1Bs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as well as PCMs recommended for standardization at the DOE Laboratories and facilities
• An update and status on the AMUG Committee and AMUG's generated Standard Specs. for CAMs.
• A report on Keithley Laser Read TLDs and their applications
• A discussion on the methodology and practices for deriving a standard MDA for stationary and scan surveys
• A discussion on the Eberline E-600 issues and resolutions
• An update on the recent DOE Topical Steering Committee Meeting for Metrology
• An open forum discussion on the current/anticipated HP instrument issues at the DOE facilities

Attendance of Committee members and visiting observers were as follows:

A summary of the meeting minutes is provided herein for your information.

TOPIC: A discussion on recommended amendments to the revised HPIC Charter

Dale Snowder defined several objectives, which will need to be provided for the continuation of the HPIC, as long as it remains productive. One of the objectives was to find a co-chairman for the HPIC, which will be a proposed addition to the HPIC Charter. A co-chairman for the HPIC will be chosen at a later date.

TOPIC: An update on the HPIC Home Page Enhancements given by Frieda Taylor from Lawrence Livermore National Lab

Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) has been providing a HPIC database for the past two years which consists of a HPIC Home Page. The purpose of the home page is to share information and new data with ease and without duplication. The original Livermore Contract has been scaled back, but the support for the HPIC Home Page will continue to be supported by Dave Hickman, Frieda Taylor, and Paul Krumpe from LLNL.

The HPIC Home Page currently lists the upcoming HPIC meeting dates and the meeting minutes (which are in RTF form), the HPIC Charter, and a list of DOE contacts. There is a great deal of information available consisting of the ANSI N42.17 testing as well as, instrument inventories by site. The HPIC Home Page will be taking on a new look, it will soon include a link from the HPIC "Recommended Standardized Instruments" to the "Buy-on-Agreements" (BOAs). The HPIC recommended modifying the list of Standardized Instruments listed on the HPIC Home Page, to read, "Recommended Standardized Instruments" and to add a set of quotation marks around "Buy-On-Agreements".

The Technical Basis Documents (TBD's) have not been added yet to the HPIC Home page. The Technical Basis Documents from Rocky Flats facility are not all on disk which will need to be scanned before adding them to the HPIC Home Page. Pete Chiaro/ORNL and Murari Sharma/DOE-HQ's, are currently working on displaying a recommended format for TBD's on the HPIC Home Page. Also, the Standardized Manuals w/photos and technical data sheets, will be added to the HPIC Home page in the future. If you have test data or other information pertaining to standardizing of instruments please send to Dave Hickman on electronic form and he can input it onto the HPIC Home Page.

To get to the National HPIC Home Page use: http://www.llnl.gov/HPIC/.

TOPIC: A discussion on the recent progress of the ANSI N323 issuance and the forthcoming revisions given by Morgan Cox/LRRI

The latest revision to ANSI N323 is now separated into four sections with the various committee chairmen as follows:

1. Portables, ANSI N323A (Jack Selby). This standard is being proof read and will be published in early 1998. Review is in 5 years, unless there are changes to be made before then.
   
   
2. Low Levels, ANSI N323B, "Requirements for Near Background Response of Portable Survey Instruments" (Ed Walker). The Scope is in the 1^st draft form and has a committee nominated.
   
   
3. Air Monitors, ANSI N323C, "Air Monitoring" (Mark Hoover). Using Draft form (Rev. 5). The committee has been named and will be meeting at the Health Physics Society Meeting midyear 1998.
   
   
4. Fixed Instrumentation, ANSI N323D, (Jim Hesh). The scope is in draft form and the committee has been named.

TOPIC: A review of the new 10 CFR 835 Implementation Guide given by Gary LaBruyere/INEEL

The DOE Interim Implementation Guide, 10 CFR 835, dated January 1997, entitled, "Instrument Calibration for Portable Survey Instruments", was reviewed and discussed at the last HPIC Meeting. Based on the committee's review of this guide, there were substantial issues which needed to be addressed prior to the final issuance. Gary LaBruyere/INEEL and Murari Sharma/DOE-HQs, have been addressing those issues in the newest draft revision of the 10 CFR 835, Implementation Guide, line by line.

