Speakers
Description
Shielding against ionizing radiation intends to protect workers, and public against ionizing radiation exposure, and prevents it adverse effect. Shielding designs are based on calculated assumptions (workload, use factor, occupancy, distance, beam quality). After installation and during operation, facilities must verify that radiation levels outside the room remain within acceptable limits and that there are no localized weaknesses (e.g., door-frame gaps, service penetrations). This undergraduate graduation project will implement and compare four practical shielding verification methods and produce a decision guide for clinical use.
Study problem
The main study problem regarding X-ray room shielding design is usually surrounded by working areas that may increase the ambient dose. Therefore, ensuring adequate protection for primary and secondary radiation beams, correctly calculating required materials (like lead, concrete, barium plaster), addressing leakage in non-beam areas (doors, windows, floors), accounting for varying X-ray energy/usage. It is important also to verify the current usage of working areas to ensure that it comply with the regulatory needs.
Aim
To implement and compare four shielding verification methods for diagnostic X-ray rooms and recommend when each method is most appropriate.
Objectives
1. Evaluate the current standardized protocol (measurement points, geometry, settings, repeat rules).
2. Determine precise shielding thickness efficiency based on X-ray energy, workload, occupancy factors, and distance using four methods.
3. Compare methods based on: leakage detection sensitivity, representativeness of real workload, uncertainty, time/cost, and operational feasibility.
4. Produce a concise decision matrix and a final thesis report.
5. Link the shielding design with annual occupational and public radiation exposure