Digital kVp Meter

RMI 230

Users Guide
GAMMEX RMI

Table of Contents
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 General Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Operation Operation Operation Operation for for for for Radiographic Units Fluoroscopic Units Cine Units . . . . . . Portable Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 .7 .8 .9

Oscilloscope Connection . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Correction Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sales and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Product Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

Product Overview
The RMI 230 Digital kVp Meter provides a convenient, fast and accurate method of measuring the kV of your Radiographic or Fluoroscopic x-ray units. It has separate single phase (1) and three phase (3) internally programmed calibration curves to ensure optimum accuracy. The unit can be used with both radiographic and fluoroscopic systems.

Product Description
The RMI 230 employs a unique auto-ranging system which senses the intensity of the beam and adjusts the gain automatically. This insures accurate measurement over a wide range of mA and kV. Only one exposure is required. Automatic reset permits you to accomplish a complete test of your x-ray unit without re-entering the x-ray room. No extra filters are required. A Radiographic/Fluoroscopic switch is used to select radiographic or fluoroscopic modes. A 1.7 second delay in the fluoro mode assures time for cable charging and kVp stabilization during fluoroscopy. It can also be employed in the radiographic mode to test time dependence of the kVp waveform.

Specifications

Specifications
MODES OF OPERATION Radiographic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 phase and 3 phase Fluoroscopic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 phase and 3 phase KILOVOLTAGE Radiographic Displayed Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 - 200 kVp Calibrated Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 - 165 kVp Fluoroscopic Displayed Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 - 200 kVp Calibrated Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 - 165 kVp Reproducibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5 kV Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1 kV Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2% Calibration Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3mm Aluminum Total Filtration (HVL = 3.2 mm Al at 80 kVp for 3 phase units) Focal Spot to Detector Distance = 32 Filtration Dependence per mm Aluminum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 kV - 0.4% 80 kV - 0.6% 100 kV - 0.8% Angle Dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Less than 1% for tilt of 14 degrees or less Orientation Dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Measurement not dependent on orientation to cathode-anode axis Position Dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Less than 0.5% for 4 cm misalignment from ray of x-ray beams Distance Dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Less than 0.5% for focal spot to detector distances of 12 to 80 Minimum Exposure Requirements Radiographic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 mA at 60 kVp and 24 Fluoroscopic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 mA at 80 kVp and 18 Dynamic Range of X-ray Intensities at a Particular kV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5000 : 1 Minimum Required Exposure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 msec Recommended Exposure Time for Optimum Accuracy . . . . . . . . .100 msec or greater for 3 phase units, 200 msec or greater for single phase units METER Number of Exposures Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .One Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Automatic with each new exposure Readout . . .32 Digit LCD, BNC connector to view filtered x-ray output using oscilloscope Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Four alkaline batteries Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 x 21 x 23 cm (3.5 x 8.25 x 9 in) Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.6 kg (3.5 lbs)

Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

General Operation
1. When the unit is first turned on the display will appear and the LED will light. The unit is ready to use when the LED goes out. The reading on the display at this time as no particular meaning. Generally it will greet you with HI. At the beginning of each days use of the kVp Meter, give the unit one warm-up exposure at 100 mAs and 100 kV.

Figure 1.

Front panel of Digital kVp Meter RMI 230.

2. When an exposure is made, lighting of the LED indicates activation of the measurement procedure. When the LED goes out, both the measurement and the auto reset have been completed. The reading from an exposure will be held on the display without drifting until another exposure is made or until the unit is turned off.

General Operation

3.

The RAD-FLUORO switch simply controls the length of the time delay between the beginning of the x-ray exposure and the start of the kVp measurement. During this delay a unique auto-ranging system senses the intensity of the x-ray beam and adjusts the gain automatically. When setting the RAD mode, the delay is about 30 ms (range 24 to 37 ms). In FLUORO mode, the delay is about 1.7 seconds (range 1.4 to 2.1 seconds), which assures time for cable charging and kVp stabilization during fluoroscopy.

4. The time dependence of the kVp waveform of a radiographic unit can be investigated by selecting FLUORO operation on the RMI 230 and setting the x-ray timer to 2.5 seconds or longer. A difference between this reading and the reading obtained in RAD mode indicates that a change in the kVp occurs over a two second exposure. 5. There are no separate indicators for x-ray intensity underrange and overrange on the RMI 230. Too low an intensity simply will not trigger the unit and the LED will not light. The dynamic range of the unit is so great that it can handle any x-ray intensity produced by clinical diagnostic units without overranging.

