SIGMA projetor - Manual (Page 29)

DAILY INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
3.7
odometers to obtain an approximation of the travel distance. One full revolution of the crank handle is
equal to approximately 10 in (25.4 cm) of travel.
Two remote control conduits (sheaths, housings) are attached to the control crank. One conduit contains
the working side of the control cable that drives the source assembly out of the exposure device and
through the source guide tubes. The second conduit is the reserve conduit containing the length of the
control cable necessary for projection of the source assembly. The remote control conduits provide a
degree of protection of the control cable against the elements common to the working environments that
industrial radiography is performed.
Attached to the opposite end of the remote control conduits is a connecting plug assembly that is used for
attachment of the remote controls to the locking mechanism of the exposure device. The connecting plug
assembly and the control cable connector are designed with minimal tolerances. A connection of the
source assembly connector to the control cable connector must be completed before the remote control
connecting plug assembly can be attached to the locking mechanism of the exposure device. A protective
end-cover must be installed after use of the remote controls. The protective cover provides protection to
the connecting plug assembly and the control cable connector and prevents the ingress of water, mud,
sand or other foreign matter.
IMPORTANT WARNING
The control cable connector is a made from hardened steel and should never be left unprotected
or forced into connection with the source assembly as this could damage the connector over time
leading to possible breakage during use. Always use the protective end-cover when remote
controls are not connected to the exposure device and always manually move the sleeve of the
female connector of the source assembly to the OPEN position when connecting and
disconnecting the control cable from the source assembly.
The control cable (drive cable) is a flexible, steel cable with an outer helical winding. The length of control
cable is approximately twice the length of the remote controls. Attached to one end of the control cable is
a male connector. The control cable when used in conjunction with the remote control as a system
provides a positive mechanical control of the source assembly at a distance. The control cable is a critical
link for safe operation and is the radiographer's only means of control over the source assembly.
Therefore, the control cable's storage, use, daily inspection and quarterly maintenance are critical
elements to the prevention of a control cable failure. In almost all cases, repairs for a control cable are
not possible, with the exception of replacing the control cable’s Model 550 male connector every five
years. Damaged, defective or control cables with unknown origin (non-traceable) must not be used and
must be removed from service.
1 Remote Control Inspection:
a. Uncoil the remote controls at the site. Inspect the control crank to assure all screws are present
and tightened and that the crank handle is properly secured. If the control crank is equipped with
an odometer, zero the odometer while the control cable is fully retracted. Verify the odometer is
fully functional.
b. Ensure the instructions on the control crank's label are legible. These instructions are important to
safety, especially when assistants are being trained or during an emergency.
Without the instructions it is conceivable a radiographer could become confused as to which
direction the crank handle must be turned to retract or expose the source.
c. Ensure the brake is operational. Resistance should be felt while rotating the crank handle with the
brake in the ON position. Inspect the control conduit fittings to verify they are secured to the
control crank.