Many industries in Canada use nuclear gauges to control critical operations within a job. Failure of your gauge to function properly will not only affect the performance of your construction process, it can lead to radiation hazards in the workplace. 

Before starting the following step-by-step instructions for maintaining and cleaning a nuclear gauge, it is important to note that due to the radioactive materials these instruments contain, it is required that users complete Radiation Safety Training prior to performing the maintenance services. 

By maintaining your densometer, you will reduce equipment downtime. It is important to follow ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) which refers to limiting your exposure as a gauge operator to potential radiation. 

Start by gathering and organizing all the tools you will need for easy access during the service.

- Screw Driver with Long Shank

- Utility Knife

- Scrapers

- Cleaning Cloth

- Mild Detergent

- Telescoping Mirror

- Magnalube G Lube

Ensure the work area is prepared before removing the gauge from its container.

Place all the tools you need ready on the work area as this will reduce time spent around the gauge. 

The gauge must be at least 15 feet away from other employees or individuals. This is important because it creates a controlled environment and ensures that others are not being unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

Use the telescoping mirror when working on the base of the gauge and ensure the gauge base is pointed away from the individual performing maintenance.

Now that the base plate, tungsten block, and shield spring are removed, it is time to clean and inspect the gauge itself.

Please note: never touch the tip of the source.

1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the gauge with a cleaning cloth and detergent.

2. Scrape and clean the cavity where the tungsten block sits.

Once these steps have been completed, place the gauge on the floor away from yourself. 

Now it is time to clean and inspect the parts removed earlier, specifically the base plate, tungsten block, and shield spring.

1. Remove the scraper ring from the base plate.

2. Evaluate the orientation of the scraper ring when removing it, as gauge functionally can be negatively affected if it is replaced backwards.

3. Now that the scraper ring is removed, clean the base plate. 

4. Return the scraper and retainer rings back to their original position.

5. If the scraper ring is worn out or damaged, replace it with a new one. 

6. Inspect the shield spring closely if case there is an uneven spiral. You can check for this by rolling the spring on a flat surface and making sure it rolls smoothly without any wobble. If the shield spring wobbles, then it needs to be replaced.

1. Lubricate the tungsten block using Magnalube G. It is important that you use Magnalube G only as it is the best performing lubricant for Troxler Gauges.

2. Replace the shield spring and lubricated tungsten block in their original positions.

3. Place the gauge back on the table/workstation.

4. Re-attach the base plate to the gauge.

5. Finally, place the gauge back in its container.