Selectron Source Dosimetry System

User Manual

092910ENG-02A

Nucletron B.V.
Waardgelder 1
3905 TH VEENENDAAL
THE NETHERLANDS
 How to contact Nucletron Offices

HOW TO CONTACT NUCLETRON OFFICES

Unless otherwise stated the service dispatch call number is the main telephone number.

Head Office and Manufacturer: BeNeLux

Nucletron B.V. Nucletron B.V.
PO Box 930 PO Box 930
3900 AX VEENENDAAL 3900 AX VEENENDAAL
Waardgelder 1 Waardgelder 1
3905 TH VEENENDAAL 3905 TH VEENENDAAL
The Netherlands The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 318 557 133 Tel.: +31 318 557 236
Fax: +31 318 550 485 Fax: +31 318 557 270
Service: +31 318 557 111 Service: +31 318 557 111
E-mail info@nl.nucletron.com E-mail info@nl.nucletron.com
Web site: www.nucletron.com Web site: www.nucletron.com
Europe / Middle East and Africa

Germany France
Theranostic Medizintechnik GmbH Nucletron S.A.S.
Obere Dammstrasse 8-10 Parc d’Activités l. Bernard Vergnaud
D-42653 Solingen 15 rue Paul Langevin
Tel.: +49 212 5875 153 93274 SEVRAN Cedex
Fax: +49 212 5875 269 Tel.: +33 1 4936 2060
Service: +49 212 5875 333 Fax: +33 1 4383 3638
E-mail: info@theranostic.de E-mail: info@fr.nucletron.com
Web site: www.theranostic.de

Italy United Kingdom

Nuclital srl Nucletron UK Ltd.
Viale Elvezia no. 2 Nucletron House
20052 MONZA (Milan) Chowley Oak
Tel.: +39 039 322848 / 323148 Tattenhall
Fax: +39 039 323913 CHESTER CH3 9EX
E-mail: nuclital@it.nucletron.com Tel.: +44 1 829 771111
Fax: +44 1 829 770979
E-mail: sales@nucletron.co.uk

Sweden Spain
Nucletron Scandinavia AB Nucletron S.A.
Box 1704 Avda. de Castilla, 2
Klostergatan 12 Parque Empresarial San Fernando
e
SE–751 47 Uppsala Edificio Francia, Planta 2 , Esc. A
Sweden 28830 San Fernando de Henares (Madrid)
Tel: +46 18 565 000 Tel.: +34 918 250 067
Fax: +46 18 565 011 Fax: +34 918 250 069
E-mail: info@se.nucletron.com Service: +34 918 250 068
E-mail: nucletron@nucletron.es

Poland
Nucletron Poland Sp. z o. o.
Oddzial w Warszawie
Al. Krakowska 285
02-133 Warszawa
Poland
Tel.: +48 22 868 1782
Fax: +48 22 868 2216
E-mail: serwis21@nucletron.com.pl

NUC-T380-15
How to contact Nucletron Offices

HOW TO CONTACT NUCLETRON OFFICES

Unless otherwise stated the service dispatch call number is the main telephone number.

USA Canada

North and South

Nucletron Corporation Nucletron Canada Inc.
8671 Robert Fulton Drive 411 Legget Drive, Suite 502

America
COLUMBIA, MD 21046 Kanata, Ontario
Tel.: +1 800 336 2249 / +1 410 312 4100 K2K 3C9
Fax: +1 410 312 4199 Canada
E-mail: info@us.nucletron.com Tel: +1 800 826 2258 / +1 613 886 1100
Fax: +1 613 592 6559
E-mail: software.support@ca.nucletron.com

Hong Kong Australia

Nucletron Asia Pacific Ltd. Nucletron Pty. Limited
Room 1005, Tower 2, Silvercord, Suite 4, 26 Sparkes Street
30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Camperdown. NSW. 2050
Kowloon, HONG KONG Sydney
Tel.: +852 2311 2683 / 2684 / 3025 Tel.: +61 2 9517 1300
Fax: +852 2311 3672 Fax: +61 2 9517 1311
E-mail: general@nucletron.com.hk Email: sales@nucletron.com.au

China India
Nucletron Asia Pacific Ltd. Nucletron India Pvt Ltd.
Beijing Representative Office No. 3, D’Silva Road
Asia Pacific

