TROXLER 3400-B User Manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction

33440000--BB SSeerriieess

Mooiissttuurree--

M

Gaauuggee

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NOTE

Before using the gauge, carefully read this manual. It
is especially important to understand the Safety
Warnings at the beginning of this manual. Keep this
manual in a safe place that is always easily accessible
during the use of the gauge.

Deennssiittyy

D

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

Manual of Operation and Instruction3008 E. Cornwallis Road • P.O.

Box 12057

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 U.S.A.

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661

Fax: [phone]

www.troxlerlabs.com

Troxler products are protected by U.S. and foreign patents.

Copyright  1988 – 2011

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written
permission of Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

Magnalube-G is a registered trademark of Magnalube, Inc.

PN 103298
Edition 4
September 2011

ii

TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS

Troxler Corporate Headquarters

P.O. Box 12057

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661

Fax: [phone]

Technical Support

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER
(1.877.876.9537)
[e-mail]

Florida Office & Service Center

2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Western Office & Service Center

11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Troxler Europe & Service Center

Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33 D.82239
Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++ 49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
[e-mail]

To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service partner
near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).

Model 3400-B Series iii

North Carolina Service Center

3008 E. Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Midwestern Office & Service
Center

1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Southwestern Office & Service
Center

2016 East Randol Mill Rd., Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Troxler Electronic Technologies
(Zhangjiagang)

1F, Bldg G, No. 1 Guotai North Road
ZJG, China, 215600
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

The 3400-B Series Manual of Operation and Instruction provides
detailed instructions for the proper use and care of the 3401
and 3411 gauges as well as radiation safety information.

Chapter 1, Introduction

Provides a brief overview of the gauges and their features

Chapter 2, Parts and Accessories

Contains instructions for unpacking and inspection and
describes the controls for the 3401-B and 3411-B.

Chapter 3, 3411 Operating Procedures

Describes procedures for taking standard counts and
measurements, and setting target values

Chapter 4, 3401 Operating Procedures
Explains how to take standard counts and measurements

Chapter 5, Special Use Procedures

Contains special procedures, including correction factors, trench
measurements, thin lift overlays, and roof moisture

Chapter 6, Gauge Base Electronics

Describes the gague’s electrical components and provides
procedures for perofmring stat and drift test

Appendix A, Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Provides maintenance procedures and basic troubleshooting

Appendix B, Radiation Theory and Safety

Describes radiation safety, terminology, and theory

Appendix C, Theory of Operation

Describes how the gauge operates

Appendix D, Specifications

Contains the mechanical, electrical, and environmental
performance specifications

Appendix E, Standard Count Log
Provides the count log template for your use.

iv

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

The 3400-B Series Manual of Operation and Instruction contains
information on safely using this unit. Also included in this
manual are safety warnings, basic parameter setup, system
troubleshooting, and general maintenance.

Do not attempt to operate the gauges before reading this manual
and the safety warnings posted on the units. Troxler stresses
that the user is solely responsible for ensuring safe use. The
manufacturer, its subsidiary, representatives, and distributors
cannot assume responsibility for any mishaps, damage, or
personal injury that may occur from failure to observe the
safety warnings in this manual and posted on the unit.

Model 3400-B Series v

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Throughout this manual the following symbols and special
formatting are used to reveal the purpose of the text.

WARNING

Warnings indicate conditions or procedures that,
if not followed correctly, may cause personal
injury.

CAUTION

Cautions indicate conditions or procedures that, if not

followed correctly, may cause equipment damage.

NOTE

Notes indicate important information that must be
read to ensure proper operation.

〈KEY〉 This style indicates a key or character to press on the

keypad.

1. Indicates a procedure with multiple steps.

♦ Indicates a list of things needed (such as equipment) or

important points to know.

 Indicates that more than one option is available.

Carefully select the option that applies.

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the 3400 Series ..................................................................................... 1-2

Licensing and Regulations ............................................................................................... 1-4

CHAPTER 2: PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................................... 2-2

CHAPTER 3: 3411 OPERATING PROCEDURES

Taking Standard Counts .................................................................................................... 3-2

Taking Soil Measurements ............................................................................................... 3-4

Taking Asphalt Measurements ....................................................................................... 3-6

Setting Target Values ......................................................................................................... 3-7

CHAPTER 4: 3401 OPERATING PROCEDURES

Taking Standard Counts .................................................................................................... 4-2

Taking Soil Measurements ............................................................................................... 4-4

Taking Asphalt Measurements ....................................................................................... 4-6

CHAPTER 5: SPECIAL USE PROCEDURES

Corrections for Varying Soils ........................................................................................... 5-2

Trench Measurements ....................................................................................................... 5-5

Control Strip for Subbase, Base, and Asphalt Paving ........................................... 5-7

Thin Lift Overlays .................................................................................................................. 5-9

Roof Moisture Measurements ...................................................................................... 5-12

3400 Series Use on Coal .................................................................................................. 5-14

Model 3400-B Series vii

CHAPTER 6: GAUGE BASE ELECTRONICS

Electronic and Detector Service ..................................................................................... 6-2

Stability and Drift Tests ..................................................................................................... 6-3

