TROXLER 3430 Plus, 3440 Plus User Manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
3008 Cornwallis Rd. P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Outside the USA: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: +1.919.549.0761
www.troxlerlabs.com
Troxler gauges are protected by U.S. and foreign patents
Copyright © 2007
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.
Fantastic is a trademark of Dow Consumer Products, Inc. Federal Express is a registered trademark of the Federal Express
Corporation.
409 is a trademark of the Clorox Company. Magnalube-G is a registered trademark of Carleton-Stuart
Corporation.
Microsoft, Excel, HyperTerminal, Windows, and Word are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
WD-40 is a registered trademark of the WD-40 Company.
PN 110890 February 2007 Edition 1.0
ii

TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS

Troxler Corporate Headquarters
3008 Cornwallis Road
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: +1.919.549.0761
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
E-mail: TroxTechSupport@troxlerlabs.com
Midwestern Branch Office
1430 Brook Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515 Fax: 630.261.9341
Western Regional Branch Office
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7 Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Fax: 916.631.0541
Southwestern Branch Office
2016 East Randol Mill Road Suite 406 Arlington, TX 76011 Fax: 817.275.8562
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service center near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road Orlando, FL 32807 Fax: 407.681.3188
Troxler European Subsidiary
Troxler Electronics GmbH Gilchinger Strasse 33 D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany Phone: ++49.8141.71063 Fax: ++49.8141.80731 E-mail: troxler@t-online.de
NOTE
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of a Troxler Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauge. Troxler continues the
proven technology of its 3400 Series surface moisture-density gauges with the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus.
The Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus Manual of Operation and Instruction contains information on safely using this gauge. Also included in this manual are safety warnings, gauge setup, troubleshooting, and general maintenance.
NOTE
Before operating the gauge, read this manual carefully. If you do not completely understand the sections that cover radiation safety, contact your company radiation safety officer (RSO) or the nearest Troxler representative.
iv
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
WARNING
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed correctly, may cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed correctly, may cause equipment damage.
NOTE
Indicates important information that must be read to ensure proper operation.
KEY Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a
key or character (number or letter) to press on the gauge keypad. For example, “Press START” means to press the key labeled START.
DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate
information or messages displayed on the gauge.
DISPLAY - Typestyle and shading used to simulate the gauge display
Diamonds indicate a list of things needed (such as
equipment) or things to know.
Check marks indicate the performance of an action.
With lists of check marks, follow the instructions in the order of the check marks.
Triangles indicate that more than one option is
available. Carefully select the option that applies.
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus v
NOTES
vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................1–5
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7
CHAPTER 2. THEORY OF OPERATION
Density..........................................................................................2–2
Moisture........................................................................................ 2–3
Calibration .................................................................................... 2–5
CHAPTER 3. GETTING STARTED
Gauge Illustration ......................................................................... 3–2
Control Panel................................................................................ 3–3
Source Rod Positions.................................................................... 3–5
Daily Inspection............................................................................ 3–6
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 3–7
Setup............................................................................................. 3–9
CHAPTER 4. USING THE GAUGE
Taking a Standard Count .............................................................. 4–2
Preparing a Test Site..................................................................... 4–7
Taking Measurements................................................................. 4–10
Recall.......................................................................................... 4–17
CHAPTER 5. SETUP MENU
Setup Menu................................................................................... 5–3
Count Time................................................................................... 5–4
Set Units........................................................................................ 5–4
Depth Mode.................................................................................. 5–4
Stat Test........................................................................................ 5–5
Drift Test....................................................................................... 5–7
Nomograph................................................................................. 5–10
Precision ..................................................................................... 5–15
Options........................................................................................ 5–17
Battery Status.............................................................................. 5–18
Percent Air Voids (Soil Mode)................................................... 5–19
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
CHAPTER 6. TARGET MENU
Target Menu..................................................................................6–2
Target Values ................................................................................ 6–3
CHAPTER 7. CALIBRATION OFFSETS
Offset Menu...................................................................................7–2
Density Offset................................................................................ 7–3
Moisture Offset..............................................................................7–4
Trench Offset.................................................................................7–8
CHAPTER 8. PROJECT DATA
Project Menu .................................................................................8–2
Select.............................................................................................8–3
View ..............................................................................................8–4
Create a Project ............................................................................. 8–5
Erase Projects................................................................................8–6
Output Project................................................................................8–7
Set Output Destination ................................................................8–10
Deactivate....................................................................................8–11
Auto-Store................................................................................... 8–12
Manual Store ...............................................................................8–14
CHAPTER 9. EXTENDED MENU
Extended Menu..............................................................................9–2
Clock/Calendar..............................................................................9–3
User ID..........................................................................................9–3
Customer Name.............................................................................9–3
Language....................................................................................... 9–4
Source Decay.................................................................................9–5
Erase Standard Counts...................................................................9–6
Low Battery Warning....................................................................9–7
Software Reset...............................................................................9–8
Test Menu......................................................................................9–9
APPENDIX A. RADIATION THEORY AND SAFETY
Radiation Theory..........................................................................A–2
Radiation Safety...........................................................................A–5
Regulatory Requirements...........................................................A–14
Gauge Use Precautions...............................................................A–17
Radiation Profile.........................................................................A–18
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
APPENDIX B. TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING
U.S. Shipping Requirements.........................................................B–2
Canadian Shipping Requirements.................................................B–4
APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE
Troubleshooting............................................................................C–2
Display Contrast ...........................................................................C–9
Batteries......................................................................................C–10
Mechanical Maintenance............................................................C–15
Replacement Parts ......................................................................C–18
Returning the Gauge for Service ................................................C–30
APPENDIX D. STANDARD COUNT LOG APPENDIX E. UNIT CONVERSION
Measurement Units.......................................................................E–2
Radiological Units ........................................................................E–2
APPENDIX F. GAUGE SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement Specifications......................................................... F–2
Radiological Specifications .......................................................... F–4
Electrical Specifications ...............................................................F–5
Mechanical Specifications............................................................F–7
APPENDIX G. SPECIAL EUROPEAN CONSIDERATIONS
Declaration of Conformity........................................................... G–2
Safety Warnings........................................................................... G–3
APPENDIX H. PRINTING (UPLOADING) PROJECT DATA
Windows Hyperterminal.............................................................. H–2
Viewing Project Data................................................................... H–5
APPENDIX I. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
GPS Accuracy................................................................................I–2
INDEX
WARRANTY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus ix

