C11: Leak Test

Sealed Source Definition and Purpose

• A sealed source is a radioactive material encased in an inactive container to prevent leakage of radiation.
• It is designed to contain radioactivity safely and mitigate exposure to radiation hazards.

Forms of Sealed Sources

• The plated source generally takes a thin layer of radioactive material applied to a substrate.
• Capsule forms encase the radioactive material in a protective shell, ensuring safety and containment.

Characteristics of Capsule Form

• The capsule form is characterized by robust materials to hold radioactive material securely.
• This design protects against environmental factors and minimizes the risk of leakage.

Example of Capsule Form

• An example of a capsule form sealed source is a cesium-137 source used in medical applications.

Purpose of Sealing

• Sealing the radioactive source in an inactive capsule provides containment, prevents contamination, and enhances user safety.
• It limits the risk of exposure to both the environment and individuals handling the source.

Leak Test Purpose

• The leak test is conducted to check for any potential leakage of radioactive material from the sealed source.
• This ensures that the sealed sources remain safe and do not pose a contamination risk.

Exempted Sources from Leak Test

• Sealed sources with low levels of radioactivity, defined under specific safety regulations, are exempted from leak testing.

Potential Causes of Leakage

• Leakage may arise from manufacturing defects, corrosion of the capsule, or physical damage to the sealed source.

Non-Radioactive Leak Test Method

• A non-radioactive leak test typically employs a liquid scintillation counting method to detect contamination.

Swabs/Wipes Location for Leak Detection

• Swabs or wipes are conducted on surfaces around the sealed source and on the source itself to identify potential leaks or contamination.

Record-Keeping Duration for Leak Test Results

• The recommended duration for retaining leak test results is typically three years, ensuring compliance and safety tracking.

Suitable Material for Wet Wipe Test

• Suitable materials for conducting a wet wipe (smear) test include soft tissue or cloth soaked in a solvent that can dissolve contaminants.

Threshold for Confirming Leak

• A threshold for confirming a leak during the wipe test is generally set at detecting a specific amount of radioactive material, indicating significant contamination.

Test your knowledge about sealed source leak tests and safety measures with this quiz. Learn about the definition of sealed sources and the importance of preventing dispersion of radioactive substances.