Thermo Fisher Scientific Cover Sheet

Operation Manual 5971-8608 Rev. A

TITLE: PXS5-822-HR, PXS5-822-WB-HR Date:

ORIGINATOR: Jeff Wimsatt

Approved By: Date:
Revision Record

Rev. Date Changes

A 10/7/14 REL PER ECO 5222

(5971-8608 Rev A)
 OPERATION MANUAL
PORTABLE X-RAY SOURCE
MODELS: PXS5-822SA-HR,
PXS5-822-WB-HR

(5971-8608 Rev A)
 CONTENTS

Page Number

1. Introduction 2

2. General Description 2

3. Specifications 2

3.1 X-Ray Output 2

3.2 Mechanical 3

3.3 Electrical 3

4. Installation and Operation 5

5. Test Procedures 6

6. Run-up Procedure 7

Attachments

Schematic, PXS5, Customer Interface: Drawing Number 5971-0720

NOTES

1. The x-ray window on the source is fabricated from beryllium foil. This should be handled with
care due to its fragility and due to the toxic nature of beryllium compounds when introduced into
the body.

(5971-8608 Rev 1) -1-

(5971-8608 Rev A)
1. INTRODUCTION

Thermo Fisher Scientific manufactures x-ray sources which are sold to customers as
components for incorporation into equipment for sale or for use within their own operations.
These instructions are intended to provide the equipment assembler with information needed
for the installation, adjustment and testing of the Thermo Scientific x-ray source when it is
designed into the user’s equipment. These instructions also direct attention to some features
of these sources which must be considered in order to minimize the chance of accidental
x-ray exposure to the equipment operators or to nearby people.
In most applications, the design and operation of x-ray equipment must comply with the
requirements of governmental or other regulatory agencies. It is the assembler’s
responsibility to ensure that equipment using x-ray source is in compliance with the
appropriate regulations.
In the U.S.A. information regarding U.S. Government requirements may be obtained
from: Division of Radiological Products, Office of Compliance, Center for Devices
And Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 8757 Georgia Avenue,
Silver Springs, Maryland 20910.

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The x-ray source consists of a miniature microfocus x-ray tube combined with a high
voltage power supply in a single, compact, rugged package. The tube x-ray output
intensity is adjustable by means of customer supplied controls for tube target voltage
and current. The high voltage generator provides continuous DC output and is controlled by
all solid state components. Complete regulation of both the high voltage and tube current
ensures stable x-ray production over the input voltage range (12 – 14 VDC). In addition, long
service life is promoted by electron beam over-current protection.

3. SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 X-RAY OUTPUT

3.1.1 Output Flux:

24 + 10% R/min at 12 inches from the x-ray window at 80kV 8W. Measured with a
Keithley 96035B ion chamber and 2505A readout.
3.1.2 Stability:
Typically less than + 2% over a 4 hour period after a 10 minute warm up. Measured
with a Keithley 96035B ion chamber and 2505A readout.

3.1.3 Focal Spot:

10 microns nominal.

(5971-8608 Rev A)
 3.1.3 X-ray Beam Angle:
a) Standard Beam model: approximately 34 degrees, symmetric, oriented normal to
the window.
b) Wide Beam model: approximately 58 degrees, asymmetric, oriented __ degrees
from window normal, away from chassis.
In some applications the user must provide an external collimator or beam defining
system to limit the area illuminated by x-rays.

3.1.4 Focal Spot to Window Spacing: 12.5 +/- 0.5mm (0.49 in)

3.1.5 X-ray Window:

Beryllium foil 125 microns (.005 in) thick. In certain applications the user may
provide additional external filtration in order to reduce the low energy component in
the x-ray output spectrum.

3.1.5 X-ray Shielding:

Integral x-ray shielding reduces the intensity of x-ray leakage from the x-ray source to
0.5mR/hr or less measured 1” away from all housing surfaces behind the tube
mounting plate. Intensities measured in front of the mounting plate may be
substantially higher and additional shielding may be required in that area.

.)

3.2 MECHANICAL

3.2.1 Dimensions:
3.93 in W x 12.75 in L x 2.86 in H (99.8mm x 323.9mm x 72.6mm) approx.

3.2.2 Weight:
8 lbs. (3.6 kilograms) approx.

3.2.3 Temperature Range:

0 to 32 degrees C ambient. During operation, the x-ray tube mounting plate
temperature must not be allowed to exceed 50 degrees C (below 40 degrees C is
recommended). Additional cooling air directed at the source may be required to
achieve this.

3.3 ELECTRICAL

3.3.1 Input Power:

12 - 14 VDC, 4 A.

3.3.2 Target Voltage:

Adjustable by external control, 0 to 80kV. Operating range 20 to 80kV.

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 -3-

3.3.3 Target Current:

Adjustable by external control, 0 to 0.1mA.

3.3.5 Voltage and Current Monitors:

Voltages proportional to target voltage and target current are available for remote
indication of operating levels.

Voltage Monitor:
4.0 volts + 0.5% at 80kV.

Current Monitor:
2.5 volts + 1.5% at 0.1mA.

Source Impedance:
1,000 ohms + 1%. Calibration is within specified limits when the impedance of the
external indicating meters is greater than 1 megohm. Lower impedance meters may
be used if the voltage drop in the source impedance is taken into account in specifying
the meter full scale sensitivity.

3.3.6 Voltage and Current Control:

The x-ray source is intended to be used with external 1,000 ohm potentiometers
for control of target voltage and current. When used in this way the maximum output
voltage and current will be 80kV + 0.5% and 0.1mA + 1.5% respectively.
Alternatively, voltage and current can be controlled by external voltage sources
variable over the range 0 – 4.0 + 0.5% volts D.C. to give 0 – 80kV and 0 to 2.5 volts +
0.5% to give 0 – 0.1mA output.

