Just like the intensity of heat decreases with distance, radiation shielding materials protect against penetrating and damaging rays. Radiation shielding materials come in a variety of forms and are designed for different purposes.
The most common material used for radiation shielding is lead. Although it is a heavy element, it is highly effective.
Choosing the Right Material
When it comes to shielding from radiation, the type of material used is a major factor. Different materials are effective at blocking different types of radiation. For example, tungsten is an excellent material for shielding directly ionizing radiation while lead works well for blocking indirectly ionizing radiation like gamma rays and beta particles (electrons).
The density of the shield is also an important factor in determining how effective it is at blocking radiation. Higher-density materials will offer better shielding than lower-density materials.
Additionally, the material should be able to dissipate heat and resist damage from radiation. Other factors that must be considered include whether the material is rigid or flexible, its durability and weight, how it can be cleaned, and its cost.
When shielding buildings, the best choice is often a lead-based system with integral walls and ceilings. In many cases, this solution will save floor space, while allowing easy access to air ducts and pipes. In addition, a movable partition system allows for greater versatility during the construction phase and in the event that changes are required later on. This type of system is especially useful when shielding existing structures, since it can be installed without disrupting current operations and procedures. When constructing these systems, it is critical that the shielding materials extend several inches beyond corners to avoid any discontinuity in protection.
Choosing the Right Place
While some forms of radiation are more dangerous than others, it’s important to use the highest level of protection possible for each type. This is particularly true for gamma and neutron radiation, which require significant attenuation from protective barriers.
For example, gamma rays can be blocked by a few inches of air, while neutrons are more easily penetrated by water or hydrogen-containing materials. Shielding from these types of radiation also requires the use of neutron absorbers and moderators, which are often made of boron or cadmium.
In addition, the material used in a shield must not become radioactive after long-term exposure. This is especially important for nuclear reactors, where the shield material can be exposed to high levels of radiation that can damage equipment or cause health hazards for workers.
Lead is a common choice for radiation shielding due to its high atomic number and non-radioactive properties. It is also quite dense and can effectively block gamma and neutron rays.
However, it’s important to note that lead is extremely heavy and toxic. For this reason, engineers have come up with new radiation shielding materials that offer the same attenuation levels as lead, without the negative side effects. For instance, Barrier Technologies offers a line of proprietary lead composite PPE that’s up to 25% lighter than lead! This can save on weight and installation costs, while still offering the same equivalency of protection.
Choosing the Right Installation Method
When it comes to radiation shielding materials, there are a lot of different options. Some are more common than others, but there are a few important things to keep in mind when selecting the right one for your project. These factors include how much attenuation is needed, whether the shield will be used for structural or defensive purposes, its ability to dissipate heat, the required thickness and weight, and more.
Lead is a very popular choice for radiation shielding because it offers a good balance of attenuation and durability. However, it is also quite heavy. This can lead to problems for people wearing it, such as fatigue and musculoskeletal issues. Fortunately, there are other options that can help to lighten the load, such as lead composite or “lead-lite” shielding. This type of shielding is a mix of lead with other attenuating elements such as tungsten, bismuth, and titanium.
Another option is to use conductive paint to create an effective radiation barrier. This is a very easy and cost-effective solution. It’s also a good idea to utilize proper overlap techniques when using sheet lead, as this will ensure that the entire area is protected from radiation.
In new construction, a simple way to provide protection at wall openings for duct and pipe is to utilize a technique called a “burned-on lead” method. This involves a strip of unpierced lead laminated to the gypsum wallboard and then fastened along its edges.
Choosing the Right Equipment
When designing a shield barrier system, it is important to choose the right equipment. For example, a portable shielding system must be easy to maneuver and require minimal technical knowledge and skills to assemble. It should also have the capability to accommodate different procedures or experiments, which means that it should be versatile and customizable. Lastly, the system should meet governmental safety standards and be free from toxic materials such as lead.
Choosing the correct material for your radiation shielding depends on several factors, including its attenuation effectiveness and how well it can resist damage. Metals, such as steel and concrete, are popular choice because they offer great attenuation properties and are durable against radiation damage. They are typically heavier, however, which can add to the weight and size of an installation.
For a more cost-efficient solution, leaded glass is a viable option that offers durability, transparency, and shatter resistance. Other options include polymers mixed with bismuth, tungsten, or iron, which are often safer and non-toxic.
While it may seem counterintuitive that using a heavy material like lead can save on costs and installation time, the reality is that this is a common practice. Since ionizing radiation cannot penetrate dense materials, the density of a material can make a huge difference in how much protection it provides. Lead has a higher density than almost all other elements in the periodic table, which is why it is so frequently prescribed for radiation shielding.