In CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, tungsten alloy shielding components play a vital role in radiation protection, beam control, and imaging optimization. Below is an explanation of how tungsten alloy shielding works in CT scanners, along with its specific applications:
- Shielding Radiation Leakage
Working Principle:
- When a CT scanner operates, the X-ray tube emits high-energy X-rays, but not all of these rays are used for imaging. Excess radiation may leak, posing a hazard to the operator and the environment.
- Tungsten alloy shielding, due to its high density (16–19 g/cm³) and high atomic number (74), can absorb most of the X-rays, attenuating the radiation to safe levels.
Specific Applications:
- X-ray Tube Shielding: Tungsten alloy surrounds the X-ray tube, preventing scattered radiation from leaking outside the device.
- Internal Shielding: Multiple layers of tungsten alloy shielding are placed inside the CT machine to minimize radiation exposure to the surrounding environment.
- Beam Collimation and Control
Working Principle:
- Tungsten alloy’s high density and precision machining make it an ideal material for collimators, which are used to limit the angle and range of X-ray emission, focusing the beams on the specific area to be scanned.
- By reducing scattered and unnecessary radiation interference, tungsten alloy collimators can precisely control the shape and intensity of the X-ray beam.
Specific Applications:
- Collimator Components:
- Located at the X-ray tube’s exit, they produce a narrow, focused beam, optimizing imaging quality.
- Multi-leaf collimators can dynamically adjust the shape of the beam to suit various scanning protocols.
- Detector Front Shielding:
- Tungsten alloy shielding is placed in front of the CT detector to reduce the impact of scattered radiation, improving image contrast and clarity.
- Improving Imaging Quality
Working Principle:
- CT imaging relies on X-rays passing through the body and being received by detectors. Scattered or excess radiation can lead to image noise and blurring.
- Tungsten alloy shielding can optimize the X-ray path, reducing interference from non-target radiation, thus improving image clarity and accuracy.
Specific Applications:
- Imaging Area Shielding Plates:
- These shields block unnecessary radiation from reaching non-target areas, concentrating the beam on the scan region.
- Protective Ring Structure:
- Tungsten alloy is used to construct ring-shaped shields within the CT scanner’s rotating gantry, reducing internal scattered radiation.
- Protecting Equipment and Personnel
Working Principle:
- Tungsten alloy shielding prevents radiation from damaging sensitive components inside the CT machine, such as detectors and circuit boards, while also protecting healthcare workers and patients from excessive radiation exposure.
Specific Applications:
- Operator Protection:
- Tungsten alloy shielding is embedded within the outer casing of the CT machine to prevent radiation from leaking into the operator’s area.
- Patient Protection:
- Shielding devices are placed on non-scanning body parts of patients, reducing their overall radiation exposure.
- Extending Equipment Lifespan
Working Principle:
- The electronic components and detectors in CT machines are sensitive to radiation, and prolonged exposure can degrade their performance. Tungsten alloy shielding helps protect these components from direct radiation exposure, preserving the integrity of the equipment.
Specific Applications:
- Shielding is strategically placed around detectors and circuit boards to minimize radiation-induced damage.
Typical Tungsten Alloy Shielding Components in CT Scanners:
- X-ray Tube Shielding:
- Surrounds the X-ray tube to prevent high-energy radiation leakage.
- Collimators:
- Precisely restrict the angle and shape of the X-ray beam.
- Detector Front Shielding:
- Reduces scattered radiation’s effect on image quality.
- Built-in Shielding Ring:
- Tungsten alloy shielding is used in the rotating gantry of the CT scanner to minimize internal scattered radiation.
- Outer Casing Shielding:
- Embedded shielding layer in the outer casing to protect the environment and personnel.
Conclusion
Tungsten alloy shielding in CT scanners plays a critical role in preventing radiation leakage, controlling the X-ray beam, enhancing imaging quality, and protecting both equipment and personnel. Its excellent physical properties make it an indispensable material in modern CT machines, ensuring both safety and optimal imaging results.
Customized R&D and Production of Tungsten, Molybdenum Products
Chinatungsten Online and CTIA GROUP LTD have been working in the tungsten industry for nearly 30 years, specializing in flexible customization of tungsten and molybdenum products worldwide, which are tungsten and molybdenum design, R&D, production, and overall solution integrators with high visibility and credibility worldwide.
Chinatungsten Online and CTIA GROUP LTD provide products mainly including: tungsten oxide products, such as tungstates such as APT/WO3; tungsten powder and tungsten carbide powder; tungsten metal products such as tungsten wire, tungsten ball, tungsten bar, tungsten electrode, etc.; high-density alloy products, such as dart rods, fishing sinkers, automotive tungsten crankshaft counterweights, mobile phones, clocks and watches, tungsten alloy shielding materials for radioactive medical equipment, etc.; tungsten silver and tungsten copper products for electronic appliances. Cemented carbide products include cutting tools such as cutting, grinding, milling, drilling, planing, wear-resistant parts, nozzles, spheres, anti-skid spikes, molds, structural parts, seals, bearings, high-pressure and high-temperature resistant cavities, top hammers, and other standard and customized high-hardness, high-strength, strong acid and alkali resistant high-performance products. Molybdenum products include molybdenum oxide, molybdenum powder, molybdenum and alloy sintering materials, molybdenum crucibles, molybdenum boats, TZM, TZC, molybdenum wires, molybdenum heating belts, molybdenum spouts, molybdenum copper, molybdenum tungsten alloys, molybdenum sputtering targets, sapphire single crystal furnace components, etc.
For more information about tungsten alloy products, please visit the website: http://www.tungsten-alloy.com/
If you are interested in related products, please contact us:
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com|
Tel: +86 592 5129696 / 86 592 5129595
