ALARA in Radiography

1 ALARA in RadiographyALARA in RadiographyMichael Fulleron behalf of theInternational Source Suppliers and Producers Association (ISSPA)Michael Fulleron behalf of theInternational Source Suppliers and Producers Association (ISSPA)In the BeginningRa 226 Fish Pole TechniqueTime Distance ShieldingCOLLIMATORFILMS hieldingDepleted Uranium (DU)Tungsten, LeadUse of bunkersDistance10 meters (user to projector)7 meters (projector to exposure point)TimeHigh Activity Sealed Source (HASS)Film optimizationMany FlavorsSource StylesIsotope UseIsotope Half Life Gamma Energy RangeApproximate Steel Working ThicknessGamma Constant R/h (mSv/h) per Ci@ 1 meterHalf Value Layer of Lead cm (in)Co and MeV 50 150 ( ) ( )Ir 19274d206 612 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Se 75120d97 401 keV3 29 ( ) ( )Yb 169 32d63 308 keV2 20 ( ) ( )Cs 137 30y662 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Tm 170 129d52 84 keV2 15 ( ) ( )Isotope Use Example: 60 CobaltIsotope UseIsotope Half Life Gamma Energy RangeApproximate Steel Working ThicknessGamma Constant R/h (mSv/h) per Ci@ 1 meterHalf Value Layer of Lead cm (in)Co and MeV 50 150 ( ) ( )Ir 19274d206 612 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Se 75120d97 401 keV3 29 ( ) ( )Yb 169 32d63 308 keV2 20 ( ) ( )Cs 137 30y662 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Tm 170 129d52 84 keV2 15 ( ) ( )Isotope Half Life Gamma Energy RangeApproximate Steel Working ThicknessGamma Constant R/h (mSv/h) per Ci@ 1 meterHalf Value Layer of Lead cm (in)Co and MeV 50 150 ( ) ( )Ir 19274d206 612 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Se 75120d97 401 keV3 29 ( ) ( )Yb 169 32d63 308 keV2 20 ( ) ( )Cs 137 30y662 keV12 63 ( ) ( )Tm 170 129d52 84 keV2 15 ( ) ( )

2 Selenium 75 Benefits / DrawbacksBenefits Lower energy easier to shield Softer gamma spectrum better image quality Lower gamma constant reduced exclusion zone size Longer half life than Ir 192 Drawbacks Lower energy less penetration Elemental selenium highly volatile More expensive than Ir 192 SCAR Te c h n o l o g ySCAR = Small Controlled Area Radiographyalso marketed asSAFER (Small Area for Exposure Radiography )orClose Proximity RadiographyClose Proximity / SCAR Not NewRemovable ShutterRotating ShutterClose Proximity / SCAR Benefits20 mSv/h boundary for 100 Ci Ir 192 source 150 metersDesign InputsRegulatoryNational / International StandardsCustomer InputIndustry EventsAvailable TechnologyManufacturing CostsOperational SafetyTransportation SafetyConflicting DesiresUserRegulatorDevice needs to be as light as a featherLoaded device should have zero radiation leakage RegulatorManufacturerNo Depleted UraniumDU offers best shielding UserRegulatorSimple to operateFoolproof Conflicting UserSome non UsersHigher activity sources mean shorter exposure timesCannot use sources above XX curies UserPhysicsSource and/or device needs to last foreverEverything has a finite operational life UserManufacturerFreeHow much money do you have?

3 Product Adoption Can the product be priced to recover development costs, manufacturing costs, and at the same time be enticing to buyers? Will the customers require a new license or change to existing license? Will the new product require significant training for the customer? Will the new product change traditional Radiography methods or results? Will the new product obsolete existing accessories? Will the new product a provide a marked improvement (operational, compliance)? ALARA ImplementationExposure ALARA is primarily dictated through regulatory developed with many inputs, including technology seeing some 75 use is on the and incorporation of a safety cultur