TROXLER 3660 User Manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction

Model 3660

CoreReader

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

P.O. Box 12057  3008 Cornwallis Road

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Phone: [phone]  Fax [phone]

www.troxlerlabs.com

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

The Model 3660 CoreReader is protected by

U.S. Patent US 6,492,641 B1.

Copyright  2003

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.

CoreReader is a trademark of Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

PN 109707
November 2003
Edition 1.0

ii

TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS

Troxler Corporate Headquarters

3008 Cornwallis Road
P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com

Maryland Service Center

9574 Deereco Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Midwestern Branch Office

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

Western Regional Branch Office

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

Southwestern Branch Office

2000 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 611
Arlington, TX 76011
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Florida Service Center

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

Colorado Service Center

702 West 48th Avenue, Unit G
Denver, CO 80216
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Canadian Branch Office

7125 Pacific Circle, Unit 13
Mississauga, Ontario L5T-2A5
Canada
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Troxler European Subsidiary

Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33
D-82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Tel ++49-8141-71063
Fax ++49-8141-80731
E-mail: [e-mail]

Model 3660 CoreReader iii

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Congratulations on the purchase of the Model 3660 CoreReader.

The Model 3660 Manual of Operation and Instruction contains
instructions for the safe operation of this unit. Also included in this
manual are safety warnings as well as information concerning
parameter setup, calibration, system troubleshooting, and general
maintenance.

Do not attempt to operate the CoreReader before reading this
manual and the safety warnings posted on the unit. Troxler stresses
that the user is solely responsible for ensuring the safe use of the
CoreReader. Neither the manufacturer, its subsidiary,
representatives, or distributors can 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.

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
CoreReader keypad. For example, “Press

START” means to press the key labeled START.

DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indica te

information or messages displayed by the
CoreReader.

DISPLAY - Typestyle
and shading used to
simulate CoreReader
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 3660 CoreReader v

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Application of Council EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, 93/42/EEC,
and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC – as amended by
93/68/EEC.

Standards to which Conformity is Declared:
EN 61010–1+A2

EN 61326–1:1998

Manufacturer: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
P.O. Box 12057
3008 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27709
U.S.A.

Apparatus: Model 3660 CoreReader

Year of Manufacture: 2003

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE COREREADER

Introduction...................................................................................1–2

Unpacking and Inspecting............................................................ 1–4

CHAPTER 2. PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION

Radiological Information.............................................................. 2–2

Other Considerations....................................................................2–3

Disposal........................................................................................ 2–4

Transportation............................................................................... 2–5

Cautions and Warnings................................................................. 2–7

Safety Warnings............................................................................2–8

CHAPTER 3. SETUP AND OPERATION

Keypad.......................................................................................... 3–2

Site Selection................................................................................3–4

Installation....................................................................................3–5

Turning the CoreReader On..........................................................3–6

First Time Setup ........................................................................... 3–7

Taking a Measurement..................................................................3–8

CHAPTER 4. SETUP MENU

Setup Menu................................................................................... 4–3

Gauge Status................................................................................. 4–4

Sample Type................................................................................. 4–5

Standard........................................................................................ 4–6

Clock/Calendar............................................................................. 4–9

Projects ....................................................................................... 4–12

Calibration..................................................................................4–24

Confirmation............................................................................... 4–24

PC Output ................................................................................... 4–25

Beeper......................................................................................... 4–26

Model 3660 CoreReader vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

CHAPTER 5. CALIBRATION AND CONFIRMATION

Calibration.....................................................................................5–2

Confirmation .................................................................................5–9

APPENDIX A. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE

Troubleshooting............................................................................A–2

General Maintenance....................................................................A–3

Replacing Parts.............................................................................A–4

Replacement Parts........................................................................A–6

Returning Parts for Service ..........................................................A–7

Troxler Service Centers................................................................A–8

APPENDIX B. SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications.........................................................B–2

Environmental Conditions............................................................B–3

Electrical Specifications...............................................................B–4

Mechanical Specifications............................................................B–5

APPENDIX C. LOG FORMS

Standard Count Logs....................................................................C–2

Calibration Constants Logs..........................................................C–8

INDEX

WARRANTY

viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1–1 Model 3660 CoreReader...........................................1–3