TOPIC: HPIC Instrument Field Manuals for Recommended Standardized Instruments

The GOCO HPIC has standardized on an Instrument Field Manual for RCT use. The field manual consists of color photographs of the instrument and the description. It has sections on environmental conditions, limiting factors of use, operational notes for the RCT, and verified energy response curves. The manual covers general information on how the instrument is used in the field, how the instrument is cared for, and will indicate which instrument to use for which job. This manual is valuable for guidance and information, and could be used as a technical guide for an audit. The updated HPIC Instrument Field Manuals for Recommended Standardized Instruments were distributed to each of the HPIC members. There are a few changes that need to be made in the updated manuals. Please add new labels over the following:

HP-270 Probe should be 44-9 and the 44-9 should be HP-270 Probe but the photographs remain in the same place (need to be renamed only). Please contact Danise Gilsdorf if you have any questions.

TOPIC: A presentation on Radiation Detection Simulators given by David Ward and Pete Johnson from Contemporary Science

David Ward and Pete Johnson gave a presentation from Contemporary Science on Radiation Detection Simulators. Safe Training Systems Simulators make it possible to train without the use of radioactive sources. The system uses radioactive sources, which are in powder or liquid form. The source releases a gas, which is low in toxic, non-flammable and is environmentally safe. The probe is connected to either an imitation ratemeter, or to a real ratemeter. A series of imitation probes for the most popular models are available, which include the 44A, HP260 and 210, DP2, DP6, BP4, AP3 and SPA6. These probes have 5 pin connectors, so that they cannot be confused with real probes.

STS has also designed the Plumes Simulation Exercise System. The system is a simulated survey meter, containing GPS and real time computing, designed to add realism to exercises, and to enhance the skills of monitoring. The Plumes system may be used to simulate releases of radioactivity, chemical and biological warfare agents, or toxic industrial gases for training exercises.

TOPIC: A presentation on Synchrotech Systems Radiation Monitoring Systems given by Benson Davis and Craig Johnson/Synchrotech Systems/MAB

The Synchrotech Model RH40G Radiometer Hand-held Multi-purpose Radiation Monitor is used as a dose rate meter for gamma and neutron radiation and is manufactured in Europe.

• It also can be used as a teletector, a contamination monitor, or a portal monitor.
• It is used with large plastic or sodium iodide scintillators, bar-code readers, wireless transceivers, and is optionally configured and calibrated via PC.
• The plastic case is lined with a metal liner to guard against electro-magnetic interference's.
• The FH40G has been field tested extensively to national and international standards and can be relied upon for measurement accuracy.
• The size is 195 mm x 73 mm x 42 mm and uses 2 AA alkaline or 2 AA lithium cells batteries with a battery life of >250 hrs. at background levels with (alkaline batteries) and >600 hrs. with lithium batteries.
• This monitor has a dose rate alarm warning tone and display flashes either "External" or "Internal" indicating either an external probe alarm or the internal probe alarm. The display has a backlit LCD and is autoranging.

The Synchrotech Model FHT111 Contamination Monitor uses alpha/beta, beta/gamma, tritium, and sodium iodide detector types.

• The Model FHT111 has a large analog LCD display with a backlight.
• The detector can be changed without tools.
• The digital filter on the ratemeter smoothes the displayed value without sacrificing fast response.
• This model has automatic background correction.
• It has no detector cable connections.

The Synchrotech Model FOX700 Whole-Body Contamination Monitor is a proportional counter made by MAB.

• The detection limit is Alpha: 0.02 Bq/cm2 for Am-241, Beta: 0.2 Bq/cm2 for Co-60
• It has 1 LCD display and interfaces with RS232 and RS 485
• Uses P10 Gas
• This model has aluminum rods and claddings
• The dimensions are: 800 x 550 x 2350 mm

TOPIC: Open Forum Discussion

The AIL Gamma Cam's were demonstrated at Vern Peterson's/Argonne-West facility and Morgan Cox/LRRI facility. It is now available; the lease rates are lower priced than purchasing the unit. The Option Lease does include an option to purchase. The AIL Gamma Cam capabilities is limited but is very useful for detecting hot spots.

Be sure to have your Procurement Agent go through Bill Crownover/INEEL, if you are having problems with pricing from the BOA's. Bill will make sure you receive the correct pricing discount. Gary LaBruyere will talk with Richard Oxford/NE*Bicron to get the BOA changed on the Bicron Micro Rems w/extended probe option discount changed.

Year 2000 Issues were discussed on the Oxford Tennelec LB5100Z. The LB5100Z is not a Windows 95 operated unit and will rollover to 1900. The upgrade is up to $2,107.00 for 2 units and $5,400.00 to upgrade the firmware in the Tennelec. The older PCM's will not roll over; the vendors are working on the upgrades. Murari Sharma is checking into the year 2000 issues. Seimans/Electronic Dosimeters claims the clock will roll over, Elliott Lesses will be checking into the Seimans/Electronic Dosimeters and will report to the HPIC at the next meeting.

TOPIC: A presentation on Beta Energy responses given by Dick Olsher from Los Alamos National Lab

The following instruments were tested at the Los Alamos National Lab by Chris Bjork:

• Eberline ESP-1 w/HP260 Beta Pancake Probe
• Eberline ESP-1 w/HP210T Beta Pancake Probe
• Eberline E-600 w/SHP340 Dual Scintillator Probe
• Eberline E-600 w/SHP380 Dual Scintillator Probe
• NE Electra w/DP-6BD Dual Scintillator Probe
• Ludlum 2929 Smear counter
• Eberline AMS-3 Beta Cam
• Eberline AMS-4 Beta Cam

The Beta Sources used in the experiments were:

• Amersham Type 36/50
• 0.3-mm thick aluminum foil, 36-mm diameter, contains the activity (anodized), mounted on 3-mm thick aluminum disk of 50-mm diameter
• C14, Tc99, Cs137, C136 and Sr/Y90 type 2 sources
• Emission rate Std. Deviation = +/- 1.7%

The Calibration and Test Setup used were:

• Using an Aluminum holder for source and probe provided reproducible geometry
• The Calibration was done "flush", a 0.76-mm gap between the source and the bottom of probe. Shims were added onto the perimeter to increase the gap.
• C136 was a suitable beta emitter for routine calibration.
• The energy response variation is about 30% from Tc99 to Sr/Y90 for an HP260 probe.

The conclusions and recommendations made by Los Alamos National Lab were:

• The dual Alpha/Beta probes have poor to no efficiency for low-energy betas.
• Need to use a pancake Geiger counter for primarily beta contamination measurements.
• In radiation monitoring instructions, include a message to hold the probe close to the surface, i.e. < ? inch.
• Rugged anodized sources represent partially imbedded contamination found in the field.

TOPIC: A presentation on the NE Delta given by Carson Riland from Nevada Test Site

Carson Riland from the Nevada Test Site gave a presentation on the NE Delta, some of the features and testing results on the NE Delta were:

• The NE Delta has a mount to hang the probe underneath for self-frisking.
• Nevada Test Site sent several NE Deltas out for field-testing -- the RCTs used the NE Delta as an Electra, however they could set the instrument down to use two hands. Could be used as a benchtop instrument also.
• The NE Delta is used to count smears. The count was 2 minutes.
• This instrument is good for self-frisking.
• The Delta parts are readily changeable.
• The power supply is a plug-in adapter.
• Nevada Test site did see a fluctuation in background, which was more significant for beta probe.
• Checked efficiencies/low voltage/battery testing

It was unanimously voted by the HPIC members to suspend vote for the need to further evaluate the NE Delta as a Stationary Standardized Instrument.

TOPIC: A discussion on Dual Phosphor Detectors

A discussion on dual phosphor detectors as to what's available, what's tested, and what standard specs/models does the HPIC recommend?

• Eberline SHP-380
• Bicron/NE BP6-BD and BP6-DD
• Ludlum 4389

Let Dale Snowder know if anything comes up on dual phosphor detectors so that they can cover it at the next HPIC meeting. What are the capabilities of the probes themselves? Crosstalks, efficiency, etc. should be considered. The HPIC should look at the individual probe and its capabilities by itself.

