Radiation

Radiation is energy that moves from one place to another in the form of either waves or particles. It is often categorized as either Ionizing or Non-Ionizing radiation depending on the energy it carries. Visible light and radio waves are examples of non-ionizing radiation. In general, non-ionizing radiation does not pose a health risk and does not require Radiation Shielding.

Ionizing radiation carries enough energy to ionize atoms – in other words, it can free a electrons from atoms, creating ions. Ionizing radiation can damage living cells and often requires Radiation Shielding for safe use.

Ionizing radiation comes in two forms. The first and more common form of ionizing radiation is high energy electromagnetic waves such as X-rays and gamma rays. Almost any type of material can act as a shield from these types of radiation if used in sufficient amounts. However, lead is often the Radiation Shielding of choice due to its shielding effectiveness, availability, and ease of installation.

The second form of ionizing radiation is particle radiation such as Neutron Radiation. Neutron Radiation can be highly penetrating and often creates a secondary radiation hazard since X-rays and/or gamma rays can be produced when Neutron Radiation is attenuated. Standard weight and High Density concrete are good shielding materials for both Neutron Radiation and gamma/X-ray. When space is a premium, a combination of lead and specialty plastic (5% borated polyethylene) is often used for Neutron shielding.

Pitts Little Corporation supplies Radiation Shielding materials to shield from X-ray, Gamma ray, and Neutron radiation. Please call us anytime with questions at 205-833-5911 or send us a message.

Ionizing Radiation has many industrial applications. The most common application is Non-Destructive testing where manufactured components are examined to verify the internal structure and integrity of the product.

Other types of industrial activities may also require radiation shielding such a Nuclear Power generation, Electron-beam processing (E-beam), and Radioisotope production (e.g. cyclotrons).

Pitts Little Corporation funishes and installs Radiation Shielding doors and other custom solutions across the country. These include cyclotron plug doors, E-beam “moving wall” doors, swinging doors, and large sliding doors. Please call us anytime with questions at 205-833-5911 or send us a message.

Common Industrial Applications

• Cyclotron Vaults

• Electron Beam Vaults

• Industrial NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Rooms

A common medical application of ionizing radiation is Radiation Therapy. This refers to the use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The energy levels used for Therapy is significantly higher than those used for Imaging. These procedures are typically performed in rooms that are specifically design and constructed to include Radiation Shielding. Some types of Radiation Therapy produce both X-ray/Gamma Radiation and Neutron Radiation and require additional shielding considerations.

Most Radiation Therapy rooms are constructed using thick concrete walls as radiation shielding, but some Radiation Therapy rooms use thinner lead walls when space is a premium. Many of these rooms require specialty Radiation Shielding doors that can weigh 2,500 lbs – 25,000 lbs. Any other large openings (e.g. penetrations for HVAC duct work) often require speciality shielding and renovating an existing treatment room may require supplemental Radiation Shielding.

Pitts Little Corporation furnishes and installs swinging doors and sliding doors for Radiation Therapy rooms in the Southeast and across the United States. We also furnish and install treatment rooms, duct shielding, and ceiling/wall/floor shielding made from lead, 5% borated polyethylene, and high density concrete. Please call us anytime with questions at 205-833-5911 or send us a message.

Common Radiation Therapy Applications

• Linear Accelerator (Linac) Vaults

• Brachytherapy (HDR) Vaults

• Proton Beam Vaults

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