6. If the kVp is above the measurable range, the display will indicate HI. If the kVp is below the measurable range, the display will indicate XXLO where XX are numbers from 0-19. These numbers can be ignored by the user. 7. Low battery condition is indicated by a colon (:) in the reading where the decimal point usually appears. The unit is powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries. Do not use Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries.

Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

Operating Procedure for Radiographic Units

1. Position the RMI 230 on the patient table so that the detectors will be centered in the x-ray beam. Collimate the light field to about 15cm x 15cm (6 x 6). 2. Select RAD (Radiographic) operation for normal testing. 3. Select the single phase (1) or three phase (3) opera tion depending on type of x-ray unit. 4. Set kVp and mA to desired settings. Set the timer to 100ms or longer for three phase units; 200ms or longer (24 or more pulses) for single phase units. These times are recommended to insure optimal kVp measurement accuracy. Exposure times down to 50 msec may be used without significant loss of accuracy. 5. Make an exposure. Momentary lighting of the LED indicates sufficient x-ray intensity for an accurate measurement. If the LED does not light, the x-ray intensi ty is too low. Decrease tube distance or increase mA set ting.

Operating Procedures

Operating Procedure for Fluoroscopic Units

1. Place the RMI 230 on the table with its top facing the Fluoro x-ray tube. Verify that the detectors (four rectangular areas) are in the center of the x-ray beam and activate the fluoroscopic exposure . Collimate so that the detectors are fully in the beam. Make sure that the bucky tray is out of the beam. 2. Select FLUORO (Fluoroscopic) operation to test fluoroscopic mode. 3. Select three phase on all non-portable units. For portable fluoro units select single phase operation. 4. Set kVp or mA to desired settings. Activate x-rays. 5. After the 1.7 second delay, the RMI 230 will take a single reading. Once the reading appears on the display, it will remain there until another exposure is initiated. 6. If the LED does not go on, the x-ray intensity is too low for accurate measurement. Increase kVp and/or mA settings or decrease tube distance if possible. Note: The LED may not go on for up to 4 seconds after start of exposure. For accurate measurements, do not terminate the Fluoro exposure until the LED goes on.

Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

Operating Procedure for Cine Units

1. Place the RMI 230 on the table with its top facing the xray tube. Verify that the detectors are in the center of the x-ray beam and activate the fluoroscopic exposure. Collimate so that the detectors are fully in the beam. 2. Select Fluoro operation for best results. 3. Select three phase or single phase operation depending on type of x-ray units. 4. Set the pulse repetition rate to 15 pulses/seconds or greater. Set the pulse width to maximum. 5. Set kVp and mA to desired settings. 6. Initiate a cine run. Continue exposure until the LED goes on. This may take several seconds. After a delay of 1.7 seconds from the initiation of the cine run, the RMI 230 will take a single reading. Once the reading appears on the display, it will remain there until another exposure is initiated.

Operating Procedure

Operating Procedure for Portable Capacitor Discharge Units

1. Position the RMI 230 so that the detectors will be centered in the x-ray beams. Collimate the light field to about 15 cm x 15 cm (6 in x 6 in). 2. Select RAD operation. 3. Select the desired kVp setting. Select an mAs setting which will yield an exposure time close to 100 ms. For example, if the x-ray unit operates at 200 mA you would select 20 mAs. If the mA value is not available, you can check exposure times, using the RMI 231A, X-Ray Exposure Timer. 4. Make an exposure. Momentary lighting of the LED indicates sufficient x-ray intensity for an accurate measurement. If the LED does not light, the x-ray intensity is too low. Decrease the tube distance or increase the kVp setting. 5. Because the kV is constantly falling during the expo sure, the readings from a capacitor discharge unit can be difficult to interpret. The kVp readings using the RMI 230 will normally decrease with higher mAs set tings. Typical capacitor discharge units using a 1 micro-F capacitor will show a voltage drop during the exposure of 1kV for every mAs (e.g. a setting of 80 kVp, 20 mAs will yield a voltage waveform which starts at 80 kV and ends at 60 kV). At mAs settings of 10 mAs or less, the three phase setting of the waveform switch is most suitable for measuring actual kVp. At mAs settings of 20 mAs or greater the single phase setting is most suitable.

Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

Oscilloscope Connection
A BNC connector is located on the back panel of the RMI 230 (Figure 2) to allow connection to an oscilloscope for visualization of the filtered radiation output. Attaching an oscilloscope to the RMI 230 will not affect the reading accuracy. You may observe an overshoot during the initial part of the waveform. This overshoot is an artifact due to the action of the auto ranging circuit and should not be mistaken for a generator-caused overshoot. When an overshoot is not observed, the Digital kV Meter is in its highest gain setting and the visualized waveform does not accurately represent the radiation waveform. This is due to the capacitive smoothing present in the highest gain setting. Increase the radiation intensity until the overshoot is noted

Figure 2.

Back panel of Digital kVp Meter RMI 230.

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Correction Factors

Correction Factors
Unit Calibration, Filtration, and Waveform Dependence
The RMI 230 is calibrated at a focal spot to detector distance of 32. Accurate operation of the RMI 230 will occur with distances of 15 to 80. The RMI 230 is calibrated for an x-ray tube with 3mm aluminum equivalent total filtration. This is equivalent to a half-value layer (HVL) at 80 kVp of 3.2mm aluminum for three-phase units and 2.8mm aluminum for single-phase units. This filtration is typical for diagnostic units. Most tubes will have a HVL value within 0.5mm of these standard values. The kVp reading of the RMI 230 varies slightly with changes in tube filtration. Correction for this effect can be made if either the HVL at 80 kVp of the total amount of aluminum equivalent filtration is known. To correct the kVp reading using the total filtration value, first convert any added copper filtration into equivalent aluminum filtration by multiplying the copper thickness by 36 (e.g. a 0.1 copper filter is equivalent to a 3.6mm aluminum filter). Add together the aluminum equivalent of any added filtration with the aluminum equivalent of the inherent tube filtration to get the total aluminum equivalent filtration that is in the x-ray beam. Subtract 3.0mm from this value and multiply the result by the correction per mm obtained from Table 1 for the kVp in use. The resultant correction term can then be subtracted from the kVp reading to give a more accurate kVp value. Correction per mm change in total Al. Equivalent filtration 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.5 2.1

kVp 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 Table 1

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Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

To correct the kVp reading using the HVL measured at 80 kVp, first subtract 3.2mm from the HVL for 3 phase machines or subtract 2.8mm from the HVL for 1 phase machines. Then multiply this result by the correction per mm obtained from Table 2 for the kVp in use. (Notice that the values in Table 2 HVL at 80 kVp of 1 mm aluminum is produced by a change of 2 mm aluminum in the total filtration.) The resultant correction term can then be subtracted from the kVp reading to give a more accurate kVp value.

kVp 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

Correction per mm change in HVL of Al. measured at 80 kVp 0.2 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.3 3.0 4.2

Table 2 Normally, the correction term is negligible (1% or less) except in the case of substantial added filtration at higher kVp. In particular, this filtration correction term must be employed when testing a tube with added copper filtration. (The addition of an extra 0.1 mm of copper to the x-ray beam will raise the kVp reading by 4.0 kV at 120 kVp).

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Correction Factors

Tube filtration greater than the nominal calibration value will raise the kVp reading on the RMI 230 so that the correction term should reduce that reading. Filtration less than nominal will lower the kVp reading so that the correction term should increase the reading. The 3 phase mode of the RMI 230 employs a calibration that is suitable for a 3 phase, 12 pulse generator or a 3 phase, 6 pulse generator with capacitative filtering on its output to reduce ripple. These types of units normally have a tube voltage waveform with a ripple of less than 8%. 3 phase, 6 pulse generators without output capacitative filtering typically have 10-15% tube voltage ripple. To obtain the optimum kVp measurement accuracy with these larger (10-15%) ripple waveforms, a 2% correction should be added to the kVp reading obtained in the 3 phase mode. For example, an 80.0 kVp reading would become 81.6 kVp after this correction is applied. X-ray units that utilize a true constant potential generator have extremely small tube voltage ripple. For best accuracy with these units, a 2% correction should be subtracted from the kVp reading obtained in the 3 phase mode. The voltage and correct waveforms of typical dental units differ sufficiently from other single phase units to also require a small correction factor. For best accuracy (when testing dental units) a 2% correction should be subtracted from the kVp reading obtained in the single phase mode. For example, and 80.0 kVp reading would become 78.4 kVp after this correction is applied.