Room 21D CITIC Building, Mylapore

19 Jian Guo Men Wai Da Jie Chennai 600 004
Beijing, China Tel.: +91 44 24992877 / 24991871
Post Code: 100004 Fax: +91 44 24991967
Tel.: +86 10 8526 2340 / 41 E-mail: info@nucletron-india.com
Fax: +86 10 8526 2339 Web site: www.nucletron-india.com
E-mail: cnoffice@nucletron.com.cn
Web site: www.nucletron-china.com
Singapore
Nucletron Asia Pacific Ltd. Nucletron Asia Pacific Ltd.
Shanghai Representative Office Singapore Representative Office
Shanghai, China 89 Science Park Drive
Tel.: +86 21 6207 6747 / 48 Rutherford # 03 - 06
Fax: +86 21 6207 6746 Singapore 118261
E-mail: cnoffice@nucletron.com.cn Tel.: +65 6779 1248
Web site: www.nucletron-china.com Fax: +65 6836 7496
E-mail: ukrumme@nucletron.com.hk

Your Distributor / Agent

NUC-T380-15
 Preface

Preface
Validity

This manual is valid for the Nucletron Source Dosimetry System,

hereafter referred to as SDS.

Part Number

A six-digit part number for this manual is printed on the title page,
on the bottom of each page and on the bottom of the spine of the
manual binder.

Language

The part number is followed by a language indicator. It is printed on

the title page, on the bottom of each page and on the bottom of the
spine of the manual binder.

Version Number

A two-digit version number follows the part number and language

indicator. It is printed on the bottom of each page and on the title
page. The version number at the botttom of a page is only relevant
to the chapter concerned. The version number on the title page is
relevant to the complete manual.

Document Number

A document number (if specified) is printed on the title page. It is

located below the part number. It is only used for internal document
administration purposes.

CE Mark

Manuals made for products that have been CE (Conformité

Européenne) marked have the CE mark on the front page.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System v

Preface

Conventions

Throughout this manual certain conventions are used. These are

Warnings, Cautions and Notes. They provide a means of
prioritising information to be brought to the attention of the user.
They are given as follows:

A Warning is a statement describing situations which could result in

injury to the user if he is not attentive to what he is doing.

A Caution is a statement describing situations which could lead to

unintended consequences for the equipment or the output of the
software application.

A Note is a statement about non-critical situations which the user

should be made aware of.

Related Publications

Publications related to this manual are listed in the following table:

Title Part. No.

Source Dosimetry System Test Certificate N.A.
192
microSelectron-HDR Ir User Manual 092.515
microSelectron-HDR Classic 192Ir User Manual 090.300
192
microSelectron-PDR Ir User Manual 090.313
Data Sheet 077.090 301.173

Copyright

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form whatsoever, including photocopying and
recording without written permission of the copyright holder:
Nucletron B.V., PO Box 930, 3900 AX VEENENDAAL, The
Netherlands.

vi Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Preface

General Information

The user is expected to use the module in accordance with the

instructions given in this manual, which must be read before the
system is used. Any unauthorised deviation from the procedures
laid down in this manual can affect the contractual obligations
between purchasor and vendor as given in the sections Important
Notices (see this page) and Warranty (see next page).

Important Notices

Concerning the Use of this Product:

• Nucletron B.V. and their subsidiaries assume no responsibility

for misuse of the equipment. Since Nucletron (or its
subsidiaries) cannot control the use of this equipment, they
shall not be responsible for personal injury or damage resulting
therefrom.

The Customer is Advised:

• To operate the equipment according to the instructions

contained in this manual.
• To observe all warnings, cautions and notes.
• To ensure the proper maintenance of the equipment, and to
consult local, national or international regulations where
appropriate.
• In the event of any questions concerning the equipment,
however minor, please contact your Nucletron branch office or
Nucletron agent.

Concerning this Publication:

• Information contained in this publication is subject to change

without notice.
• Neither Nucletron B.V. and its subsidiaries nor anyone else who
has been involved with the development, production or delivery
of the documentation be liable for any special, incidental or
consequential damages, whether based upon breach of
warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort or
any other legal theory.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System vii

Preface

Definitions

The COMPANY shall mean NUCLETRON B.V. or its subsidiaries

or authorised agencies.

The CUSTOMER shall mean the person, firm, company or other

organisation entering into the CONTRACT as defined here.

The GOODS shall mean all items manufactured or supplied by the

COMPANY.

The SERVICES shall mean all advice given and services

performed by the COMPANY.

