Filtec FT-50 - Radiological Safety Information; Understanding Radiological Safety

Radiological Safety Information v
Document 40272-0700
Radiological Safety Information
This section provides information about radiation, radiation safety proce-
dures, radiation certifications, and the radiation characteristics of the
FT-50 .
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 radio-
active material using this equipment: externally, through excessive
exposure to a radiation source outside the body, and internally by
ingesting radioactive 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.