Custom NuWEP Shielding WallsRadiation shielding is a crucial element in a variety of settings, from medical facilities and industrial manufacturing to nuclear power plants and scientific research labs. Whether you’re protecting personnel, sensitive equipment, or the surrounding environment, effective shielding solutions are vital. Frontier Technologies stands out as an industry leader, delivering comprehensive, tailored radiation shielding designed to meet the unique needs of every client.

What Is Radiation Shielding?

Radiation shielding involves using specific materials and design techniques to prevent or significantly reduce radiation exposure. Radiation can be immensely beneficial (think of life-saving cancer treatments or industrial imaging processes) but it also poses serious risks without proper safeguards. Shielding limits harmful exposure by absorbing or deflecting radiation, preventing it from reaching workers, the public, or delicate instrumentation.

Why Does Radiation Shielding Matter?

Beyond essential safety concerns, adequate shielding ensures compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Agencies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have clear guidelines regarding radiation exposure limits. Staying within these boundaries isn’t just good practice, it’s legally required.

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Principles of Radiation Shielding & Protection

Effective radiation shielding operates on three fundamental principles: absorption, attenuation, and scattering. By strategically combining these principles, Frontier Technologies designs robust shielding solutions capable of efficiently protecting against diverse radiation types and intensities.

  • Absorption occurs when shielding materials convert radiation energy into heat, neutralizing harmful effects.
  • Attenuation refers to the gradual reduction in radiation intensity as it passes through shielding, primarily through absorption and scattering.
  • Scattering involves deflecting radiation from its original path, dispersing energy and minimizing exposure risk.

 

Types of Radiation and Their Shielding Requirements

Radiation comes in several distinct forms, each presenting unique challenges and necessitating specialized shielding solutions. Understanding these types of radiation and how to counteract them is essential to selecting and implementing the most effective shielding.

Nuclear Reactor Shielding

Neutron Radiation

Neutron radiation consists of high-energy, electrically neutral particles released primarily during nuclear reactions. Neutrons pose unique challenges because their neutrality allows deep penetration through most standard shielding materials. Effective neutron shielding relies on materials rich in hydrogen or substances capable of neutron absorption or moderation—such as polyethylene, borated polyethylene, or specially formulated concrete.

Frontier Technologies has developed innovative neutron shielding solutions, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) loaded with boron compounds or other neutron absorbers like cadmium. These solutions efficiently slow and capture neutron radiation, significantly reducing exposure in nuclear power plants, research labs, and defense applications.

Alpha Radiation

Alpha radiation consists of heavy, charged particles made up of two protons and two neutrons. While alpha particles can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, they have relatively low penetrating power and are easily stopped by common materials. A sheet of paper, a thin layer of plastic, or even standard clothing provides adequate protection.

Despite their low penetration, alpha particles require careful handling in certain scenarios, especially when dealing with radioactive sources in medical, laboratory, or industrial contexts. Frontier Technologies advises using lightweight shielding materials and maintaining robust procedural safeguards when working with alpha radiation sources.

Beta Radiation

Beta particles are lighter, high-energy electrons or positrons. They pose greater penetrating power compared to alpha radiation, necessitating thicker and denser shielding materials. Typically, beta radiation can be effectively blocked by materials like acrylic plastic, glass, or thin sheets of aluminum. However, higher energy beta emitters might demand thicker shielding layers.

When designing beta radiation shielding, Frontier Technologies assesses particle energy levels to recommend optimal thickness and materials. Our precise evaluations ensure maximum safety without unnecessary weight or cost burdens.

Gamma Radiation & X-Rays

Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation waves that can penetrate deeply into materials and tissues, posing significant health risks if exposure is not controlled. Gamma radiation shielding requires dense, high atomic-number materials like lead, tungsten, steel, or concrete. These materials efficiently absorb gamma radiation, dramatically reducing exposure levels.

In medical environments, such as radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging rooms, as well as nuclear facilities, gamma shielding is critical. Frontier Technologies offers lead-lined barriers, heavy-duty steel panels, and custom-made shielding structures tailored precisely to your operational requirements. We carefully calculate thicknesses based on radiation intensity and desired exposure limits, ensuring the optimal balance between protective efficiency and practicality.

The Best Radiation Shielding Materials

Frontier Technologies offers an extensive range of shielding products, each rigorously tested to ensure effectiveness and compliance.

Shielding is required any time a neutron source is in use or could come in contact with people. This includes shipping and transportation, short- or longer-term storage, as well as when the isotope is in use for nuclear or industrial applications.

Shielding containers and structures usually consist of a mix of materials that work together to block neutrons from escaping. Examples include:

  • Steel shipping/storage containers filled with NuWEP®, a specifically formulated water-extended polyethylene resin (WEP)
  • Shielding walls that incorporate concrete and panels filled with water
  • Other steel boxes or enclosures with WEP resin or concrete fillings

NuWEP – Water-Extended Polyethylene Resin

Neutrons are uncharged particles that can easily pass through dense materials, such as lead, reducing the level of protection. Instead, hydrogen-rich materials, such as water and water-extended polyethylene resin, are more effective at blocking neutrons. For this reason, they are regularly used as nuclear shielding materials.