TOPIC: A discussion on MDA Calculations on Portable Instrumentation

At the last HPIC meeting it was suggested we would need to discuss MDA calculations. At INEEL the MDA calculations for portable instrumentation may be taken from the program output or as calculated below:

Where:

T_s = sample count time (min)
T_b = background count time (min)
R_b = background count rate as determined using an appropriate blank (cpm)
E = fractional counting system efficiency (c/d)

• NUREG 1400 (THI)
• Hallgren/Battelle -- use the Christmas Tree effect
• INEEL -- use TPR-184 (calculation) 4.7.6.1 (used for scalers only) conversion factors for direct scanning instruments (check calculation)

How many put MDA's on their instruments?

• LANL
• Y-12 -- put on their survey forms

Is everyone using the same formula?

Six variations of MDA calculations are in use at HPIC member labs. No single MDA calculation works for all situations or instruments. A MDA calculation is valid for only a stationary, specific set of conditions, which can, and do, change frequently in the field. Because of this, MDA

calculations are arbitrary and subject to the interjection of many variables. There is no standard MDA formula that can effectively be used to encompass all of the variables in changing field conditions and measurements. More will be discussed on this topic at the next HPIC meeting.

Morgan Cox -- MDA's on CAMs

Air Sampling/Monitoring Steps

1. Background
2. Deviation of Background
3. Alarm level(s)
4. Allowable false alarm rate

Use the Lloyd Curie formula

Scanning complicates the calculation vs. a fixed calculation. The AMUG is looking at MDAs. Ludlum.com on the WEBB has an MDA calculation.

TOPIC: A discussion and survey on the use of Electronic Pocket Dosimeters (EPDs)

Discussion and survey on use of Electronic Pocket Dosimeters (EPDs) in DOE/Government Complexes.

The most commonly used Electronic Pocket Dosimeters are:

• Eberline FASTRACK (DD-100, DD-200, DD-300) -- used at one facility (INEEL)
• SAIC PD-3I's -- used at six facilities
• Merlin Gerin DMC-90 and DMC-100 -- used at one facility
• Siemens Ver. 4-6, 11-12, and 1 & 2 -- used at seven facilities
• Aloka Model 253(s), 303(s) N⁰, and 203(s) -- used at two facilities
• Rados EPD's -- zero used
• Xetex -- used at three facilities
• Panasonics -- zero used

There was a question asked by the HPIC as, "Would it be worthwhile for the HPIC to standardize on EPD's?" The answer was "Yes, it could make the vendors come down in prices and up in performance". All of the vendors are developing new pocket dosimeters in 1 year. The HPIC needs to incorporate the specs, the BOA's, and control the modifications. The manufacturers will need to demonstrate and provide the HPIC with those specifications. The HPIC should look at what is available on EPDs first.

It was unanimously voted by the HPIC members to contact the manufacturers for demonstrations on the EPDs, write the BOA's, and provide specs to the Vendors.

TOPIC: A discussion on Portable Smear Counters

There are a variety of scalers used at the various facilities such as:

• Bicron Model 260
• Eberline Assayist
• NMC DS-33 PC4/PC5
• Ludlum 29-29
• Xetex Abacus
• Eberline SAC-4/BC-4
• Ludlum Model 2000/2200
• Ludlum Model 43-10
• Protean MPC-94

Most facilities are using two or more models of portable scalers. Is it productive for the HPIC to standardize on scalers? That question will be answered at a later date after reviewing the survey sheets for the next HPIC meeting.

TOPIC: Voting on the Neutron Detector Instruments to be recommended for standardization by the HPIC

The following Neutron Detectors were voted on by the HPIC Committee members for standardization, elimination, or extending the testing. For test results, please see the HPIC Minutes dated April 1996.

It was unanimously voted by the HPIC members to standardize on the following Neutron Detectors; E600 w/RemBall (NRD), Ludlum 12-4 12" Ball, and Snoopy NP2.

It was unanimously voted by the HPIC members to eliminate as a standardized instrument HPI REM500 and NG2.

TOPIC: A presentation on Laser TLD's given by Scott Klement with Keithley Corp.

