Resetting Calibration: Rad7 Radon Monitor Guide

The DURRIDGE RAD7 is a versatile and affordable radon and thoron detector used by professionals and scientists worldwide. Its state-of-the-art design matches or exceeds that of the most expensive radon measurement devices in the world. The RAD7 is easy to use and comes with a built-in air pump, rechargeable batteries, and a wireless printer. It can store large amounts of radon data for later printing and analysis. The detector can sniff for radon gushers and recovers from high radon exposures in minutes. The U.S. EPA recommends that continuous radon monitors like the RAD7 be calibrated at least once a year. DURRIDGE offers calibration services for the RAD7, which include testing, maintenance, and adjustment of parameters to bring the instrument up to full specifications.

Calibration services include tests, maintenance, and adjustments to bring the instrument up to full specifications

Calibration services are an essential aspect of maintaining the accuracy and reliability of measuring instruments, including radon monitors like the RAD7. Here are some key details about calibration services and how they pertain to the RAD7 radon monitor:

Tests

Calibration services involve a series of tests to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the RAD7 radon monitor. This includes comparing the readings of the instrument against known standard values under specified conditions. The calibration tests check the measures at several points within the instrument's range, usually in predefined increments, to ensure accuracy.

Maintenance

Maintenance is a crucial aspect of calibration services. The RAD7, being a sophisticated measuring instrument, requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes tasks such as cleaning and servicing the device, as well as ensuring that environmental controls are established and maintained to prevent adverse effects on the accuracy of measurements.

Adjustments

Adjustments are made to the RAD7 radon monitor during calibration to bring it up to full specifications. These adjustments are necessary to correct any deviations observed during the calibration tests. The calibration process aims to improve the accuracy and precision of the instrument, ensuring that it meets the specified tolerance levels and conforms to quality standards.

Calibration Interval

The calibration interval refers to the time period between successive calibrations of the RAD7 radon monitor. This interval can vary depending on the instrument's usage and the historical performance of the measuring equipment. For example, equipment operating in high-risk fields like food safety may require more frequent calibration. The calibration interval should be adjusted based on risk assessment and the stability of the measuring equipment over time.

Calibration Standards and Procedures

It is important to identify the relevant calibration standards and procedures to ensure correct calibration of the RAD7. For instance, ISO 9001 states that the Quality Manager should administer the calibration procedure. Adhering to established standards and procedures ensures that the calibration process is effective and meets the required specifications.

By following these comprehensive calibration services, which include tests, maintenance, and adjustments, the RAD7 radon monitor can be brought up to full specifications, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.

Calibration certificate is sent with every new RAD7 and updated each time it is sent in for calibration

The RAD7 is a radon and thoron detector used by professionals and scientists worldwide. It is a highly versatile and affordable instrument that can be used in a variety of settings, from laboratories to the field. The device is easy to use and comes with a range of features that make it superior to other radon detectors on the market.

One important aspect of the RAD7 is its calibration capabilities. Calibration is essential for ensuring the accuracy and precision of radon measurements. DURRIDGE, the manufacturer of the RAD7, offers comprehensive calibration services for their instruments, including the RAD7. The company has calibration facilities in the USA and the UK, which are staffed by NRSB-certified and DURRIDGE-qualified personnel.

As part of their calibration services, DURRIDGE provides a Calibration Certificate with every new RAD7 that is shipped to customers. This certificate includes information such as the instrument's sensitivity and spill factor values, as well as the date of calibration. The certificate serves as a record of the instrument's performance and can be used to verify the accuracy of radon measurements.

Additionally, DURRIDGE offers an "As Received Precise Calibration" service for an additional fee. This service determines the existing sensitivity of the instrument before it is serviced and recalibrated. The pre-calibration sensitivity values can be applied to radon data recorded by the RAD7, allowing users to correct for any sensitivity drift that may have occurred while the instrument was in use.

