Radiation hazard category of industrial electron linear accelerators

As a kind of high energy radiation source, industrial electron linear accelerator is widely used in medical, scientific research, industry and other fields. However, the radiation generated during its operation is potentially harmful to the human body and the environment. This paper will discuss in detail the types of radiation hazards of industrial electron linear accelerators in order to improve people's awareness and prevention awareness of this problem.

First, direct radiation hazards

 

Direct radiation hazard refers to the hazard caused by the radiation generated during the operation of the accelerator directly irradiating to the human body or objects. The radiation produced by industrial electron linAC mainly includes electron beam, X-ray and induced radioactivity.

 

Electron beam hazard

An electron linac produces a high-energy beam by accelerating electrons. Under normal circumstances, the electron beam inside the accelerator is strictly controlled inside the target or other components, and will not leak directly into the external environment. However, under accident conditions, such as accelerator equipment failure or improper operation, the electron beam may pass through structures such as thin film Windows and become a higher energy external electron beam with a longer range in the air. At this time, if unrelated personnel enter the equipment room, they may be irradiated by electron beams or scattered electrons, causing skin burns, eye damage, and even life danger.

 

X-ray hazard

When the electron linear accelerator is running, the charged particles that are accelerated are drawn from the vacuum region of the accelerator and interact with the impacted matter to produce X-rays. This ray is extremely penetrating and can penetrate human tissues and cause damage to cells. Long-term exposure or exposure to large doses of X-rays within a short period of time may lead to serious consequences such as skin lesions, hematopoietic system damage, and immune system function decline. In addition, X-rays may also cause damage to surrounding equipment and affect production safety.

Induced radiation hazard

Induced radioactivity refers to the radioactive substances produced by the interaction of particles such as neutrons and gamma rays with substances during the operation of the accelerator. These radioactive materials will release radiation during the decay process, causing potential harm to the human body and the environment. Induced radioactive substances have a long half-life, and once produced, they will continue to release rays for a long time, increasing the difficulty of protection.

 

Second, indirect radiation hazards

 

Indirect radiation hazards refer to the secondary hazards to the surrounding environment caused by the radiation generated during the operation of the accelerator. This kind of harm is often invisible, but it is also potentially threatening.

 

Ozone and nitrogen oxide hazards

When the electron linear accelerator is running, X-rays interact with the air to produce small amounts of ozone and nitrogen oxides. Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent that is irritating to the human respiratory tract and eyes, and long-term exposure may lead to chronic respiratory diseases. Nitrogen oxides can cause acute poisoning in humans, damaging the respiratory and circulatory systems. Therefore, during the operation of the accelerator, effective ventilation measures need to be taken to reduce the concentration of ozone and nitrogen oxides.

 

Electromagnetic radiation hazard

The industrial electron linear accelerator will produce electromagnetic radiation during its operation. Although the electromagnetic radiation intensity of the electron linear accelerator is relatively low, long-term exposure may still cause adverse effects on the human nervous system and endocrine system. In addition, electromagnetic radiation may also interfere with the normal operation of surrounding electronic equipment, affecting production safety.

 

Third, prevention and response measures

 

In view of the radiation hazards of industrial electronic linear accelerators, a series of preventive and countermeasures should be taken to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

 

Strengthen equipment maintenance and overhaul

Maintain and overhaul the accelerator equipment regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition. For faulty or abnormal equipment, timely investigation and repair should be conducted to prevent the occurrence of radiation leakage accidents.

 

Strictly follow the operating procedures

Accelerator operators should receive professional training and be familiar with equipment performance and operating procedures. During the operation, it should be carried out in strict accordance with the regulations to avoid the occurrence of radiation accidents caused by operational errors.

 

Take effective protective measures

Radiation shielding facilities are installed in the accelerator room to reduce the possibility of radiation leakage. At the same time, operators are equipped with protective clothing, protective glasses and other personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of direct radiation hazards.

 

Strengthen environmental monitoring and early warning

Radiation monitoring points are set up around the accelerator room to monitor radiation levels in real time. When the radiation level exceeds the safety limit, the early warning mechanism should be activated in time and corresponding measures should be taken to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

 

Iv. Conclusion

 

As a kind of high energy radiation source, the radiation hazard of industrial electron linear accelerator cannot be ignored. Through in-depth understanding of their radiation hazard categories and characteristics, we can take effective prevention and response measures to reduce the risk of radiation accidents. At the same time, strengthening personnel training and improving safety awareness are also important ways to prevent radiation hazards. In the future, with the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, we will further research and develop safer and more efficient industrial electronic linear accelerator technology to contribute to the sustainable development of mankind.