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Digital kVp Meter RMI 230

Preventive Maintenance
It is recommended that the RMI 230 meter undergo recalibration every 2 years. Call the GAMMEX RMI Service Department to schedule this service.

Battery Replacement
To replace the batteries, unscrew the two thumbscrews and the battery compartment will pull out. Snap the batteries out of the battery holder one at a time. Insert 4 new alkaline batteries by snapping into place. Be sure to note the + and - placement of the batteries. Carefully replace the battery holder with batteries into its original position. Replace the battery compartment with the two thumb screws. Test the unit for proper operation. Do not use Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries. Remove the batteries from the unit if it is not used for a month and if unit is to be shipped or transported long distances.

Sales and Service

GAMMEX RMI is committed to satisfying our customers needs. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding our products and service, please call or fax us. Our Sales and Service Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Central Time. GAMMEX RMI 2500 West Beltline Hwy. at University Avenue P.O. Box 620327 Middleton, WI 53562-0327 U.S.A. 1 - (800) - GAMMEX - 1 [426-6391] 1 - 608 - 828 - 7000 1 - 608 - 828 - 7500 FAX http://www.gammex.com sales@gammex.com

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References

References
1. Butler, Priscilla F., Burton J. Conway, Thomas R. Fewell, Thomas R. Ohlhaber, Fred J. Prevo and Ralph E. Shuping, National Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food & Drug Administration, Unpublished Report Entitled: An Evaluation of Eight Commercially Available Non-Invasive Electronic kVp Measuring Instruments, 1984. 2. Hayword, J.M. and M.M. Ryan, X-Ray Engineering Group, Diagnostic Radiology Dept. and Dept. of Medical Physics, The General Infirmary at Leeds, England: An Evaluation of Eight Non-Invasive Electronic kV Measuring Instruments which are Commercially Available in the U.K., 1985.

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Warranty

Product Warranty
WARRANTY, DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The Products are covered by the warranty set forth in the following paragraphs. The warranty is extended only to the purchaser of the Products directly from Seller (or an authorized dealer of Seller) as new merchandise. For a period of twelve (12) months from the date of original delivery to Buyer, the Products are warranted to be free from functional defects in materials and workmanship, provided they are operated under condition of normal use, and that repairs and replacements are made in accordance herewith. Seller does not warrant bulbs. The foregoing warranty shall not apply to Products that have been disassembled, altered or repaired (other than proper replacement bulbs) other than by Seller or if the Product has been subject to abuse, misuse, negligence or accident. Sellers sole and exclusive warranty obligation and Buyers sole and exclusive warranty consists of Seller, at its option, repairing or replacing free of charge Products: (a) which contain a defect covered by the above warranty; (b) which are reported in writing to Seller not later than seven (7) days after the expiration of the twelve month warranty period; (c) which are returned to Seller promptly after discovery of the defect; and (d) which are found to be defective by Seller upon Sellers examination. Buyer shall pay all transportation charges. SELLER SHALL NOT BE OTHERWISE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OR FOR ANY OTHER LOSS, DAMAGE, PENALTY OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS OR OVERHEAD, REIMBURSEMENT, PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE AFORESAID WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF SELLER CONSTITUTES ITS SOLE LIABILITY, AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, SHALL THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF SELLER UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY (e.g. CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, PROMISSORY, ESTOPPEL, STRICT LIABILITY, MISREPRESENTATION, TORT) AND FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER (e.g. DEFECT, DELAY OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART, REGARDLESS WHETHER THE CLAIM IS ASSERTED BY BUYER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. THE LIABILITIES OF SELLER, AS ABOVE SET FORTH, SHALL NOT BE EXTENDED BECAUSE OF ADVICE GIVEN BY IT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION OR USE OF THE PRODUCTS OR PARTS THEREFOR. THERE ARE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH ABOVE. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCTS OR ANY PARTS THEREOF.

' 1997 GAMMEX, Inc.

230-88-US10 Rev.1

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