The CONTRACT shall mean the agreement arising between the

COMPANY and the CUSTOMER following receipt of the
CUSTOMER’S order for the GOODS and/or SERVICES specified
in the COMPANY’S quotation or, if no quotation has been given,
the agreement arising on despatch by the COMPANY of a written
acceptance of the CUSTOMER’S order (or despatch of GOODS),
whichever occurs first.

Warranty

The COMPANY warrants that all GOODS will at the time of receipt
by the CUSTOMER be free from defects and that all SERVICES
will be carried out by the COMPANY with reasonable care and skill,
but that the COMPANY’S sole liability for breach of this warranty
shall be its option to give credit for, replace or repair any GOODS
or re-perform any SERVICES provided that:

• The COMPANY is informed in writing within seven days of the

failure or defect becoming apparent, and
• The failure or defect is shown to the COMPANY’S reasonable
satisfaction to be due to its faulty design, workmanship or
packaging.

The period of warranty shall extend for a period of 12 months from

the date of receipt of the GOODS or 14 months after shipment from
the factory, whichever is first.

Travel and subsistence for the maintenance engineer is the

responsibility of the local Nucletron subsidiary.

viii Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Preface

Exclusions and Limitations of Liability

Except for the Warranty the COMPANY shall not be liable to the
CUSTOMER for any direct, indirect, consequential or economic
loss or damage relating to its products or SERVICES.

The CUSTOMER shall handle the GOODS in a suitable and safe

manner and shall comply with any instructions supplied to it by the
COMPANY. The CUSTOMER shall also pass on to users
(including purchasers and users of other equipment into which the
GOODS are incorporated) all relevant safety information.

Where the COMPANY experiences technical difficulties in the

production of non-standard or custom-made GOODS it may cancel
the contract without being liable to the customer in any way.

Where the CUSTOMER supplies designs, drawings and

specifications to the COMPANY to enable it to manufacture
non-standard or custom-made GOODS the CUSTOMER warrents
that such manufacture will not infringe the intellectual property
rights of any third party.

General

All CONTRACTS entered into by the COMPANY are subject to

and governed solely by these conditions which may be varied by
the COMPANY in writing.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System ix

 Preface

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System x

 Document Comments/Suggestions Form

Congratulations on your purchase! We trust that it will reliably meet your

requirements.
A very important part of your purchase is the accompanying documentation. A lot of
attention has been paid to the information it contains, i.e. its accuracy,
completeness, ease of access and the way it is presented. If you have any
suggestions for its improvement or comments on the content, please let us know.

Fax or E-mail your comments/suggestions.

Nucletron fax number: (31) 318 557270
Nucletron E-mail address: documentation@nuclint.nl

From:

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092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System

 Contents

Validity ....................................................................................................v
Part Number............................................................................................v
Language ................................................................................................v
Version Number ......................................................................................v
Document Number..................................................................................v
CE Mark ..................................................................................................v
Conventions ........................................................................................... vi
Related Publications .............................................................................. vi
Copyright................................................................................................ vi
Definitions ................................................................................................ viii
Warranty................................................................................................... viii
Exclusions and Limitations of Liability........................................................ ix
General ...................................................................................................... ix

1 System Description
Introduction ............................................................................................. 1-1
Source Dosimetry System Outline .......................................................... 1-2
Theory of Operation ................................................................................ 1-3
Examples of Calibration Factors ............................................................. 1-4
Technical Specifications of the Source Dosimetry System ..................... 1-6
Electrical Characteristics..................................................................... 1-6
Volume................................................................................................ 1-6
Validation ............................................................................................ 1-6
Environmental Requirements.............................................................. 1-6
Mechanical Specifications................................................................... 1-6

2 Operating Procedures
Preparing the system .............................................................................. 2-1
Measuring ............................................................................................... 2-2

3 Wiring
General ................................................................................................... 3-1
Connection Modes .................................................................................. 3-2

Appendix A: Tables and References

Dosimeters .............................................................................................. A-1
Transfer Tubes........................................................................................ A-1
Accessories............................................................................................. A-2

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System xiii

Contents

Insert ................................................................................................... A-2

Optional Items..................................................................................... A-2
References.............................................................................................. A-3
Example of Test Certificate ..................................................................... A-5
Calibration Laboratories .......................................................................... A-6
PTW Freiburg...................................................................................... A-6
K&S Associates, Inc............................................................................ A-6
University of Winconsin....................................................................... A-6

xiv Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 System Description

1 System Description

Introduction

The Nucletron Source Dosimetry System is intended as a tool to

verify the strength of the Iridium-192, Caesium-137, or Cobalt-60
source.