Scott Klement with Keithly Corp. gave a presentation on Laser TLDs. Recently Keithly RMD has acquired Laser Thermoluminescence Dosimetry (TLD) technology as a natural extension of its radiation measurement expertise; a material that, when heated, gives off light proportional to the amount of radiation exposure received.

How does a TLD work?

• A TLD element, at the tip of an optical fiber, is exposed, and a TL light signal travels through the fiber to detection circuitry.
• A probe is at the end of a fiber optic cable. The smart probe connector contains a memory chip for storing probe calibration factors, times and the value of last reading.
• The single probe reader is designed to operate by PC via serial port, is DC powered, with a battery or a separate AC wall adapter.
• The TLD probe applications are for environmental use such as; water monitoring, air monitoring, or remote monitoring. It can also be used for medical use; patient dose monitoring, skin entrance dose, and measurements in catheters. With Air monitoring the probe can measure a dose at the top of a pole or tower, but be read from the ground without removal. For ground monitoring, the probe can measure to 200+ meters. A Teflon coating protects the TLD. For remote monitoring it can measure in tight spots where access hole is only 2mm in diameter. It can monitor joints and valves where radiation accumulates and can survey cracks in walls, the inside of equipment, etc.
• Some of the advantages of Laser TLD probes are: inexpensive probes can be permanent sentinels, no power is required by the probes to function and cumulative measurement provides better sensitivity. They are easy to use and the Teflon coating makes the TLD more durable.
• The basics of Laser TLD are also available through a sheet service. Keithly offers two sizes; 6 x 12 inch sheet and 6 x 6 inch sheet, one use per rental. The sheets can measure Alpha/Beta/Gamma. The sheet applications can be used for wall and floor surveys, equipment surveys or drum surveys. There is also a variation of the TLD sheet, which is a TLD strip. The narrow strip of TLD can be of any length and can measure radiation simultaneously along the entire length. The strip application can be used to take surveys for wells, pipes or soil. It is easy to use.
• Building Laser TLD badges and readers under contract for the Navy.
• Just announced DoseMap Laser TLD dose mapping services for medical applications and expects to start services the first quarter of 1998.
• The Laser TLD probe is under development.

TOPIC: A presentation on PCM-1s Standardization Effort at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory given by Pete Chiaro

Why standardize?

• Out of service instruments
• Poor maintenance techniques
• Technical Basis
• Reduce maintenance Costs
• Improve operation

What needed to be established?

• Consistency of the electronics
• Operational settings
• Detector consistencies

Consistent set-up

• Gains
• Low count fail and maximum count time
• Thresholds

Detector consistency

• Beta plateau
• Source plateau

High voltage setpoint

• Use source plateau
• Incorporate background plateau

The "Bell Curve" Method

• Recommended by Eberline
• Liked by calibration technicians
• Cautions
• Alpha thresholds cannot be adjusted after determination
• Effect not understood
• Technical validity
• Can alphas be counted as betas?
• Are all the betas counted?
• Is the detector stable?

Current Status

• Implemented system to ensure that detectors are thoroughly purged
• Procedure change to standardized settings
• Problem monitor operating better

Dale Snowder will send out a survey sheet in more detail on the above PCMs for the HPIC members to fill out and send back to Dale. At the next HPIC meeting PCMs will be voted on.

TOPIC: An update and status on the AMUG Committee and AMUG's generated Standard Specs. for CAMs given by Morgan Cox

There was a discussion on the status of the AMUG Committee and it's generated standard specs for CAMS.

The Procurement and application process that the AMUG Committee developed is:

1. Develop a performance based standard for Alpha Cams, with appropriate attention to the range of monitoring applications.
2. Develop a format for Vendor verification of compliance with the standard (including appropriate in-house or independent testing).
3. Identify all appropriate standards for inclusion in the requirements for:
   • Type Testing (e.g., ANSI 42.17B)
   • Acceptance testing and calibration (e.g., ANSI N323C)
   • Application and use (e.g., PLANCO 57)
4. Develop and apply the formal HPIC QA/AC program needed for notification, approval, and documentation of vendor changes.