Gauge Base Electronics ..................................................................................................... 6-7

APPENDIX A : MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING

Charging Batteries ............................................................................................................... A-2

Mechanical Maintenance .................................................................................................. A-3

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... A-7

Calibration ............................................................................................................................ A-10

Returning the Gauge for Service ................................................................................ A-12

Replacement Parts ............................................................................................................ A-13

APPENDIX B : RADIATION THEORY & SAFETY

Radiation Theory and Safety ........................................................................................... B-2

Working with Radiation Sources ................................................................................. B-12

APPENDIX C : THEORY OF OPERATION

Density ...................................................................................................................................... C-2

Moisture ................................................................................................................................... C-5

APPENDIX D : SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications ........................................................................................... D-2

Mechanical Specifications ................................................................................................ D-4

Radiological Specifications .............................................................................................. D-6

Electrical Specifications ..................................................................................................... D-7

APPENDIX E : STANDARD COUNT LOG

WARRANTY

viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Gauge and Accessories .................................................................. 1-3

Figure 2. 3411-B Front Panel Controls ........................................................ 2-4

Figure 3. 3401-B Front Panel Controls ........................................................ 2-6

Figure 4. Roller Pattern ...................................................................................... 5-8

Figure 5. Thin Lift Overlay Nomograph (SI Units) ................................ 5-10

Figure 6. Thin Lift Overlay Nomograph (US Customary Units)....... 5-11

Figure 7. Midpoint of Interval ...................................................................... 5-12

Figure 8. Midpoint of Interval ...................................................................... 5-13

Figure 9. Statistical Stability Test ................................................................... 6-6

Figure 10. 3411-B Display Test Sequence .................................................. 6-8

Figure 11. 3411-B Rotary Switch Test Format .......................................... 6-9

Figure 13. Diagram of an Atom ..................................................................... B-2

Figure 14. Variation of Radioactive Emission ........................................... B-5

Figure 15. Effects of Distance on Exposure ............................................... B-8

Figure 16. Direct Transmission and Backscatter Geometries ............ C-3

Figure 17. Backscatter Surface Density Effects ....................................... C-4

Figure 18. Effect of Moisture on Depth ..................................................... C-8

Model 3400-B Series ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Sample Moisture Correction Chart ............................................. 5-3

Table 2. Key Codes for Keyboard Test Routines ................................... 6-10

Table 3. Radiation Profile ................................................................................. B-9

Table 4. Neutron Thermalization and Absorption Data ...................... C-6

x

CChhaapptteerr 11:

:

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

This chapter covers the following topics and tasks:

 An introduction to the 3401 and 3411 gauges
 Regulatory information

Model 3400-B Series 1-1

IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn ttoo tthhee 33440000 SSeerriieess

The 3400 series Surface Moisture-Density gauge is designed to
measure the moisture content and density of soils, soil bases,
aggregate, concrete, asphalt treated bases, and asphalt
pavement. With a custom calibration or offset, the gauge can
also be used on other materials. The 3400 series gauges allow
you to quickly and precisely determine this moisture content
and density without the use of core samples or other destructive
methods.

Using direct transmission or backscattered gamma radiation,
the 3400 series gauges determine the density of materials by
counting the number of photons emitted by a cesium-137
source, which return to the G-M detectors in the gauge base.
These detectors detect the radiation and the counts are
converted into a density reading.

Utilizing the principle of neutron thermalization, the 3400 series
gauges determine the moisture content of soils and soil-like
materials. Hydrogen (water) in the material slows neutrons
emitted from an americium-241:beryllium source. Detectors
located in the base detect the slowed neutrons.

The 3400 series gauges meet or exceed all the requirements of
ASTM Standards C1040, D6938, D2950, and AASHTO T-310.

The Model 3411-B stores all calibration constants needed to
compute and display wet density, moisture, dry density, percent
moisture, and percent compaction in either kilograms per cubic
meter or pounds per cubic foot.

The Model 3401-B is a simpler gauge. It displays measured
counts and users must perform calculations manually.
Measurement results are determined using computer derived
calibration tables. The Model 3401-B can easily be converted to
a Model 3411-B by changing the keypad and display, also known
as the scaler.

1-2

Figure 1. Gauge and Accessories

Model 3400-B Series 1-3

LLiicceennssiinngg aanndd RReegguullaattiioonnss

Owners of this gauge must maintain a current radioactive
materials license as long as they own the gauge, even if it is in
storage and not actively being used.

Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual by
operator(s) before allowing any use of the instrument. While no
radiation hazard exists for operator(s) during normal use, a
potential hazard does exist if improperly used.

The sections of the manual covering radiological safety should
be required reading for all operators and potential operators. If
these sections are not completely understood, seek assistance
from Troxler, an appointed Troxler representative, or others
designated within the user organization. Additional nuclear
safety information is available by completing our Nuclear Gauge
Training course.

As changes are made to local, state and federal regulations on a
continuing basis, the owner/user must maintain current status
with these regulations. The responsibility for compliance
ultimately falls upon the owner. The owner may also wish to
purchase and subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations in addition to applicable local and state
regulations. These are available at http://hazmat.dot.gov.

1-4