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Answer to Question #8929 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Basics — Radiation Shielding The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I've been told that some linear accelerators contain depleted uranium in their shielding materials, but that modern linacs do not. We have Varian 2100 series linacs with 6-18 MV energies. What models or types of accelerators contain depleted uranium? A
Depleted uranium (DU) is a byproduct of the nuclear fuel enrichment process. It is abundant and inexpensive. The chemical and physical properties of DU make it ideal for several applications. It is 67 percent denser than lead, has a high melting point (2070° F, 1132° C), and has a tensile strength comparable with that of most steels. Since it is cheaper than tungsten and denser than lead, it is an ideal compact shielding material for applications where space is a premium. DU metal and DU-metal alloys are commonly used as shielding and collimator material in industrial radiographic imaging and gauging devices and in medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices that contain radiation sources or medical linear accelerators. However, as I mentioned above, there are more expensive alternatives to DU and in the light of costs and regulatory issues regarding disposal of "radioactive" material, hospitals or industries that use such devices may opt for buying devices that do not contain DU.To determine what types and models of accelerators contain DU, I suggest you ask the manufacturer of these accelerators directly. Best regards, Kamran Vaziri
Answer posted on 19 March 2010. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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