Overview of the requirements package are as follows:

Part 1 -- General requirements for all alpha cams

• Appropriate standards to address fundamental issues including collection and detection efficiencies, specification and control of flowrates, minimum detectable activity, alarm capabilities, and data communications.
  • IEC 761-1, General Requirements for Aerosol Monitoring Instrumentation
  • IEC 761-6, Airborne Monitoring for Transuranics
  • Proposed draft IEC standard for manufacturing Requirements for CAMs

Part 2 -- Technology-specific requirements

• Sample collection approaches:
  • Filter CAMs
  • Impactor CAMs
  • Electrostatic precipitation
  • Passive
• Methods for radon progeny background compensation:
  • Single channel analyzer approaches
  • Spectrometer approaches
  • Alpha-energy range compensation
  • Beta-coincidence counting
• Alternate approaches for flow rate measurements:
  • Mass flow ratemeters

Part 3 -- Application-specific requirements

• Personal sampling approaches (2 - 10 L/min) (appropriate standards to be identified for coordination)
• Normal workplace sampling (1 - 2 cfm) (See Planco 57)
• High volume sampling approaches (20 - 40 cfm, or higher)
• Stack sampling (in-line, versus normal area sampling) (see ANSI N13.1)

Part 4 -- Site-specific requirements

• Mounting brackets
• Radiation or chemical hardening of components
• Special combinations of radionuclides
• Special password access for maintenance or calibration
• Special data format requirements
• Special issues for regulatory compliance (e.g., MDA)
• Documentation, training, and support

The next AMUG meeting will be April 20 - 23, 1998, at Savannah River.

TOPIC: A discussion on the Eberline RO-20 given by Ron Ulbrich/Eberline

RO-20 Update

1. Operational Amplifier substitute
   • Eberline Part # ICAOLMC662 was National LPC662AIN
   • New Substitute: National LMC662AIN

   Affect: Cuts battery life from advertised 2900 hours by approximately ? in lower range. All other ranges not affected.

2. Temperature Shock Testing
   • The cause: Charge build-up on anode resulting from shift in resistor
   • New Anode design: Reduces capacitance build-up
   • Replacement Kits:
     1. Order new anode at Eberline's cost of approximately $15.00 to $20.00 (actual cost to be announced later)
     2. Eberline will replace anode free of charge with the price of a factory calibration of $110.00. This free modification offer is available only when specifically requested.

Eberline E-600 Update

1. Audible dynamic range increased
   Was: 0 to 800 cpm
   New: 0 to 4500 cpm, beginning with Version 3.10 of firmware PGME600
2. Increase audible volume output
   • Standard Solution: E-600 speaker Headphone part number E-600 OPT16
   • Radio Shack Mini Amplifier speaker (Radio Shack Cat No. 277-1008C and cable 42-2420). Price including 9 Vdc battery and tax: $18.14. Drawback: Mini amplifier does not have stereo output (only does one channel)
3. Background over subtraction alarm
   • Generates an alarm whenever the background corrected reading is negative by more than 50%. Only applies to Net mode operation.
4. Detector cable connector strain relief
   • New rubber boots added to provide strain relief
5. Mode selector switch over rotation solution
   • Use a smaller knob. Eberline has identified on knob part number HDKN6 (very expensive, looking for a better-priced knob). Until notified otherwise, Eberline has not immediate plans to change the knob from the original design.
6. Lost probe memories
   • Problem: Lost probe serial number and calibration date.
   • Cause: E-600 not properly updated when new version of EPROM was installed
   • Solution:
     1. Store E-600 parameters to disk
     2. Replace EPROM
     3. Restore E-600 defaults from Utility menu
     4. Reload E-600 parameters from disk
7. Customer wish list items for future development
   • Background over subtraction alarm
   • Programmable back light timer
   • Probe Failure audible Annunciation
8. New Application note covers most frequently asked questions:
   www.eberlineinst.com/applicat/e600faq.htm
9. Software and firmware program updates
   • PGME600V3.XX 3.10 (to be released very soon):
     • Revision Listing at www.eberlineinst.com/products/listing/e600.htm
     • Increased audible range (3.10)
     • Improved auto-ranging (3.10)
     • Background over subtraction alarm
     • Fixes memory incompatibility problem (3.09)
   • PGMWINE600PC:
     • Current Version: 2.11
     • Revision Listing at: www.eberlineinst.com/products/listing/wine60~1.htm
     • Improved Threshold Calibration
     • Automatically sets next calibration date to 1 year ahead
     • Disallows fixed precision scaler with units of dose
     • Reformatted calibration report, separates E-600 from probe page
     • Added prompt before overwriting HV plateau graph file

HP-380 Series Update

1. Secure handles

   Eberline is now adding Locktite to the handle assemblies to better secure them to the probe body.

