Tungsten alloy radiation shielding

Why we need tungsten heavy alloy radiation shielding?

As medical science developing so repaid, there is more and more radiation in our life, which has become a new trouble, such as X-ray radiation, gamma radiation (energetic electromagnetic radiation), radiation of alpha particles (helium atoms) beta particles (electrons) and cosmic radiation, etc.

In order to protect patients and other people safe from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, such as breast cancer, skin cancer, etc. One type of excellent radiation-absorbing medium is badly needed.

Advantages of tungsten alloy radiation shielding

Experts find that radiation exposure could be reduced by maxing shielding. The density of a material is related to its radiation stopping ability. Higher density means better stopping power and shielding. Due to a higher density, tungsten heavy alloy has a much higher stopping power than lead. Its greater linear attenuation of gamma radiations means that less is required for equal shielding. Alternatively equal amounts of tungsten shielding provide diminished exposure risks than equivalent lead shielding.

Tungsten heavy alloy is a suitable raw material for radiation protection, as its combination of radiographic density (more than 60% denser than lead), machinability, good corrosion resistance, high radiation absorption (superior to lead), simplified life cycle and high strength. It can provide the same degree of protection as lead whilst significantly reducing the overall volume and thickness of shields and containers. Besides, compared with lead or depleted uranium in the past, tungsten heavy alloy is more acceptable in this case, for they are non-toxic.

Appliance for tungsten heavy alloy in radiation protection

The usage of tungsten heavy alloy in radiation protection is not subject to NRC, EPA, or special OSHA regulations, so it has been widely used, such as: