Custom Radiation Shielding

Adelphi Technology would be happy to advise you regarding your shielding needs and can provide custom shielding solutions specifically tailored to application, if required. This typically involves designing the general concept, taking into account detectors and radiation safety and then performing the neutron transport calculations using either monte carlo neutral particle (mcnp®) code or GEANT4 (Geometry ANd Tracking), to simulate the effectiveness of the shielding and modifications can then be made to ensure adequate shielding (either to detectors or to people) is achieved. Various options exist for shielding materials. Common choices include High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Borated or Lithiated HDPE. The Boron or Lithium is a strong neutron absorber. Boron has a higher neutron absorption cross section, but emits a characteristic gamma ray line which can be problematic in some circumstances, in which case lithium is used, but lithium has a lower neutron absorption cross section. Lead is also frequently used to shield out x-rays which can also be made by the generator. Alternatives to these materials include concrete and stainless steel plating.

Low-yield neutron generators require minimal shielding, a few inches of plastic a few inches of plastic and/or a small exclusion zone.

The higher yield generators such as those used for neutron radiography or Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) typically require a dedicated facility or siting in a pre-existing radiation vault. The higher yield generators typically require more power and facilities.