If the value for source strength indicated by the Source Dosimetry

System differs significantly from that which appears on the source
certificate, please contact Nucletron before using the source for
treatments.

The chamber can be used in combination with commercially

available dosimeters. For absolute measurements using the
calibration certificate, included with the chamber, a dosimeter must
be used which can be switched into electrometer mode. The
measuring range must be such that a 20 Ci source strength can be
measured with a maximum current of 100 nA. Dosimeters without a
reading in electrical units can only be used after comparison
measurement conforming a cross calibration procedure. A
dosimeter is not supplied with the Source Dosimetry System.

Radioactive sources for the Nucletron afterloaders are provided

with a certificate that describes the source strength in terms of
Air-Kerma Strength, with a unit of cGy·m2·h-1, additionally the
certificate may state the (apparent) Activity in GBq or Ci.

The user needs to confirm the stated certificate value and its stated
uncertainty. Usually, the absolute accuracy of the source
certificate’s stated activity will be within ± 5%.

Additionally, the certificate should state if the mean activity and its
uncertainty was determined by measurements of a small number of
radioactive sources selected from a larger batch (a common
method of assaying low activity seeds) or measurements of the
activity of each source received by the user.
AAPM Report 21 describes levels of “traceability” of brachytherapy
source calibrations relative to NIST and ADCL laboratories, and
direct or secondary traceability is desired.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 1-1

System Description

Source Dosimetry System Outline

The Source Dosimetry System comprises a chamber housing with

an acrylic-glass insert and a detachable base plate, see
Figure 1-1. The Source Dosimetry System has a connection cable
(with connectors) to the dosimeter.

Insert Adapter

PMMA Tube Insert

Chamber-Housing
Measurement reference Position
830 mm / 1335 mm

Connection Cable
Detachable
Label with Connector
Base Plate

Figure 1-1 Nucletron Source Dosimetry System

The construction of the chamber, which has a well depth of 150

mm, provides a good geometry for the measurement of the
source’s radiation in all directions (4π geometry). The chamber is
vented to the atmosphere.

The insert-adapter offers easy connection to the aforementioned

afterloaders.

1-2 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 System Description

Theory of Operation

The following description is specially for the validation of the

microSelectron-HDR 192Ir, the microSelectron-HDR Classic 192Ir
and the microSelectron-PDR 192Ir sources.

A source is driven into the PMMA tube insert adapter to a reference

position at 61 mm above the bottom of the well. To achieve this, a
length parameter of 830 mm for microSelectron-HDR192Ir Classic
or a length parameter of 1335 mm for microSelectron-HDR192Ir
and microSelectron-PDR 192Ir has to be programmed, also dwell
position number 21 must be programmed for the afterloaders.
Measurement results are influenced by the position of the source in
the Source Dosimetry System; see Figure 1-2 for values.

A high voltage (100 V - 500 V) is connected to the ionisation

chamber. The radiation of the source ionizes the air in the
chamber. This results in a small current. The amount of current is
related to the activity of the source.

The source strength is calculated from the measurement readings

with the following formula:

Si = M × Ni × Pion × KD

Si = Source strength of the 192Ir source. Depending on the selected

calibration factor Ni, the output Si can be calculated in:

• Air-Kerma Strength in cGy·m2·h-1

• (Apparent) Activity in GBq or Ci
• “Exposure Strength” in R·m2·h-1

M = Measurement reading in nA.

Ni = Calibration Factor,

• for Air-Kerma Strength, Ni is in cGy·m2·h-1·A-1

• for (apparent) Activity, Ni is in GBq·nA-1 or Ni is in Ci·A-1
• for “Exposure Strength”, Ni is in R·m2·h-1·A-1

(see Examples of Calibration Factors on page 1-4).

Pion = the reciprocal of Ion Collection Efficiency Factor Aion.

When the Nucletron Source Dosimetry System is employed with a

collection potential of 300 V, Aion is greater than 0.996 and in
practice, for Pion a value of 1 can be used.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 1-3

System Description

When the Nucletron Source Dosimetry System is employed with a

different collecting potential, the ion collection efficiency factor Aion
is calculated as follows (see Ref. 2 in Appendix A, page A-4):

4  1 Q 1
Aion = ---- –  ---- × ---------
3  3 Q 2

Where Q1 and Q2 are the charge (or current) readings at nominal

(300 V) and half (150 V) potential, respectively.

