SIGMA BM-286A - Manual (Page 4)

1. INTRODUCTION page 1
Model BM-286A
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF MANUAL
This manual is designed to enable operating and service personnel to properly operate and care
for the BM-286A. Since applications are necessarily site-specific, operation procedures are
given in general terms. Service and repair are covered to the board level. Anything more
complex than this requires that the instrument or assembly be returned to TSA.
1.2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
TSA’s Barrel Monitor, Model BM-286A, is a large barrel monitoring device, designed to screen
bulky items of up to 1,000 pounds for radioactive contamination. It uses six plastic scintillation
detectors, one on each side of the chamber. An optional sodium iodide scintillation detector can
be provided for spectral monitoring.
Operation of the instrument is controlled from a touch screen LCD monitor or optionally using
an external computer keyboard. All access is controlled by user-assigned password protection.
A printer can be connected for report printing or the printing of container data labels.
The instrument performs a self-test and acquires a new background count each time it is powered
up. It also monitors its own operation during normal use and indicates any failures. It runs
continuously, updating backgrounds whenever no weight is detected inside the chamber. A new
count is initiated every time a door open/door close sequence is detected.
The BM-286A displays the total activity, scaled to appropriate units (µCi, nCi, etc.) and specific
activity in pCi/gram. These units are also included in reports and data sample information that
are created by the unit. The unit operates on 120Vac, 60Hz power with circuit breaker
protection.