The Design of ⁶⁰Co Container for Gamma Ray Radiography System

Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in radiography systems as they have many advantages for imaging. For example, the intensity and spatial distribution of the gamma ray emitted are stable. The energy of gamma photons is fairly identical for most frequently used isotopes. The operation and maintenance are easy and require less energy. However, they are difficulties in their application in therms of radiation protection and safety. To solve this problem, it’s very important to develop a fully functional, properly radiation protected, safe and reliable working and storage container for the radioactive source. In the ⁶⁰Co highprecision industrial CT system, based on the corresponding national standards, the ⁶⁰Co working and storage container was successfully developed by specific design of structure, shielding and security. The air absorbed dose rate was 170 μGy/h at 5 cm distance from the container surface and 5 μGy/h at 1 m distance according to actual measurements. The container has full function, easy operation, robust construction and multiple safety measures. It meets requirements of the system and ensures operator’s safety very well.