KD = Environmental Correction Factor.

The chamber is vented to the atmosphere, the currents are

normalised to 20° C and 1013 hPa.

Use of the chamber at other pressures and temperatures requires

correction of the currents to these conditions. The multiplicative
correction factor KD is computed from the following expression (see
Ref. 5 in Appendix A, page A-4):

273,15 + T 1013
KD = --------------------------------- × ----------------
293,15 P

T = room temperature in °C.

P = atmospheric pressure in hPa.

Examples of Calibration Factors

1 Air-Kerma Strength Calibration Factor:

Ni = 9.040 x 107 cGy·m2·h-1·A-1 for 192Ir

2 Apparent Activity Calibration Factor:

Ni = 8.218 GBq·nA-1or Ni = 2.221 x 108 Ci·A-1 for 192Ir

3 “Exposure Strength Calibration Factor”:

Ni= 10.32 x 107 R·m2·h-1·A-1 for 192Ir

For values which are relevant for your Source Dosimetry System,
see the Source Dosimetry System Test Certificate supplied with
the Source Dosimetry System.

1-4 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 System Description

Figure 1-2 Relative response to source position

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 1-5

System Description

Technical Specifications of the Source Dosimetry System

Electrical Characteristics

• Measuring range (192Ir) 4.5 mCi - 200 Ci

166.5 MBq - 7.4 TBq (for 192Ir and
dosimeter UNIDOS)
• Typical sensitivity approximately 5 nA/Ci for 192Ir

• Leakage < 5·10 -14 A

• Stability 0.2%
• Response linearity ± 0.2% over 25 mm

• Collection Potentials (Bias) 100 V - 500 V

Volume

• Nominal volume 200 cm3

• Ionisation volume vented to atmosphere

Validation

• Validation source microSelectron-HDR 192

Ir

• Calibration factors in GBq·nA-1 or Ci·A-1,

cGy·m2·h-1·A-1 and R·m2·h-1·A-1
• Uncertainty ± 2%

• Certificate traceable to NIST

Environmental Requirements

• Temperature in between 10° C (50° F) to 40° C

(104° F).
• Relative humidity 5%-75%, max. 20 g/m3.

• Pressure in between 950 hPa to 1050 hPa.

Mechanical Specifications

• Weight 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs)

• Diameter 178 mm
• Height 200.5 mm

1-6 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Operating Procedures

2 Operating Procedures

Preparing the system

1 The Source Dosimetry System must be placed near the

microSelectron-HDR 192Ir, microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic or
the microSelectron-PDR 192Ir, in the treatment room on a
horizontal surface.

You must know how to use the microSelectron-HDR 192Ir and/or

the microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic and/or the
microSelectron-PDR 192Ir.
If not, familiarize yourself first with the equipment to be used.

2 Connect the correct transfer tube (see Table A-2 in Appendix

A, page A-1) to the afterloader-indexer at channel 3 and to the
adapter on top of the Source Dosimetry System insert.

Ensure that the transfer tube is not sharply bent anywhere.

3 Make sure that the microSelectron-HDR 192Ir,

microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic or microSelectron-PDR 192Ir
is switched on.

4 Connect the Source Dosimetry System to the dosimeter.

In case the distance between Source Dosimetry System and
dosimeter is too long, a suitable extension cable can be used.

5 After the dosimeter has been switched on, a stabilisation period

of at least five minutes must be allowed for. The dosimeter may
need a longer warming up time, depending on which type of
dosimeter is used.

6 Select on the dosimeter a collecting potential (bias) of 300 V

and switch the dosimeter into electrometer-mode
(measurement range: 1 nA - 1000 nA).

7 If the measurement will be done with a different collecting

potential (between 100 V and 500 V), Pion , the reciprocal of the
ion collection efficiency factor, should be calculated, see
Chapter 1: System Description.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 2-1

Operating Procedures

Measuring

1 Enter the following parameters into the Control Unit

(non-standard mode):

for microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic:

Step size 2.5 mm

Channel no 3

Length 880 mm

Dwell position 21
Dwell time 180 sec

for microSelectron-PDR 192Ir:

Step size 2.5 mm

Number of pulses 1

Period time 300 sec

Channel no 3
Length 1385 mm

Dwell position 21

Dwell time 180 sec

Enter the following parameters into the Treatment Control

Station:

for microSelectron-HDR 192Ir:

Step size 2.5 mm

Channel no 3

Length 1385 mm

Dwell position 21
Dwell time 180 sec

The treatment area must be vacated by all personnel and the door
closed.