3–1 CoreReader Keypad and Display..............................3–2

3–2 Measuring Height of a Core Sample......................... 3–9

5–1 Calibration Standard Cylinders................................. 5–3

LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

3–1 Keypad Functions......................................................3–3

5–1 Cylinder Configurations, 150-mm Lab

Calibration.................................................................5–5

5–2 Cylinder Configurations, 150-mm Field

Calibration.................................................................5–6

5–3 Cylinder Configurations, 100-mm Calibration.........5–7

5–4 Cylinder Configurations, 150-mm Lab

Confirmation...........................................................5–10

5–5 Confirmation Acceptance Limits............................5–12

5–6 Cylinder Configurations, 150-mm Field

Confirmation...........................................................5–12

5–7 Cylinder Configurations, 100-mm Confirmation.... 5–15

A–1 Error Codes .............................................................. A–2

B–1 CoreReader Precision and Count Times...................B–2

Model 3660 CoreReader ix

NOTES

x

ATTENTION COREREADER OWNER

This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE.
This code must be entered before these functions may be used.

The ACCESS CODE for the CoreReader is:

4819

This page should be removed if the access code is not to be
distributed to other parties or users of this equipment.

Model 3660 CoreReader xi

NOTES

xii

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE COREREADER

This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 3660
CoreReader. The CoreReader measures the bulk specific gravity

) and density of a cylindrical hot-mix asphalt specimen. The

(G

mb

CoreReader can accommodate specimens prepared using a gyratory
compactor (such as Troxler’s Model 4140 or 4141 Gyratory
Compactor), Marshall samples, or specimens taken from a
pavement core. The CoreReader is designed as a bench-top
laboratory test instrument.

CONTENTS

Introduction...................................................................................1–2

Unpacking and Inspecting............................................................1–4

1. INTRODUCTION

Model 3660 CoreReader 1–1

INTRODUCTION

The Model 3660 CoreReader (see Figure 1–1) measures the bulk
specific gravity of laboratory-compacted or field core specimens
without a water bath, paraffin, para-film, or any other sealer. The
CoreReader uses a nondestructive gamma ray transmission method
of measuring the specific gravity and density of a hot-mix asphalt
specimen. This method is based on the scattering and absorption
properties of gamma rays with matter. This gamma-ray method does
not require any special sample preparation such as wrapping the
sample with para-film, nor does it require a precision weighing scale
and temperature-regulated water bath.

The CoreReader is equipped with a sample tray (see Figure 1–1)
that can accommodate both 100-mm (4-inch) and 150-mm (6-inch)
diameter cylindrical samples. The asphalt sample is placed on the
sample tray, and is slid into the sample chamber between a gamma­ray source and a gamma-ray detector. The number of gamma rays
that penetrate the sample and reach the detector is inversely
proportional to the density of the material. The CoreReader converts
the gamma-ray count to the bulk specific gravity of the sample.

To use the CoreReader, the operator first measures the height of the
sample using a vernier caliper then places the sample into the unit.
At the beginning of a measurement, the operator enters the height
value into the unit via the front panel keypad (see Figure 1–1). The
CoreReader measures the density of the sample and presents the
results on the front panel display.

Although the CoreReader is calibrated at the factory, it must be
calibrated at the user site before use. For on-site confirmation and
calibration, eight standard cylinders of known bulk specific
gravities, diameters, and heights are provided.

1–2

DISPLAY

KEYPAD

SAMPLE TRAY

(IN LOAD

POSITION)

1. INTRODUCTION

POWER
SWITCH

Figure 1–1. Model 3660 CoreReader

Model 3660 CoreReader 1–3

UNPACKING AND INSPECTING

NOTE

To ensure the safe return of the CoreReader to Troxler
for repair or maintenance, please keep the original
shipping boxes and all packing materials.

Upon receiving the CoreReader from the factory:

1. 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.

NOTE

The carton containing the CoreReader should remain
closed for 24 hours after the unit is received to allow the
internal temperature to reach equilibrium.

NOTE

The calibration cylinders are packed in a separate
carton.

2. Open the outer carton. Open the inner carton and carefully
remove the CoreReader assembly. Save all packing material for
reuse if the CoreReader needs to be returned for service or
repair.

3. Check the shipping case for the following items:

 CoreReader assem bly
 Eight calibration cylinders, labeled 150-1 through 150-4 and

100-1 through 100-4, packed in a carrying case

 AC adapter, 12 V dc, CE international (PN 108354)
 Serial cable, 8 ft (PN 106514)
 Model 3660 CoreReader Manual of Operation and

Instruction (PN 109707)

4. Inspect the outside surfaces of the CoreReader and accessories
for damage.

1–4

CHAPTER 2

PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION

This chapter provides basic product safety information concerning
the Model 3660 CoreReader, as well as cautions and warnings
related to the safe use of the unit.