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure
1–1 Gauge Parts and Accessories.....................................1–5
2–1 Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement...........2–4
3–1 Gauge Illustration ......................................................3–2
3–2 Control Panel .............................................................3–3
3–3 Source Rod Positions.................................................3–5
4–1 Standard Count Position ............................................4–3
4–2 Drill Rod Assembly...................................................4–8
4–3 Marking the Test Area...............................................4–8
8–1 Spreadsheet Column Definitions...............................8–9
A–1 Diagram of an Atom.................................................A–2
A–2 Effect of Distance on Exposure ................................A–7
A–3 Cleaning the Tungsten Sliding Block.....................A–12
A–4 Gauge and Transport Case......................................A–18
C–1 Adjusting the Display Contrast.................................C–9
C–2 NiMH Battery Pack and AA Batteries....................C–11
C–3 Final Assembly, Part Numbers 110795_XXXX
(3430 Plus) and 110800_XXXX (3440 Plus).........C–19
C–4 Base Assembly, Part Number 110015_XXXX.......C–21
C–5 Scaler Assembly, Part Numbers 110791
(3430 Plus) and 110876 (3440 Plus).......................C–23
C–6 Baseboard Assembly, Part Numbers 110790
(3430 Plus) and 110877 (3440 Plus).......................C–26
Title Page
x

LIST OF TABLES

Table
Title Page
3–1 Keypad Functions......................................................3–4
A–1 Radiation Profile for Gauge ................................... A–19
C–1 Error Messages..........................................................C–6
C–2 Typical Battery Operating Life ...............................C–11
I–1 GPS Position Accuracy..............................................I–4
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus xi
NOTES
xii
ATTENTION
MODEL 3430 PLUS OR 3440 PLUS
GAUGE OWNER
This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE. This code must be entered before these functions may be used. For more information on using the access code, refer to Chapter 9.
The ACCESS CODE for this gauge is:
4708
This page should be removed if the access code is not to be distributed to other parties or users of this gauge.
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus xiii
NOTES
xiv
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauges, and includes a list of the gauge parts and accessories, as well as instructions for unpacking and inspecting the gauge.
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–5
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7
1. INTRODUCTION
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–1