3.3.7 On-Off Control:

X-ray on-off control is by switching the input power. Refer to Customer Interface
Schematic 5971-0720. There are two switches shown, a standby and operate switch.
If the unit is to be used in an application where it is to be running for long periods of
time, then the operate switch can be eliminated; but the warm-up time for the filament
is 30-60 seconds, so there will be a delay in beam current after a cold turn on. Target
voltage and current will increase to values corresponding to the controls set points
when the 12-volt input power is applied. If both switches are used as shown, then the
unit will be preheated in the standby mode, and it will come up to programmed kV and
mA when the operate switch is closed.

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(5971-8608 Rev A)
4. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

4.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Inspect package exterior for evidence of shipping and handling damage. IF

DAMAGE IS DETECTED, A CLAIM WITH THE CARRIER SHOULD BE FILED
IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT DESTROY OR REMOVE ANY OF THE PACKING
MATERIALS USED IN DAMAGED SHIPMENT. If no exterior damage is detected,
Proceed to carefully unpack the equipment. Examine the unit for any signs of damage
including leaked oil. Always use extreme care when handling the source near the
beryllium window. If any damage should be found, immediately contact
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

4.2 INTERCONNECTIONS
Refer to the Customer Interface Schematic, drawing number 5971-0720, for
connections to the control equipment. This drawing shows a simplified control panel
schematic which does not include safety interlocks, warning devices, timers, key
switches, indicator lights or other features which may be required by applicable
regulations or safety codes.

4.3 INSTALLATION

Install the x-ray source in its intended location or in an x-ray shielded test box.
If the installation requires permanent removal of the sheet metal cover on
which the identification and certification labels are mounted, it is the respons
ibility of the assembler to re-label the equipment in compliance with regulations.

4.4 OPERATION

Connect suitable meters to the voltage and current monitor terminals. Set the
output voltage and current controls to zero and apply the 12-volt input power.
Raise the voltage control and then the current control to about 20% of maximum.
Check for x-ray leaks from the x-ray shielding with a survey meter. Progressively
raise the voltage and current following the run-up procedure (Section 6) checking for
x-radiation leakage at each new level of operation. Add additional shielding if x-ray
leakage is excessive. After this initial operation of the x-ray source it is permissible to
apply the input power with the controls set to their maximum limit causing the unit to
operate at rated voltage and current.

(5971-8608 Rev A)
5. TEST PROCEDURES
If it is suspected that the x-ray source does not perform according to specifications, the
following evaluation procedure should be followed:

5.1 Install the unit in a shielded enclosure. If the source has not been operated to full
power in the last 2 days, perform run-up procedure in section 6 below.

5.2 Apply 12 volts standby to the unit. Verify that the voltage control signal varies
with potentiometer setting up to 4.0 volts maximum. Turn on the operate switch and
verify the current control signal varies with potentiometer setting up to 2.5 volts
maximum. With the controls set to maximum, check that the output at the voltage
monitor terminals is 4.0 volts and the output at the current monitor terminal is 2.5
volts when measured with a high impedance voltmeter, and that the input current is
about 3.0 amps. Measure the x-ray output using a flux probe as in section 3.1.1

5.3 If any of the measurements in 5.2 are fluctuating, listen for a ticking sound which
could indicate that there is an electrical discharge in the x-ray tube. If ticking noises
are audible, repeat the run-up procedure (Section 6).

5.4 If the problem cannot be resolved, contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for further
assistance.
The x-ray source is not user repairable and no attempts should be made to dismantle
the unit or to adjust the internal pre-set controls.

6. RUN-UP PROCEDURE
An incremental run-up procedure is advised to safeguard and help prolong the life of the x-ray
source. Increasing the target voltage in steps allows the tube to completely “out-gas” itself
and the high voltage generator to become high voltage “conditioned”, which prevents
destruction of components. When operating a new source or one that has been idle for more
than one month, begin with the target voltage and tube current controls set at their minimum
values, and take 10 to 15 minutes to process the source up to full power. At each step in the
run-up schedule given on the next page, first increase the target voltage and then the tube
current, waiting at least the minimum time before proceeding to the next step.

IMPORTANT:
When Processing a source up to full power, always be alert to any ARCING. If an arc occurs,
decrease the high voltage to the previous step. Again wait at least the minimum time, step the
voltage back up and continue procedure ALWAYS BEING ALERT TO ARCING IN THE
SOURCE. (An audible ticking sound will be produced when an arc occurs.)

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(5971-8608 Rev A)
 RUN-UP SCHEDULE

STEP % OF MAX kV % OF MAX mA MINIMUM TIME

1 20 0 1 minute

2 40 10 1 minute

3 60 30 2 minutes

4 80 50 2 minutes

5 90 70 3 minutes

6 100 100 3 minutes

Once the source has been fully conditioned, energizing the source with both the target voltage and
tube current preset for their maximum values is acceptable. However, the following guidelines are
best kept in mind when establishing your own operating routine.

1) If the source is to be used throughout the working day, continuous operation within
specified ratings will maintain the source at its normal operating temperature and minimize
warm-up drift.

2) Frequent on-off cycling to full power, although acceptable, is stressful to the source.

3) Occasional arcs are inherent in x-ray equipment and should not cause alarm, however,
frequent arcing which cannot be stopped by repeating this run-up procedure is indicative of a
fault in the x-ray source.

4) Operation at low target voltages (20kV or less) is not advised. Under these conditions the
grids intercept and operate hotter than normal, which decreases tube life expectancy.

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(5971-8608 Rev A)
(5971-8608 Rev A)