CONTENTS

Radiological Information.............................................................. 2–2

Other Considerations....................................................................2–3

Disposal........................................................................................ 2–4

Transportation............................................................................... 2–5

Markings ................................................................................ 2–5

Air Eligibility (Effective January 1, 2004)............................. 2–5

Waybill................................................................................... 2–6

Packaging............................................................................... 2–6

Cautions and Warnings................................................................. 2–7

Safety Warnings............................................................................2–8

2. PRODUCT SAFETY

Model 3660 CoreReader 2–1

RADIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

The CoreReader contains 2.96 MBq (80 µCi) of cesium-137
(Cs-137) in the form of sealed sources. The sources are located in a
source holder below the sample chamber, which provides protection
against release of radioactivity under normal use and likely accident
conditions, including fire. The sources are inaccessible to device
operators.

WARNING

Do not attempt to disassemble or remove the radioactive
sources from this device.

The radiation levels near the CoreReader are very low. Therefore,
no special radiological precautions are necessary for operation of
the device:

 Operators do not require radiation training or experience.
 Personnel radiation monitoring is not required.
 Sealed source leak testing is not required.
 Radiation area posting is not required.

The maximum radiation levels in or near the CoreReader are shown
in the table below:

Location

External surface 0.2 2
Distance of 30 cm 0.05 0.5
Inside sample chamber 1.5 15

Dose Rate

mrem/h µSv/h

The receipt, possession, use, and transfer of the CoreReader are
exempt from licensing by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) or Agreement States.

2–2 Model 3660 CoreReader 2–3

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The CoreReader uses low-level gamma-ray sources and a highly
efficient gamma-ray detector. However, the operator must ensure
that there are no other nuclear sources in the vicinity of this
equipment. An excess of background radiation from a nearby source
may affect the accuracy of the bulk specific gravity reading. The
presence of another source may cause:

 The standard count to be higher than usual. For more

information on the standard count, see page 4–6.

 The bulk specific gravity reading for a known sample to be

lower than expected.

2. PRODUCT SAFETY

DISPOSAL

The CoreReader contains several small radioactive sources. It is
recommended that users return the device to Troxler at the end of its
useful life for removal and disposal of the radioactive sources in the
most environmentally responsible manner. Please contact Troxler
for further information.

2–4 Model 3660 CoreReader 2–5

TRANSPORTATION

Since the CoreReader contains a small quantity of radioactive
material in the form of sealed sources, it must be prepared for
shipment in accordance with applicable rules and regulations
governing hazardous materials. These include:

 IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations
 U.S. DOT’s Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100

to 185)

 Canada’s Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances

Regulations and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TGD)
Regulations

Because of amount of radioactivity and radiation levels are very
low, the CoreReader meets the criteria for transport as an excepted
package under all of the above regulations. Excepted packages must
meet the following requirements:

MARKINGS

The package must be marked as follows:

 Proper shipping name – Radioactive material, excepted

package, instruments

2. PRODUCT SAFETY

 UN ID number – UN 2911
 Full name and address of shipper and consignee
 Permissible gross weight of package if this exceeds 50 kg.

AIR ELIGIBILITY (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2004)

If offered for air transport, the package must have the air eligibility
marking (IATA 10.7.1.6) placed next to the proper shipping name
and UN ID.

WAYBILL

The waybill must state “Radioactive material, excepted package,
instruments, UN 2911” in the Nature and Quantity of Goods box. A
Dangerous Goods Declaration is not required for air transport.

PACKAGING

No special design, testing, or certification of the package is
required. The package must meet general packaging requirements
and must be capable of withstanding the conditions likely to be
encountered during routine transport without any deterioration in
the integrity of the package as a whole.

2–6

CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

Upper Rear of Unit (Identification of Interconnect)

 Connector for 12 V dc input from the ac adapter.

Upper Side of Unit (Identification of Interconnect)

 9-pin serial interface, used to download test data to a

computer or serial printer.

Inside the Unit (Battery Holder)

 Carefully note the polarity of the two AA batteries

when installing them in the battery holder. A battery
may explode or leak if installed improperly.

 Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. A battery may

explode if exposed to excessive heat.

2. PRODUCT SAFETY UCT SAFETY

Model 3660 CoreReader 2–7

SAFETY WARNINGS

The CoreReader is a safe, durable unit. Troxler cannot anticipate
every example of improper or unauthorized use of this unit that may
lead to malfunction or accident. If a particular use is not specifically
mentioned in this manual as authorized, then assume that the use is
unauthorized and improper.

Always follow the safety warnings in this manual and the safety
procedures of your laboratory/company. Troxler recommends the
following safety precautions.