2. Magnetic Shield

   A magnetic shield surrounding the PM tube has been added to better protect it against EMI/RFI.

3. Disposable Plastic Face Plate (Future Development)

Eberline will investigate the feasibility of a disposable faceplate, which can be rapidly replaced in the field without assistance of technicians or re-calibration.

ASP-2 Series Update

ASP-2 will replace the ASP-1 in the future. The features are:

1. Dual analog and digital display
2. Computer setup and calibration
3. Mode operation switch
4. Selectable units of measurement
5. Wide range high voltage
6. Built-in speaker
7. Alarm annunciation
8. MHV detector connector

There will be two models:

1. ASP-2 for $650.00
2. ASP-2E with built-in scaler, integrate and PHA Channel for $695.00.

TOPIC: The date proposed for the next HPIC Meeting

• 1st choice: Week of May 19 - 21, 1998
• 2nd choice: Week of June 2, 1998

TOPIC: Location of the Next HPIC Meeting

• 1st choice: Las Vegas, NV
• 2nd choice: Seattle, WA

An expression of thanks was made to Dale Snowder by the HPIC members in gratitude for the last 4 years of service and dedication he has provided to make the HPIC a success by incorporating the priniciples of teamwork and leadership to achieve consistency, compliance, and cost savings in DOE instrumentation programs.

H. Dale Snowder, HPIC Chairman, closed the meeting. If you have questions or comments concerning the December 1997 meeting minutes or need handouts/attachments, please contact Danise Gilsdorf/HPIC Secretary, at 208-526-2026.

Sincerely,

H. Dale Snowder
HPIC Chairman

Distribution

The Alpha Group
Bob Kennard
Gregory Fraiker
Billy Smith

Argonne National Lab -- West
Vern Peterson

Argonne National Lab -- East
Alan Justus

Battelle/OH
Jim Hallgren

Bechtel Hanford
Conan Wade

Bettelle Pantex
Larry Auman

Battelle Northwest
Sharon Dossett

Bechtel Nevada
Carson Riland
Ed Cox

Brookhaven National Lab
Paul Zahra

DOE Headquarters/EH-52
Murari Sharma

DOE Headquarters/DP-45
Paul Krumpe

DOE Idaho
Ken Whitham, MS 4160

EG&G Kennedy Space Center- Florida
Rod Nickell
Ed Provist

EG&G Mound
Ron Daily

Fluor Daniel Fernald
Riasp Medora

GJO
Jim Bruner

LRRI
Mark Hoover
Morgan Cox

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Michael Sawada
Ted de Castro

Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Dave Hickman
Dave Trombino
Frieda Taylor

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peter Chiaro

Lockheed Martin Energy Systems/Y-12
Perry Pruitt

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies
Bill Crownover, MS 3521
Gary LaBruyere, MS 4123
Paul Ruhter, MS 4123
Randy Sayer, MS 5209
Greg Hall, MS 5209
Bill Craft, MS 4138
Keith Branter, MS 4202
Errol Mobley, MS 0313
John Edelmayer, MS 7110
George Clarke, MS 4138
Greg Courtney, MS 4138

Los Alamos National Lab
Dick Olser
William Martinez
Shawna Eisele
Tom Voss
Chris Bjork

MACTEC/ERS
Jeffrey Lively

NISE-EAST
Lee Hinson

SafeSites of Colorado, L.L.C.
Elliott Lesses
J. Bruce Powell

Sandia National Lab
David Sinton

THI
Jerry Hensley

TJNAF
Dan Dotson

West Valley Nuclear
William Schaper

Westinghouse/Savannah River
Ed Polz

WIPP
Marsha Beekman

GOCO Health Physics Instrument Committee (HPIC)
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