Ronan X90 Series User Manual
Page 12

After these preliminary services are performed, a 
person specifically licensed by the NRC or an 
agreement state must do the start-up of the gage. 
This involves unlocking the source holder and 
turning it ON; testing for proper operation of the 
source holder and position indicator; making the 
initial radiation field intensity survey; and initial 
testing for leakage of radioactive material. This 
specifically licensed person must determine that 
the gage is installed in such a manner that 
personnel working in the vicinity of the gage will not 
receive a radiation dose greater than 0.5 rem/yr. 
The gage is shipped from the Ronan factory with 
the source holder locked OFF. The combination ill 
be given only to the specifically licensed person 
performing the start-up and placing the gage in 
service. 
a copy of the tag attached to the lock follows:
 
Figure 4: Warning Tag 
 
Device shall be tested for radioactive leakage and 
proper functioning of source actuator rod at 
installation, at source replacement and thereafter at 
no longer than three-year intervals. 
 
11.8 Well Source Holders SA-4, SA-10, SA-15
11.8.1 Source actuator: The actuator should 
always move freely. There will be some slight 
resistance to movement due to bearing friction of 
the gasketed filling, which keeps out moisture and 
dirt. 
Do not force the source rod actuator.
If a portable radiation survey meter is available, the 
radiation field intensity can be measured at the 
back of the detector housing. With the source rod 
in the STORE position, the field intensity should be 
measurable. When the source is placed in the 
well, the field intensity should decrease. 
11.8.2 Source insertion procedure:
a) Open shutter and pin open with lock pin. 
b) Loosen CGB fitting at source rod. 
c) Remove handle and attach source extender rod. 
e) Push source rod until source bottoms out in 
well. 
f) Tighten CGB fitting over source extender rod. 
 
11.8.3 Source retraction procedure 
 
a) Loosen CGB filling. 
b) Pull source handle back until source rod locates 
inside source tube. Source will hit positive stop 
inside holder. 
c) Push shutter to OFF. Lock with lock pin or 
padlock. 
d) Remove extender rod. 
e) Remove handle from extender rod and attach to 
source rod. 
 
11.8.4 Wiping the test points: A wipe test and 
radiation survey must be made before the source is 
installed onto the vessel wall and before the source 
is inserted into the well. The radiation protection 
officer (RPO) or licensed personnel must supervise 
the installation, source insertion and retraction. 
The RPO must also classify the area based on the 
radiation survey and personnel occupancy in the 
vicinity of the gage. 
 
The RPO must write control procedures for 
personnel not to work or occupy the area around 
the gage when the process is down, maintenance 
on the vessel is performed, or when the vessel is 
empty. 
 
Anyone following the instructions of a leak test kit 
may perform the wiping procedure, but only a 
person or company specifically licensed by the 
NRC or an agreement state may do the analysis for 
radioactive material. 
 
Using a cotton swab, wipe around the source rod 
extending out the top of the source holder and at all 
seams as shown in Figure 5. These areas are 
most likely to be contaminated if the source leaks. 
Do not touch the cotton-tipped end or allow it to 
touch other objects, as this would spread 
contamination if a leak is present. 
 
After making the wipe test, replace the cotton swab 
in the vial with the cotton-tipped end at the bottom. 
Replace the cap on the vial, place the vial in the 
shipping tube and replace the top on the shipping 
tube. Send to: Ronan Engineering Company, 
8050 Production Drive, Florence, KY 41042. 
 
 
