A General Licensee, a customer of Bruker AXS Handheld (Bruker) that is a device manufacturer located in Richland,
Washington, returned one of Bruker's Map 4
XRF analyzers. The device had not been operating properly. When Bruker received the shipment they noticed that the package exhibited radiation levels on contact with the package of 4.9 mR/hr as measured with a GM survey instrument. This reading was unusual because it was significantly above the 0.5 mR/hr limit allowed for excepted radioactive instruments and articles transportation packaging. These packages are identified as NOS UN 2910 on the bill of lading. Bruker's receiving staff took the device to a shielded work area and when disassembled they discovered that the device's trigger mechanism was not operating properly. The mechanism did not allow the source to be fully shielded after it was released. A Bruker instrument technician discovered that one of the screws was partially backed out preventing the source block from fully closing. This screw had initially been installed per manufacturing procedure using lock-tite. This part has had no history of coming loose. The screw was replaced per the manufacturing procedure again using lock-tite on the threads as required. Bruker reported that this was the only problem like this they had experienced. The generally licensed device contained a
Co-57 source, model F3-038, with a current activity of 318 megabecquerel (8.6 mCi).
The source was removed and checked for contamination. None was found. The device was repaired, calibrated and sent back to the customer. Bruker has established new guidelines for their technicians when they receive a call about a device problem / malfunction. The Bruker RSO will be notified and will work directly with the customer to assess the problem prior to the device being shipped to Bruker for repair.
Washington Report # - WA-08-093