WEP resin encases materials and creates a strong, effective barrier around the material to protect anyone nearby and the surrounding environment from the hazards of neutron source exposure.

Our Radiation Shielding Products

The goal of shielding is to prevent neutrons from reaching people or objects in their path and to mitigate bodily harm and damage to equipment or structures. In order to stop a neutron, as much of its kinetic energy as possible must be transferred to another particle of similar mass. This reduces the speed at which the neutron travels or stops it outright, a process called thermalizing.

At the atomic level, hydrogen is the most effective material for shielding neutrons. This is because neutrons and protons have a similar mass, so when a neutron hits a single proton (e.g., a hydrogen nucleus), kinetic energy is transferred and the neutron slows or stops. Therefore, materials containing high levels of hydrogen tend to be the best to use for fast neutron shielding.

Heavy metals, such as lead, are not used in neutron shielding. The high density of lead means its nuclei are very heavy, far heavier than neutrons. As a result, instead of transferring their kinetic energy upon collision with lead nuclei, neutrons do not stop and continue to pass through the material. Another important element in shielding is boron, which readily absorbs neutrons.

Custom Radiation Protection Solutions

Every project is unique, demanding tailored solutions. At Frontier Technologies, we specialize in custom-designed radiation shielding systems crafted precisely to meet client specifications. Our experts collaborate closely with your team, assessing each facility’s unique radiation sources, regulatory compliance needs, and operational constraints to develop optimized shielding strategies. From initial consultation through engineering, manufacturing, and installation, our holistic approach ensures excellence at every stage.

Learn More About Shielding of Ionizing Radiation

When working with neutron-emitting sources, safety, and therefore shielding, are paramount. At Frontier Technology Corporation, we provide encapsulated Cf-252 neutron sources as well as the shielding solutions to safeguard your employees and your facility. Please contact us to learn more about our custom shielding walls, type A shipping containers, as well as our encapsulated Cf-252 neutron sources.

 

 

How do I determine what type of shielding my facility needs?

Neutron emissions are a serious threat in many industries. WEP resin offers a versatile and cost-effective way to mitigate that risk and protect employees. The following industries use nuclear shielding in some form:

– Nuclear Reactors
– Defense & Homeland Security (Border Crossings/Airports)
– Laboratories & Research
– Packaging & Transportation
– Medical/Health
– Bulk Material (Coal/Cement) Analysis
– Oil Well Logging
– Power Plants

What are the common issues caused by radiation exposure?

Radiation exposure’s effects depend on the dose, the type of radiation, the duration, and the part of the body affected. Proper protective measures and safety protocols are crucial to minimizing these risks. Some common health issues caused by radiation exposure include:

– Acute Radiation Sickness (ARS)
– Cancer
– Skin Burns and Damage
– Cataracts
– Infertility
– Thyroid Problems
– Genetic Damage
– Weakened Immune System
– Heart and Lung Disease

How should you dispose of spent radioactive materials?

As a responsible manufacturer of radioactive substances, we are committed to following all regulatory policies governing proper disposal. This is why we offer free disposal services to all our customers: any depleted californium-252 neutron source fabricated in our facility can be returned to us at any time. Customers need only pay for shipping. Learn more about our disposal procedure, policies, and the benefits of responsible neutron source return.

Frontier shielding walls meet industry standards, including 10CFR50 Appendix B, IAEA Special Form Certification, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) regulations, NIST-traceable requirements, ISO 2919, and ANSI 97E6644, 97E6X644, 97E66543, and 97E66344

About Frontier Technology Corporation

Frontier Technology Corporation (FTC) is the world leader in californium-252 neutron source manufacturing and design, and is the foremost expert in logistics and shipping of radioactive material. Founded in 1984 by Treva Janzow and the late Edward Janzow, Frontier Technology is located in Xenia, Ohio. Frontier Technology has over 40 years industry experience in providing the highest-quality neutron sources, PINS sources, nuclear start-up rods, TYPE-A shipping containers, WEP shielding, and antimony-beryllium pellets.

Get To Know Frontier

 

Type-A Neutron Shipping Containers

Frontier designs and fabricates “Type-A” shipping packages of various sizes, shielding, capacities, and configurations for use, rental, or purchase by our customers. All packages are designed and constructed in-house to ensure that the highest quality standards are met.

Type-A Shipping Containers

WEP: The Best Neutron Shielding Material

WEP resin is a newer shielding choice valued for water’s high hydrogen availability. Due to its high content of large, neutron blocking hydrogen molecules, WEP is a highly effective shielding material. It also contains boron, an element that absorbs neutrons and adds additional shielding capability. WEP resin is strong, versatile, durable, and offers better neutron shielding performance than some high-density options.

WEP: The Best Neutron Shielding Material

Nuclear Shielding Applications

Neutron radiation poses significant danger to people, structures, devices, and equipment exposed to it; therefore, effective neutron shielding is critical. In plants, labs, and other buildings where neutron sources and equipment are used, shielding walls are an excellent way to protect against neutron radiation.

Nuclear Shielding Applications