SECTION 1

1.1 Test Types

ProCalV5 allows for the addition of different “Test Types” to the database that may be applied to any item master record whose required calibration does not fit perfectly into the typical ProCalV5 template.  Test Types may be used to provide specific testing in addition to or instead of a standard calibration with target set points and As Found/As Left readings.  Examples of some calibration Test Types that ProCalV5 normally could not accommodate efficiently are Extreme Values, Linearity and Standard Deviation tests.

 

1.2 Set Up Test Type Packages Screen

The Set-Up Test Type Packages screen (shown in Figure 1) is used to add, modify and if necessary delete Test Type packages from the database.  This screen is invoked by selecting the “Set Up Test Type Packages…” option on the File menu when the System Options and Defaults screen is open.


                                                                                                                                                                Figure 1

1.3 Adding New Test Types

To add a new Test Type to your database you must first copy the required library files “RadiationSource.bpl” and “RadiationTest.bpl” into the folder labeled “bin” under the ProCalV5 directory (typically “C:\Program Files\Prime Technologies\ProCal V5\bin”) in Windows Explorer.  The “RadiationSource.bpl” and “RadiationTest.bpl” files contain all the information necessary for the Test Type’s automatic and proper setup in ProCalV5.  Once the files have been copied into the correct folder you may launch the Set Up Test Type Packages screen.  Once the screen is open you may click the Add New Record button or select “New Record” from the screen’s File menu.  This will invoke a browser screen titled Choose New Package File that automatically directs you to the “bin” folder in which all the “.bpl” files reside. Select the required files ““RadiationSource.bpl” and “RadiationTest.bpl” and click the Open button or double-click the file name.

Once the correct files have been selected you will be returned to the new Test Type record which will already be set up for you.   In this instance you can save the record, making it available for application to all types of item master records in the system (i.e. Instruments, Loops, Systems, Test Instruments, in addition to any PM records that may require a calibration).  Once a Test Type has been saved to the database, as long as it is marked as “Active”, it will be available for selection on the Test Type field’s drop-down list on the Calibration Points tab in all screens where that tab exists.  

Although you will have no ability to change the Test Type’s calibration requirements, you do have the ability to make some customizations to it in terms of field label changes and also giving users the ability to edit target set points and such when entering calibrations using that Test Type.  Please reference the ProCalV5 User Manual, Section 8.

 

1.4 Distributing Test Types

Test Types only need to be installed in the System Option and Defaults screen once, but for all Client, Administrator, or Mobile Workstations, the “RadiationSource.bpl” and “RadiationTest.bpl” files must be present in the “bin” directory one level down from the ProCalV5 installation directory.

 

Section 2

2.1 Definitions for the Radiation Test Type Package-Radiation Test

Distance – The distance of the test. Must match at least one radiation source’s distance

Tolerance – Tolerance for each test point (Percent of Reading)

# of Cal Points – Number of Test Points 

Spec Resolution – Number of decimal points for calculation of expected output and limits

Include Max Test – Checkbox to specify if there is a Max Reading Test

 Max Reading – “Must Display” value for max test

Procedure – Memo box to enter calibration procedure. Shown during the calibration.

Input Signal Type – Unit of Measure. Drop down of two values (Ci, mCi)

Filter – Filter number. Must correspond to the filter on a test Standard for the standard to be linked to the Item During calibration

Output Signal Type – Unit of Measure. Drop down of two values (mSv/h, uSv/h)

 

2.2 Definitions for the Radiation Test Type Package-Radiation Source

Filter – Integer value to denote a filter number

Initial Date – The date if the initial radiation source readings

Half Life in Days – Integer value to denote the half life of the radiation material (in days)

# of Cal Pts – Number of Calibration Points to be tested

Input Signal Type – Unit of Measure. Drop down of two values (Ci, mCi)

Mean – Entered by the user after each calibration. Used to determine the adjusted rate of the radiation source after a calibration.

Distance – Distance the source is away from the detector for the test point

 

Section 3

3.1 Entering Item Records Using the Radiation Test Type Package

When creating a new master record that uses the Radiation (Test) Test Type, the Test Type must be applied to the record through the Calibration Points tab on the master record screen. Once a new group has been added to the record, click the Test Type drop-down list and select Radiation Test from the available Test Types, as shown below:



Once the Test Type has been selected, the inputs will change according to the settings defined by the library file.  This test verifies the accuracy of a Radiation instrument.   The test is configured by specifying the Distance, Number of Cal Pts, Reading Acc %, Output Res, whether or not the Last Reading is a Max Test, and the Max Reading. After defining the Number of Cal Pts, the grid will be modifiable. Here, you can select the Input and Output Signal Types, along with the Filter.

 

For the Test Type Package to function properly, there must be a corresponding Test Instrument that uses the Radiation Source TTP. The Radiation (Source) Test Type must be applied to the Test Instrument through the Calibration Points tab.  Once a new group has been added to the record, click the Test Type drop-down list and select Radiation Source from the available Test Types, as shown below:



After selecting the Source Test Type Package, the inputs will change according to the library file’s settings.  The test is configured by specifying the Filter, Initial Date, Half Life in Days, Number of Cal Pts, Input Signal Type, and Mean.  After defining the Number of Cal Pts, the grid will be modifiable. You will then be able to select the Distance and Initial Dose Rate for each test point.  For both TTPs to work together, the instrument and the test instrument must have matching Signal Types, Filters, and at least one matching Distance.


The inputs are as follows:

  • Capacity – Capacity value [This is for information only]
  • Filter – Must correspond to the filter columns on a Master Record (Instrument, Loop, System) for the standard to be linked to the Item During calibration
  • Initial Date – The date if the initial radiation source readings
  • Half Life In Days - Integer value to denote the half-life of the radiation material (in days)
  • # of Cal Pts - Number of Calibration Points to be tested
  • Input Signal Type – Unit of Measure. Drop down of two values (Ci, mCi)
  • Distance - Distance the source is away from the detector for the test point
  • Initial Dose Rate – The radiation value less the Distance
  • Mean – Entered by the user after each calibration. Used to determine the adjusted rate of the radiation source after a calibration.
  • Decay Rate Factor -


Section 4

4.1 Entering Calibration Records

Once the master records are created Radiation Test and Radiation Source Test Types, the Calibration data can be entered on the Test Results tab of the Calibration record. See figure below:



Clicking the View/Enter Result button will display the Radiation Test screen. As Found/As Left readings can be entered here. As the As Left and As Found readings are entered, the Low Limit, High Limit, As Found Error, As Left error, and the Pass/Fail columns will refresh to display data that reflects the readings entered. There are also fields to track the Fine Adjustment and Course Adjustments for both As Found and As Left data, along with the Procedure box that will display the Procedure from the master record. After entering results, you must click the Apply button to apply them to the record.



4.2 Pass/Fail Criteria

All records will require that you enter both As Found and As Left data to ensure a complete calibration. The expected output for each test point will be calculated by the filter, the standard’s original value and the mean value, and the calibration date. The limits will then be calculated from the expected output:

Calculation:

Factor = exponent(-(CalDate – OrigDate) / Half Life)

New Value = (Factor x OrigValue)

Expected Output = ((Mean/100) x New Value)) + New Value

 

 

Any As Found Failure occurs: Group’s As Found Status is set to Failed, otherwise Passed. If Failed, the technician can adjust it.

Any As Left Failure occurs: Group’s As Left Status is set to Failed, otherwise Passed.