Gammacell irradiation unit
Introduction:
The
Gammacell irradiation lab was established in
1988 as a research facility provided by the department of physics at the
University of Qatar to serve for advanced research projects. It makes use
of a Gammacell 220 (industrial irradiator) unit originally manufactured by
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) but is now part of
MDS Nordion International. The Gammacell 220 is designed as a general
purpose research irradiator. A large irradiation chamber (3.7 L) and
selectable activity range make the Gammacell 220 versatile. The Special
Form cobalt-60 sources used in the Gammacell 220 are double encapsulated
in stainless steel and held in a source cage.
The facility covers
all aspects of gamma irradiation and is provided by an experienced staff
to users from various departments of the University of Qatar and its
research centres, as well as to others from the governmental and
industrial sectors.
Head
of the Gammacell Irradiation Unit:
Prof. Ilham Y. Al-Qaradawi,
professor of Physics, College of Arts and Science, Qatar University.
Technical staff:
Mr. Ahmed Edrees
Capabilities:
The cell comprises a
large 3.7 litre sample chamber, which can accommodate samples of about
150mm diameter x 200mm height. Doses ranging from 0.25 kGy (0.025 Mrad)
are achievable at an approximate dose rate of; 3 kGy/h (0.3 Mrad/h).
Accessories are available to facilitate the use of a lower dose rate if
this is required in some applications.
Applications:
The Gammacell 220 is
for high dose studies. It can be used in a wide variety of research areas including:
1.Changing and improving properties of materials (polymers)
2.Radiation damage to electronics (total ionizing dose)
3.Sterilization (organisms, soils)
4.Crystalline effects (geology)
5.Food irradiation
6.Medical, for testing pacemakers, whose wearers may be exposed to medical
X-rays
7.Space studies, such as an enhanced space radiation environment
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