• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.259-264
• /
• 2020

Radiation causes radiation hazards in the human body. In Korea, a case of radiation necrosis occurred in 2014. In this study, the scatter and shielding efficiency according to lead shielding were classified into epidermis and dermis for 0.511 MeV used in nuclear medicine. In this study, experiments were conducted using the slab phantom that represents calibration and the dose of human trunk. Experimental results showed that the shielding rate of 0.25 mmPb was 180% in the epidermis and 96% in the dermis. Shielding at 0.5mmPb showed shielding rates of 158%in the epidermis and 82% in the dermis. As a result of measuring the absorbed dose by subdividing the thickness of the dermis into 0.5 mm intervals, when the shielding was carried out at 0.25 mmPb, the dose appeared to be about 120% at 0.5 mm of the dermis surface, and the dose was decreased at the subsequent depth. Shielding at 0.5 mmPb, the dose appeared to be about 101% at the surface 0.5 mm, and the dose was measured to decrease at the subsequent depth. This result suggests that when lead aprons are actually used, the scattering rays would be sufficiently removed due to the spaces generated by the clothes and air, Therefore, the scattered ray generated from lead will not reach the human body. The ICRU defines the epidermis (0.07), in which the radiation-induced damage of the skin occurs, as the dose equivalent. If the radiation dose of the dermis is considered in addition, it will be helpful for the evaluation of the prognosis for radiation hazard of the skin.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.301-308
• /
• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.429-434
• /
• 2019

The gonads are directly affected by radiation exposure during radiography of the pelvis, abdomen, and spine. Exposure of the gonads to radiation can cause genetic mutations and can result in the occurrence of malignant tumors. In this study, we created three types of shielding material shapes for shielding of the ovaries, which are the gonads of female during radiography of the pelvis, and comparative evaluations using shadow shielding methods. The source surface distance(SSD) was 100 cm and the field size was 42 cm × 43 cm. The three types of shielding material shapes(type 1, 2 and 3) were assessed and the entrance surface dose in the ovaries were measured. The thickness of the shielding material was expanded from 0.3 mm to 2.4 mm and after five repetitions, radiation values were measured and mean values were calculated. The mean dose were 3.09 mGy for type 1, 3.54 mGy for type 2, and 3.19 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. When an additional filter of 0.2 Cu + 1 Al was used, the dose were 3.72 mGy for type 1, 5.43 mGy for type 2, and 4.05 mGy for type 3, indicating that the measurements were the lowest for type 1. The results show that, even if the shielding material is not thick, in other words, even with a thickness of 2.94 mGy for the SN 3(0.9 mm) of type 1, shielding can be achieved, with a patient dose lower than the diagnostic reference level(3.42 mGy). Additionally, among the three types of shielding material, the type 1 appeared to be the most appropriate shielding material. It is thought that the use of shielding material could reduce the risk factors for stochastic effects or critical effects of ionizing radiation during pelvic or lumbar radiography.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.92-100
• /
• 2015

For the purpose of improving the efficiency of the radiation impact assessment of dry interim storage facilities for the spent nuclear fuel of pressurized water reactors (PWRs), radiation impact assessment was performed after the application of sensitivity assessment according to the radiation source term designation method, development of a 2-step calculation technique, and cooling time credit. The present study successively designated radiation source terms in accordance with the cask arrangement order in the shielding building, assessed sensitivity, which affects direct dose, and confirmed that the radiation dosage of the external walls of the shielding building was dominantly affected by the two columns closest to the internal walls. In addition, in the case in which shielding buildings were introduced into storage facilities, the present study established and assessed the 2-step calculation technique, which can reduce the immense computational analysis time. Consequently, results similar to those from existing calculations were derived in approximately half the analysis time. Finally, when radiation source terms were established by adding the storage period of the storage casks successively stored in the storage facilities and the cooling period of the spent nuclear fuel, the radiation dose of the external walls of the buildings was confirmed to be approximately 40% lower than the calculated values; the cooling period was established as being identical. The present study was conducted to improve the efficiency of the Monte Carlo shielding analysis method for radiation impact assessment of interim storage facilities. If reliability is improved through the assessment of more diverse cases, the results of the present study can be used for the design of storage facilities and the establishment of site boundary standards.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.11 no.5
• /
• pp.329-334
• /
• 2017

The purpose of this study is to estimating the possibility of manufacturing radiation shielding sheet by searching for environmentally friendly materials suitable for medical environment of medical radiation shielding. There are many tungsten products which are currently used as shielding materials in place of lead, but there are small problems in the mass production of lightweight shielding sheets due to economical efficiency. To solve these problems, a lightweight, environmentally friendly material with economical efficiency is required. In this study, Barium sulphate and Iodine were proposed. Both materials are already used as contrast medias in radiography, and it is predicted that the shielding effect will be sufficient in a certain region as a shielding material because of the characteristic of absorbing radiation. Therefore, in this study, we used a Monte Carlo simulation to simulate radiation shielding materials. When it is a contrast agent such as Barium sulfate and Iodine, the radiation absorption effect in the high energy region appears greatly, and the effectiveness of the two shielding substance in the energy region of the star with thickness of 120 kVp is also evaluated in the medical radiation imaging region. Simulated estimation results it was possible to estimate the effectiveness of shielding for all two substances. Iodine has higher shielding effect than barium sulfate, 0.05 mm thick appears great effect. Therefore, the Monte Carlo simulation confirms that iodine, which is a radiological contrast agent, is also usable as barium sulfate in the production of radiation shielding sheets.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.1456-1463
• /
• 2022