2 Press the Start button on the Control Unit (microSelectron-HDR

Classic 192Ir) or Treatment Control Panel (microSelectron-HDR
192
Ir) or Remote Control (microSelectron-PDR 192Ir).

3 Wait till the source is at the correct position.

2-2 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Operating Procedures

4 Start the measurement after the dosimeter reading has

stabilised.

5 Record the dosimeter reading.

6 Press the Interrupt button to retract the source into the safe of
the microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic,
microSelectron-HDR 192Ir or microSelectron-PDR192Ir.

7 Repeat step 2 to step 6 at least three times.

8 Calculate the environmental correction factor kD,

(see Chapter 1: System Description).

9 Calculate the source strength from the measurement readings

with the following formula, (see for reference Chapter 1:
System Description):

Si = M × Ni × P ion × K D

Si = Source strength of the 192Ir source.

M = Average of measurement readings.

Ni = Calibration Factor (see the Source Dosimetry System
Test Certificate supplied with the Source Dosimetry
System).

Pion = the reciprocal of the Ion Collection Efficiency

Factor Aion.

KD = Environmental Correction Factor.

10 Disconnect the transfer tube from the Source Dosimetry System

and from the microSelectron-HDR 192Ir Classic,
microSelectron-HDR 192Ir or microSelectron-PDR 192Ir.

To verify long-term stability of the Source Dosimetry System, a

regular check with an isotope with long half-life time (137Cs, 60Co
or 226Ra) is recommended.

It is advised to store the Source Dosimetry System in the

transportation case which is supplied with it.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 2-3

Operating Procedures

2-4 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Wiring

3 Wiring

General

The Source Dosimetry System comprises a well-type ionisation

chamber, an acrylic-glass insert, a detachable base plate and a
connection cable with connector.

Depending on the dosimeter being used (see Appendix A, page

A-1), a specific connection cable is required. If the Source
Dosimetry System is used with a different dosimeter than it is wired
for, it might be necessary to change the connection cable.
The various connection cables are shown in Figure 3-1.

Cable
with
TNC connector

Cable
with
BNT connector

Cable
with
M connector

Figure 3-1 Cable types

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 3-1

Wiring

Connection Modes

Depending on the type of dosimeter being used, the Source

Dosimetry System has to be wired in a certain way. There are two
possible connection modes:

Mode A: for dosimeters which need a cable with a TNC or BNT

connector, (Triax system: electrode and shield
connected to high voltage).

Mode B: for dosimeters which need a cable with an M connector

(electrode and shield connected to ground).

The procedure to change between wiring mode A and mode B and

the replacement of the connection cable is described hereafter:

Cable replacement must only be performed by qualified personnel.

1 Disconnect the ionisation chamber from the dosimeter or high

voltage supply.

2 Remove the base plate by loosening three screws, see

Figure 3-2.

label

Base plate

x3

Figure 3-2 Base plate removal

3-2 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Wiring

3 There is only one ground wire, either between terminals 1 and 2

(mode A) or between terminals 3 and 4 (mode B), see
Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-4.

2 3 Mode A:
c Ground wire
between
terminals 1 and 2

1 4
or

Ground wire Ground wire

for for Mode B
Mode A Mode B ground wire
between
terminals 3 and 4

Figure 3-3 Bottom view with wire connections

4 If mode A or mode B is to be changed, remove the ground wire

and connect it to the opposite terminals.

5 When a new cable has to be installed, desolder the three cable

conductors from terminals 2, 3 and c (see Figure 3-4.)

2 3
c

1 4

strain relief
Figure 3-4 Cable connection, Mode B

6 Remove the plastic cable strain relief from the end of the cable,
(two screws) see Figure 3-4.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 3-3

Wiring

7 Remove the cable strain relief from the chamber housing as

follows, (see Figure 3-5):

a) Loosen threaded ring with two holes, using a special

fastening tool.
b) Pull the cable out of the chamber.
c) Pull off the plastic cable clamp. You may be required to
twist and bend the cable in order to do this.
d) Pull off the washer.
e) Pull off the rubber grommet.
f) Pull off the threaded ring.

cable

plastic cable washer

clamp

threaded ring rubber grommet

cable

Figure 3-5 Cable strain relief

8 Place the cable strain relief items, in reversed order as

described in step 7, on the new cable, making sure that the
cone is pointing towards the end of the cable.