INTRODUCTION

Since 1958, Troxler has been the worldwide leader in precision quality control and measurement equipment for the highway and construction industry. Troxler’s Model 3430 and 3440 Surface Moisture-Density Gauges have become the industry standard for measuring the moisture content and density of construction materials. With the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, Troxler has added a number of new features to the proven technology of the company’s earlier products to provide increased performance, flexibility, ease of use, and operator safety.
Using the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, the operator can quickly and precisely measure the moisture content and density of construction materials. Both gauges feature:
Two measurement modes (Soil and Asphalt) for precise
compaction control readings in most construction materials: Soil Mode: For moisture/density determinations in soil and soil-
stone materials in layers of 4 inches or greater.
Asphalt Mode: For density determinations in asphalt or
hardened concrete layers of 4 inches or greater.
A Nomograph function for density determinations in asphalt
layers of less than 4 inches.
Calibration offsets (density, moisture, and trench) to expand
measurement possibilities, and to enhance gauge readings on materials that may fall outside the range of factory calibration.
Over 30 functions to facilitate all phases of testing compaction
on construction materials.
A backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) to help the operator read
the display during night construction.
Easy-to-use keypad and user-friendly menus to reduce training
time to increase productivity.
An internally mounted beeper, which emits a short tone in
response to a valid keystroke on the keypad. The beeper sounds a longer tone if the operator presses an invalid key, if the gauge displays an error message, or to signal the conclusion of a measurement.
1–2
A serial port used to connect the gauge to an RS-232 device,
such as a computer or printer.
In addition to the items listed above, the Model 3440 Plus gauge includes the following features:
A backlit keypad for greater ease of use in low-light conditions. A remote keypad, including a STARTand ESC key, at the
top of its source rod housing. The remote keypad reduces the amount of bending and stooping the operator must do while operating the gauge.
A USB port, which can be used to output data to a USB printer
or flash drive. A list of compatible USB devices is available at: www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/otherlit.shtml
.
In addition to its internal beeper, a louder, external beeper is
included on the Model 3440 Plus. The external beeper performs the same functions as the internal one, and can be enabled or disabled as desired by the operator.
The Model 3440 Plus can also be equipped with an optional global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The GPS receiver enables the gauge to store precise GPS coordinates, along with the standard date and time stamp, for each measurement. For more information on the GPS option, refer to Appendix I.
The Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges meet or exceed all applicable American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards (or corresponding equivalent), including:
ASTM D-2950: Standard Test Method for Density of
Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Method.
ASTM D-6938-06: Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density
and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
NOTE
As of November 2006, ASTM D-6938-06 replaces ASTM D-2922: Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth) and ASTM D-3017: Standard Test Method for Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth).
1. INTRODUCTION
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–3
Any licensing issues discussed in this manual are for the United States. To purchase a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus in Canada, owners must obtain a radioisotope license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The owner should obtain copies of the CNSC Regulations and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations (TDG). For other countries, please consult your local regulatory agency.
Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual before allowing anyone to use the gauge. A potential hazard does exist if improperly used. Appendices A and B, which cover radiological safety and transportation requirements, should be required reading for all users and potential users. If these appendices are not
completely understood, users should seek assistance from Troxler, an appointed Troxler representative, or others designated within the user's organization.
Additional radiation safety information is available by attending a Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Course. For pricing and availability of these courses, visit the Troxler website at www.troxlerlabs.com/TRAINING/training.shtml Troxler representative.
Before operating the gauge, users in European countries must refer to Appendix G for special considerations, additional safety warnings, and the Declaration of Conformity.
Since changes are made to local, state, and federal regulations on a continuing basis, the owner/operator must maintain awareness of current requirements. The responsibility for compliance ultimately falls on the owner. An owner in the United States may also wish to purchase and subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in addition to applicable local/state regulations.
or contact your
1–4