 The CoreReader is designed as a bench-top laboratory test

instrument. Place the unit on a level, sturdy surface.

 The ambient temperature should be between 10 and 50 C (50

and 122 F), and the relative humidity should be less than 92%.

 Locate the CoreReader no more than 2.4 m (8 ft) feet from the

required 120 V ac outlet. Ensure that the distance does not place
stress on the ac adapter cables.

 Only personnel who are familiar with the proper operation of

the CoreReader should operate the device.

 Only qualified personnel (Troxler service representatives)

should perform service and maintenance on the CoreReader
when disassembly is required.

 Always unplug the CoreReader before performing service or

maintenance.

 Do not attempt to disassemble or remove the radioactive sources

from this device.

2–8 Model 3660 CoreReader 3–1

CHAPTER 3

SETUP AND OPERATION

This chapter describes how to set up and operate the Troxle r Model
3660 CoreReader.

CONTENTS

Keypad.......................................................................................... 3–2

Site Selection................................................................................ 3–4

Installation .................................................................................... 3–5

Turning the CoreReader On.......................................................... 3–6

First Time Setup ........................................................................... 3–7

Taking a Measurement..................................................................3–8

3. SETUP & OPERATION

KEYPAD

Figure 3–1 shows the layout of the CoreReader keypad and display.
Table 3–1 lists the functions for each key.

-CoreReader-

VX.XX SN: XX
Press <ENTER>

YES

NO/CE

7

4

1

0

Figure 3–1. CoreReader Keypad and Display

3–2

89

5

2
.

6

3

ENTER

SETUP

ESC

START

Table 3–1. Keypad Functions

KEY FUNCTION

SETUP

ESC

START

YES

NO/CE

, 

0 .. 9

.
ENTER

Press to access the CoreReader’s Setup
menu.

Returns the CoreReader to the Ready
screen without storing or updating data.
When using the Setup menu or any of its
submenus, pressing this key returns to the
next higher-level menu.

Press to begin density measurements of
an asphalt specimen.

Press to respond Yes to Yes/No
questions.

Press to respond No to Yes/No questions.
Also clears an incorrect entry and allows
for re-entry.

Press to scroll through menu options or to
view screens.

Press to enter numeric values, or to
access menu options.

Press to enter decimal point.
Press after entering data.

3. SETUP & OPERATION

Model 3660 CoreReader 3–3

SITE SELECTION

After unpacking and inspecting the CoreReader as described on
page 1–4, select a suitable site for installation. Apply the following
criteria when selecting a site:

 Ensure that there are no other nuclear sources in the vicinity of

this equipment. An excess background radiation from a nearby
source may affect the accuracy of the bulk specific gravity
reading. The presence of another source may cause the standard
count (see page 4–6) to be higher than usual or the bulk specific
gravity reading for a known sample to be lower than expected.

 The CoreReader has no special ventilation or power

requirements.

 Place the CoreReader on a level, sturdy work surface within

2.4 m (8 ft) feet of the required 120 V ac outlet. Ensure that the
distance does not place stress on the ac adapter cables.

 The CoreReader must be placed at least 30 cm (1 ft) from any

wall or other vertical surface.

 Do not place other objects, such as asphalt “pucks” or standard

calibration cylinders, within 30 cm (1 ft) of the CoreReader.

3–4

INSTALLATION

The CoreReader requires no operator assembly. To begin using the
CoreReader, follow the steps below :

 Following the site selection guidelines on the previous page set

the CoreReader in place.

 Connect the ac adapter to the CoreReader, and then plug the

adapter into a 120 V ac outlet.

NOTE

Troxler recommends using a surge protector or
uninterruptible power supply on the ac power supplied
to the CoreReader.

Model 3660 CoreReader 3–5

3. SETUP & OPERATION

TURNING THE COREREADER ON

To begin using the Model 3660 CoreReader, turn the front panel
power switch on. The CoreReader displays the following startup
screen, which shows the software version (V) and serial number
(SN) of the unit:

-CoreReader-

VX.XX SN: XX
Press <ENTER>

To continue, press ENTER. The CoreReader performs a self-test
and warmup, then displays the following Ready screen:

-Ready­mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm PM
Proj: (none)
Press <START>

The Ready screen shows t he curren t date (mm/dd/yyyy) and time
(hh:mm) stored in the unit, as well as the name of the current project
(Prj.).

NOTE

To ensure the stable operation of the CoreReader,
Troxler recommends that the power switch be left on,
even when the unit is not in use.

3–6