3-4 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Wiring

9 Prepare the cable end of the new cable according to

instructions in Figure 3-6.

twisted and tinned

5 mm

22 mm 19 mm
5 mm

3 mm

16 mm
3 mm

twisted and tinned

Figure 3-6 Preparation of cable end

10 Guide the new cable through the chamber housing and solder
the cable conductors according to Figure 3-4.

11 Mount the plastic strain relief (two screws), see Figure 3-4.

12 Screw in the threaded ring using the special fastening tool.

13 Check all connections, including the ground connection.

14 Attach the base plate using three screws.

15 If necessary, replace the label on the base plate, see

Figure 3-2.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System 3-5

Wiring

3-6 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Appendix A

Appendix A Tables and References

Dosimeters

Nucletron Source Dosimetry

Dosimeter
System

Part no Connector Type Company Imax

Model (Qmax, Amax
Tmax)

077.090
& TNC PTWTM UNIDOS type 10002 100 nA 20 Ci
077.091 Electrode
&
Guard
077.089 on HV
& BNT PTWTM UNIDOS type 1005 100 nA 20 Ci
077.092

Electrode
077.087
&
& M PTWTM UNIDOS type 10001 100 nA 20 Ci
Guard
077.094
on Ground

Table A-1 Overview of Nucletron Source Dosimetry Systems and available dosimeters with ranges

Transfer Tubes

Gynaecological Transfer Tube to Channel 3

Afterloader Part no

microSelectron-HDR 111.004

microSelectron-HDR Classic 080.972

microSelectron-PDR 079.015

Table A-2 Required transfer tube

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System A-1

Appendix A

Accessories

Insert

Item Part no.

microSelectron-HDR/PDR 077.095
insert

Table A-3 Insert

Figure A - 1 Insert 077.095

Optional Items

Item Part no.

Selectron-LDR/HDR insert 077.097

Wire insert 077.096

Table A-4 Optional items

077.097
077.096

Figure A - 2 Optional items

A-2 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Appendix A

References

1 Medical Physics 10, 741, 1983.

A protocol for the determination of absorbed dose from

high-energy photon and electron beams.

2 Medical Physics 11, 714, 1984.

Determination of Aion and Pion in the new AAPM

radiotherapy dosimetry protocol.

3 AAPM Report 41.

Remote Afterloading Technology.

American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Task Group No. 41.

Ch VIII: Source Calibrations.

4 AAPM Report 21.

Specification of Brachytherapy Source Strength.

American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Task Group No. 32.
NY, June 1987.

5 High Dose Rate Ir-192 Calibration Appendix.

PTW-Freiburg.
Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory.

6 DIN 6853, Part 5.

Medizinische ferngesteuerte, automatisch betriebene

Afterloading-Anlagen.
Konstanzprüfungen apparativer Qualitätsmerkmale.

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System A-3

Appendix A

7 DIN 6809, Part 2. (draft).

Klinische Dosimetrie.
Brachytherapie mit umschlossenen gammastrahlenden
radioaktiven Stoffen.

8 Activity.

Special Report No. 2, 1993.

Quality assurance in brachytherapy with special reference to

the microSelectron-HDR.

A-4 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02

 Appendix A

Example of Test Certificate

E X A M P L E

092910ENG-02 Source Dosimetry System A-5

Appendix A

Calibration Laboratories

PTW Freiburg

Physikalisch-Technische Werkstätten

Lörracher Strasse 7

D-79115 Freiburg

Germany

Tel. +49 761 49055-0

Fax: +49 761 49055-70

K&S Associates, Inc.

Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory

1926 Elm Tree Drive

Nashville, TN 37210

USA

Tel.: +1 (615) 883-9760

Fax: +1 (615) 871-0856

University of Winconsin

Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory

Medical Physics Department

1530 Medical Science Center

1300 University Lane

Madison, WI 53706

USA

Tel.: +1 (608) 262-6320

Fax: +1 (608) 262-5012

A-6 Source Dosimetry System 092910ENG-02