GAUGE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

1. INTRODUCTION
Figure 1–1. Gauge Parts and Accessories
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–5
1. The Gauge is the portable instrument containing all electronic
modules, the rechargeable battery pack, detectors, and the radioactive sources.
2. The Reference Standard Block provides a measurement
standard for standard counts. It is also used during stability and drift tests.
3. The Drill Rod is used to drill holes for direct transmission measurements. Do not use the source rod of the gauge to drill holes.
4. The Scraper Plate/Drill Rod Guide is used to prepare the test site and to guide the drill rod when preparing the source rod hole for direct transmission measurements.
5. The Extraction Tool provides leverage to remove the drill rod from soil materials.
6. The AC Charger and DC Adapter are used to charge the gauge batteries. The ac charger accepts 90 – 220 V ac, 50/60 Hz and supplies 12 V dc. The dc adapter allows recharging from an automobile cigarette lighter.
7. The Transport Case provided with the gauge has been approved as a Type A package. Always use this transport case when transporting or shipping the gauge.
8. The Manual details how to use the gauge. Both the manual and the Transportation Guide discuss radiation safety and gauge shipping concerns.
9. A Printer (optional, not shown) connects to the gauge for printing data.
10. A Printer Cable (optional, not shown) is used to connect the gauge to a serial printer or computer.
1–6

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Troxler recommends that the operator wear a dosimeter while working with the gauge. Upon receipt of the gauge from the factory, perform a complete inspection and inventory. If the shipping case and/or any other part or accessory appears damaged, notify the carrier and your Troxler Representative immediately.
For shipping to another location or back to the factory, save the box and any packing material. For shipping instructions and regulations, please see Appendix B.
Check the shipping case for the following:
Gauge Reference Standard Block Drill Rod Scraper Plate/Drill Rod Guide Extraction Tool AC Charger DC Adapter (for a vehicle cigarette lighter) Manual of Operation and Instruction Gauge Warranty Source Certificate Transportation Guide (This guide refers to U.S. standards. All
other countries please refer to local regulations. In the absence of local regulations, please use this guide as a reference only)
1. INTRODUCTION
WARNING
The source rod should always be in the SAFE position when the gauge is not in use.
NOTE
Charge the batteries for four hours prior to initial use.
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 1–7
Lift the gauge from the transport case and inspect the outside surface for damage. Check the lock on the source rod handle and make sure the keys fit. Remove the lock, release the trigger, and check the source rod operation. It should move up and down with little effort. Return the gauge to the transport case.
1–8
CHAPTER 2
THEORY OF OPERATION
This chapter provides a brief description of the theory of operation of the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture­Density Gauges. The direct transmission and backscatter modes of operation are illustrated, along with an explanation of the cesium-137 source, americium-241:beryllium source, and detector geometry.
CONTENTS
Density.......................................................................................... 2–2
Moisture........................................................................................ 2–3
Calibration .................................................................................... 2–5
Offsets .................................................................................... 2–5
2. OPERATION THEORY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 2–1

DENSITY

The Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture­Density Gauges use two modes of operation: direct transmission mode (with the source rod extended into the material to be measured) and backscatter mode (with the source rod in the backscatter position, just above the surface of the material). Source rod positions are described in Chapter 3.
WARNING
The source rod should always be in the SAFE position when the gauge is not in use.
In the direct transmission position, the source rod extends through the base of the gauge into a pre-drilled hole to a desired depth. Photons from the cesium-137 (Cs-137) source in the source rod pass through the test material. While passing through the test material, the photons collide with electrons and lose energy. A high material density increases the probability of these photon collisions. This decreases the number of photons that reach the Geiger-Mueller (G-M) detectors in the base of the gauge. Thus, the number of photons reaching the detectors is inversely related to the density of the material: the higher the density of the material, the fewer the photons that reach the detectors. Using the gauge calibration, the gauge software converts the G-M detector counts to a density value.
In the backscatter position, the source rod is lowered to the first notch below the SAFE (shielded) position. This places the source and the detectors in the same plane, with the source just above the surface of the material. Shielding between the source and detectors greatly reduces the number of photons reaching the detectors in a direct path from the source. Thus, the photons from the Cs-137 source must travel into the test material and scatter (or reflect) at least once to reach the G-M detectors. The detectors in the gauge base count these scattered photons.
2–2

