Radiological Safety
XIII
Radiological Safety
Understanding Radiological Safety
The Filtec FT-50 utilizes a small quantity of the radioisotope
Americium-241 to produce low level gamma radiation. The
Americium-241 is in ceramic enamel form and its melting range is
in the region of 900 degrees to 1050 degrees centigrade.
The Americium-241 is sealed inside a special type 304 stainless
steel capsule that is double fusion welded. This capsule is mounted
in a stainless steel enclosure inside the FT-50 Inspection Head.
A Radiation Safety Shutter, when opened, permits a narrow beam
of radiation to pass through the plastic radiation window in the
enclosure. When the safety shutter is closed all radiation is
contained within the source enclosure.
There are two possible ways to be exposed to hazardous levels of
radioactive material using this equipment: externally, through
excessive exposure to a radiation source outside the body, and
internally by ingesting radiactive material.
The FT-50 is unlikely to create hazardous radiation levels for the
following reasons:
•
The FT-50’s radiation source produces a relatively weak source
of low energy (low penetrating power) gamma radiation. To
receive a hazardous dose of radiation from this low energy
source would require extremely long exposure directly to the
main radiation beam.
•
While we warn against placing hands or other body parts in
front of the gamma beam when it is turned on, it would require
several hours of exposure for the hand to receive an excessive
radiation dose.
•
The gamma beam is tightly confined by shields and collimators
and is completely contained within the inspection tunnel.
Because the radiation beam does not spread outside the
inspection tunnel, it is highly unlikely that under normal
circumstances an appreciable radiation dose could be incurred
at a location other than directly in front of the main gamma
beam when the safety shutter is opened.
Industrial Dynamics Company, Ltd.
Document 40255-0600