When a RAD7 is sent in for calibration, DURRIDGE will perform a comprehensive range of tests, routine maintenance, and adjust any parameters necessary to bring the instrument up to full specifications. They will also replace consumable components, such as the battery and NVRAM chip, and provide up to half an hour of labour for any additional minor repairs. After the calibration is complete, an updated Calibration Certificate is provided to the customer. This certificate includes the latest calibration information for the instrument, ensuring that users have accurate and up-to-date records of their RAD7's performance.

The calibration process typically takes about 10 business days, after which the instrument will be shipped back to the customer. The total time the RAD7 is away from the customer's facility depends on the payment process and shipping time, in addition to any necessary repairs.

For an additional fee, Durridge will conduct an 'as received' precise calibration

Calibration is a necessary procedure for the RAD7 radon monitor to ensure its accuracy and proper functioning. While the standard calibration process is comprehensive, Durridge offers an additional service for a more precise calibration. For an added fee, they will perform an As Received Precise Calibration, which offers a more tailored assessment of your instrument's sensitivity.

The standard calibration for the RAD7 includes a range of tests, routine maintenance, and adjustments to ensure the instrument meets full specifications. This service also includes the replacement of consumable components, such as batteries, and minor repairs. A signed calibration certificate is provided with each new RAD7, and an updated certificate is issued every time the instrument is sent for calibration.

However, for a more detailed analysis, the "As Received Precise Calibration" service is available. This service determines the existing sensitivity of your RAD7 before it undergoes servicing and recalibration. By calculating the pre-calibration sensitivity values, any sensitivity drift that occurred during the instrument's use can be corrected. This allows for retrospective adjustments to radon data recorded earlier, ensuring the accuracy of your measurements.

The additional fee for this service is worth considering, especially if you require highly accurate data for your radon monitoring projects. This service provides a more tailored calibration, addressing the specific characteristics of your instrument and ensuring the highest level of precision.

Durridge's calibration facilities in the USA and the UK are well-equipped to handle this precise calibration. Their calibration system continuously monitors RAD7 performance in a controlled environment, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the process. The company's certified staff performs all testing, calibration, and quality assurance procedures, adhering to stringent standards.

The calibration system continuously monitors RAD7 performance in a controlled environment over several days

The DURRIDGE calibration system continuously monitors the performance of RAD7 and RAD8 instruments in a controlled environment over several days. This process involves a series of tests, routine maintenance, and adjustments to ensure the instruments meet full specifications. The calibration system is compared to a secondary standard chamber with a precision of better than 1%, which is, in turn, calibrated by comparison with a NIST radon standard supplied through the U.S. EPA.

The calibration process includes the following steps:

• The system first determines the existing sensitivity of the instrument before servicing and recalibrating.
• It then performs a series of tests and makes any necessary adjustments to parameters, replacing consumable components such as batteries and NVRAM chips.
• The calibration technician monitors the instruments' performance in real-time, making any required changes to ensure they meet specifications.
• Finally, a signed calibration certificate is provided, and an updated certificate is issued each time an instrument is sent for calibration.

The calibration process typically takes 10 business days, and the U.S. EPA recommends that continuous radon monitors like the RAD7 and RAD8 be calibrated at least once per year.

The price of RAD7 calibration, including comprehensive testing, routine maintenance, and replacement of consumable components is $624

Durridge provides a signed Calibration Certificate with every new RAD7 they ship, and an updated certificate each time an instrument is sent in for calibration. For an additional fee, they also offer an As Received Precise Calibration, which determines the existing sensitivity of your instrument before servicing and recalibrating it. This can be useful for correcting any sensitivity drift that occurred while the instrument was in service.

Durridge has radon calibration facilities in the USA and the UK, and they recommend that continuous radon monitors like the RAD7 be calibrated at least once per year. When sending your RAD7 for calibration, be sure to only send the instrument, without any cables or accessories. Pack it upright in a box with one inch of padding all around and clearly mark the box with the serial number of the instrument.

Frequently asked questions