MOISTURE

The gauge uses the principle of neutron thermalization to monitor the moisture content of a material. The gauge includes an americium-241:beryllium (Am-241:Be) source that is fixed in the gauge’s base. Fast neutrons emitted by the Am-241:Be source pass into the test material. Multiple collisions between the fast neutrons and a similarly sized mass (such as the nuclei of hydrogen atoms) cause the neutrons to slow to the point where further collisions with hydrogen or other materials will not continue to reduce the neutron energy further. These neutrons are said to have been thermalized.
The gauge contains a helium-3 detector that is sensitive only to thermalized, or “slow,” neutrons. As a result, the moisture counts relate directly to the amount of hydrogen in the material. Using the gauge calibration, the gauge software converts the helium-3 detector counts to a moisture content. (Note that the helium-3 detector is in the same plane as the Am-241:Be source. Therefore, moisture measurement is similar to a density measurement taken in backscatter mode, as described earlier in this chapter.)
The depth of measurement is defined in terms of a maximum depth beneath the surface of the material being measured. Of the neutrons counted by the gauge, 98 percent will penetrate no deeper than the depth of measurement. The depth of measurement is a function of moisture content. The following equations can be used to determine the approximate depth of measurement.
Depth (inches) = 11 – (0.17
Depth (mm) = 280 – (0.27
The normalized curve set shown in Figure 2–1 illustrates the effects of moisture content on the depth of measurement.
×
M), where: M = moisture in pcf
or
×
M), where: M = moisture in kg/m3
2. OPERATION THEORY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 2–3
40
Depth = 11 - (0.17 X M)
35
30
25
E
32.3 pcf
S
20.8 pcf
3
336 kg/m
5.95 pcf
12
3
96 kg/m
Gauge Measured Moisture Content (pcf)
3
20
15
10
5
0
0
)
640
560
480
400
320
240
160
80
Gauge Measured Moisture Content (kg/m
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
24
6810
Depth (in)
Depth = 280 - (0.27 X M)
521 kg/m
Depth (mm)
The dotted lines indicate the maximum depth of gauge measurement at a given soil moisture content.
Figure 2–1. Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement
3
2–4

CALIBRATION

Troxler calibrates the gauge at the factory and recommends that it always be calibrated by an authorized Troxler service center. For a list of Troxler and authorized Troxler service centers, refer to page iii of this manual or visit the Troxler website at www.troxlerlabs.com/SERVICES/services.shtml
The operating range of the gauge is from 1100 to 2700 kg/m (approximately 70 to 170 pcf).

OFFSETS

The factory calibration provides accurate results for the majority of materials encountered in construction. If the gauge is to be used to test materials not covered by the factory calibration, the readings can be adjusted using an offset.
Perform a density offset if the test material is outside the density range for average soil or if the material composition varies from average soil/asphalt. Perform a moisture offset if the test material contains hydrogenous materials (other than water) or materials that absorb neutrons. Materials such as cement, gypsum, coal, mica, and lime all contain chemically bound hydrogen that will cause the gauge to display a moisture content that is higher than actual. Material such as boron and cadmium are neutron absorbers and will cause the gauge to display a moisture count that is lower than actual.
Vertical structures scatter neutrons and gamma photons back to the gauge. This could result in inaccurate moisture and density readings. To take readings in a trench or within 0.6 m (2 ft) of a large vertical structure, perform a trench offset.
.
3
2. OPERATION THEORY
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 2–5
NOTES
2–6
CHAPTER 3
GETTING STARTED
This chapter provides details on getting started with the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauges. It describes the gauge keypad, and provides instructions for conducting daily gauge inspections, turning the gauge on, and setting up the gauge.
CONTENTS
Gauge Illustration ......................................................................... 3–2
Control Panel................................................................................ 3–3
Source Rod Positions.................................................................... 3–5
Daily Inspection............................................................................ 3–6
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 3–7
Setup............................................................................................. 3–9
Setup Menu ............................................................................ 3–9
Extended Menu .................................................................... 3–11
Measurement Mode.............................................................. 3–15
Project Function ................................................................... 3–16
Display Backlight................................................................. 3–16
3. GETTING STARTED
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus 3–1

GAUGE ILLUSTRATION

Figure 3–1 illustrates various components of the gauge referred to throughout this chapter and the remainder of the manual.
3–2
Figure 3–1. Gauge Illustration
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