The aim of this work is to study the radiation shielding properties of cement samples with waste glass incortated into its composition. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the samples were experimentally determined to evaluate their radiation shielding ability. The experimental coefficient was evaluated using NaI detector for gamma energies between 59.53 keV and 1408.01 keV using different radioactive point sources Am-241, Eu-152, Co-60, and Cs-137, and the gamma transmission parameters half-value layer, mean free path, and transmission factor were calculated. The theoretical coefficient of the composites was determined using Geant4 and XCOM software. The results were also compared against Geant4 and XCOM simulations by calculating the relative deviation between the values to determine the accuracy of the results. In addition the mechanical properties (including Compressive and porosity) as well as the thermogravimetric analysis were tested for the present samples. Overall, it was concluded that the cement sample with 50% waste glass has the greatest shielding potential for radiation shielding applications and is a useful way to reuse waste glass.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.53-62
• /
• 2022

In this study, we have investigated the shielding evaluation methodology for facilities using kV energy generators. We have collected and analysis of safety evaluation criteria and methodology for overseas facilities using radiation generators. And we investigated the current status of shielding evaluation of domestic industrial radiation generators. According to the statistical data from the Radiation Safety Information System, as of 2022, a total of 7,679 organizations are using radiation generating devices. Among them, 6,299 facilities use these devices for industrial purposes, which accounts for a considerable portion of radiation. The organizations that use these devices evaluate whether the exposure dose for workers and frequent visitors is suitable as per the limit regulated by the Nuclear Safety Act. Moreover, during this process, the safety shields are evaluated at the facilities that use the radiation generating devices. However, the facilities that use radiating devices having energy less than or equal to 6 MV for industrial purposes are still mostly evaluated and analyzed according to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements 49 (NCRP 49) report published in 1976. We have investigated the technical standards of safety management, including the maximum permissible dose and parameters assessment criteria for facilities using radiation generating devices, based on the NCRP 49 and the American National Standards Institute/Health Physics Society N.43.3 reports, which are the representative reports related to radiation shielding management cases overseas.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.11-20
• /
• 2024

As the importance of intervention has recently increased, interest in the health of medical staff performing the procedure is increasing. Existing radiation shielding devices have limited the operator's movement and have not been properly used due to the risk of infection, and adequate radiation shielding of the operator's gonads and furthermore, the entire area of the procedure room has not been achieved. An auxiliary shielding device was manufactured by attaching a Bismuth to the elbow support used in the procedure, and the radiation shielding effect was measured. As a result of the measurement, the average spatial dose rate decreased by about 64.8%, and the independent sample t-test analysis showed statistically significant below the significance probability (p<0.05). The use of an auxiliary shielding device is considered to be an effective shielding method that can shield the operator's gonads and reduce the radiation spatial dose rate of the entire area of the procedure room.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2004

Two approximate methods for a cosmic radiation shielding calculation in low earth orbits were developed and assessed. Those are a sectoring method and a chord-length distribution method. In order to simulate a change in cosmic radiation environments along the satellite mission trajectory, IGRF model and AP(E)-8 model were used. When the approximate methods were applied, the geometrical model of satellite structure was approximated as one-dimensional slabs, and a pre-calculated dose-depth conversion function was introduced to simplify the dose calculation process. Verification was performed with mission data of KITSAT-1 and the calculated results were also compared with detailed 3-dimensional calculation results using Monte Carlo calculation. Dose results from the approximate methods were conservatively higher than Monte Carlo results, but were lower than experimental data in total dose rate. Differences between calculation and experimental data seem to come from the AP-8 model, for which it is reported that fluxes of proton are underestimated. We confirmed that the developed approximate method can be applied to commercial satellite shielding calculations. It is also found that commercial products of semi-conductors can be damaged due to total ionizing dose under LEO radiation environment. An intensive shielding analysis should be taken into account when commercial devices are used.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.27-35
• /
• 1993

A shielding analysis of the shipping cask for transporting the CANDU spent fuel bundles has been studied. Radiation source term has been calculated on spent fuel with burn-up of 7,800 MWD/MTU and 5 years cooling time by ORIGEN2 code. The shielding calculation for the cask capable of transporting 378 bundles of CANDU spent fuel has been made by use of 1-D ANISN and 2-D DOT 4.2 codes. As a result of analysis, the optimum shield thickness of cask was obtained. And it is proved that the safety in radiation shielding under normal transport and hypothetical accident conditions is confirmed to satisfy the allowable values specified in IAEA Safety Series No. 6 and the Korean Atomic Law.