Types of Radiation Sources and Procedures using Inspection Devices 1

Types of Radiation Sources and Procedures using Inspection

Devices

Simon COENEN Technical Meeting on Implementation of the requirements in the International Basic Safety Standards in relation to Non-Medical

Human Imaging

IAEA, Vienna, 17-20 January 2017

Types of Radiation Sources and Procedures using Inspection Devices

• Introduction – Definitions

• Types of radiation sources

o X-ray

o g-sources

o b-sources

o n-sources

o Types of Devices

o Concluding Remarks

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Introduction - Definitions

• Inspection Imaging Device

– Designed for imaging persons or cargo

– To Detect concealed objects on or within the human body or cargo

• Inspection device

– Device using ionising radiation to Detect presence of drugs or explosives through detection of characteristic responses.

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Imaging Backscatter Vs Transmission

• Backscatter

– Uses radiation that is scattered or deflected to produce an image

– Lower dose

– Allows for scanning of concealed objects

• Transmission

– Conventional means where X-rays pass through target to create an image

– Allows for more detail and in depth imaging

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Types of Radiation Sources – X-Rays • Generated by

– X-ray tube : 70 – 450 kVp

– Linear Accelerator : 2 – 9 MeV

• Penetration Depth (depending on energy and density of the material)

– X-ray : < 100 mm

– Linear Accelerator : 200 – 400 mm

• Need for

– Electricity

– Shielding

• For Linear Accelerators

– Production of neutron and neutron capture reactions

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Types of Radiation Sources – g sources

• Uses g rays (137Cs, 60Co), typical activity up to 100 GBq.

• Penetration depth : 150 mm.

• Specific shielding is needed : up to 30 mSV/h at 1 m.

• Specific radiation protection procedures needed at all times.

• Radioactive decay calls for regular replacement of the source.

• Proper disposal of the source and end of life required.

• More and more replaced by X-ray technology.

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Types of Radiation Sources – b sources

• Electron capture device

• Detection of trace quantities of explosives and drugs by ion mobility spectrometry

• 63Ni source (555 MBq), low energy b

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Types of Radiation Sources – n sources

• Used for some applications

• Identifying specific (low Z) materials in cargo

• Often requires extensive shielding and radiation protection procedures

• Seen as a complementary tool with X-ray scanning

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Types of Inspection Devices Post room & Baggage scanners

o X-rays : 80 kVp – 160kVp

o Fixed systems

o Inspection zone : prevent access to screening area

o Interlocks : to prevent access to radiation areas

o Dose rate outside the machine is very low

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Types of Inspection Devices Bottle Scanners

• Multispectral X-rays

• Compared with a database of “threat” items

• 160 kVp

• Interlocks to prevent acces to radiation area

• Dose rate outside instrument < 1µSv/h at 10 cm

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Types Inspection Devices Handheld Backscatter

• Open beam, low energy (70 kVp), low dose rate backscatter X-rays

• Detection of organic threats, contrabands and explosives

• Exclusion zone in front of device

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Types of Inspection Devices Handheld Transmission

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• 40-70 kVp

• Live X-ray video

Types Inspection Devices Portable X-ray Units

• On-site examination

• Up to 300 kVp, pulse mode X-rays

• Exclusion zone around object needed

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Types Inspection Devices Narcotics and Explosives Detection

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• Detect trace quantities of explosives or drugs

• Uses 63Ni b source

• Based on swab or air sampling

Types Inspection Devices Vehicle and Cargo Scanners

• X-rays > 160 keV, often produced with linear accelerators

• Energy need depends on the size of the vehicle or cargo

• Fixed or relocatable systems

• Drive through systems Vs Mobile Systems

• Exclusion zones

• Specific shielding an radiation protection issues

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Fixed Cargo Scanners

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• High Energy (9 MeV)

• Large exclusion zone

• Driver not allowed in vehicle during inspection

Relocatable scanners

• Lower energy (~6 MeV)

• Require dedicated and prepared area

• Exclusion zone needed

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Mobile Scanners

• Low energy (~3 MeV)

• Built on a truck

• Exclusion zone needed in function of energy and size

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Drive Through Systems

• Higher throughput, driver can remain in vehicle

• System to avoid exposing driver (but no image of driver cabine)

• Energy : 3 – 6 MeV

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Questions ?

Even when in a hurry do not behave like this passenger

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