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A lack of data concerning tungsten-based medical shields, specifically unit dose transport pigs, may lead to unnecessary exposure to medical personnel. Available research comparing lead to sintered tungsten shows that tungsten is approximately 1.5 - 10.0 times more effective as a radiation shield. However, this research lacks high-energy vs. low-energy photon response. It also does not examine specific isotopes used in the nuclear pharmacy industry. If an accurate set of models could be made for these pigs, then extensive shielding tests could be done in simulations, with no health hazard present. A series of physical measurements of exposure rates were done using both high-energy and low- energy gamma emitters in various transport pigs used in the radio- pharmaceutical industry. Simulation models were also constructed using Monte Carlo n-Particle version 5. There was a close correlation between the Monte-Carlo simulations and calculated values. The models appear to phsycially behave as expected and may provide a fundamental basis for more focused dose rate studies utilizing Monte-Carlo simulations. The physical experiment did not support the calculated data but could provide a methodological starting point for future experimenters who wish to perform similar measurements in a more controlled environment. |
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