Integrated experimental and FLUKA simulation for enhanced radiation safety in open-ceiling radiographic testing...

Area of Science:

• Industrial Nondestructive Testing
• Radiation Safety Engineering
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Radiographic testing (RT) is vital for pipe weld integrity but faces radiation safety restrictions in open facilities.
• Current regulations limit irradiation direction and shielding, reducing productivity in open-ceiling RT setups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate radiation dose distributions in open-ceiling RT facilities under various conditions.
• To demonstrate that radiation safety compliance can be achieved without fully enclosed structures.
• To enhance inspection efficiency and industrial productivity.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis and on-site radiation measurements in an open-ceiling RT facility.
• Monte Carlo simulations using the FLUKA code to estimate radiation dose distributions.
• Experimental validation of simulation results through relative error analysis.

Main Results:

• Compliance with the public dose limit (1 µSv/h) was achieved even under stringent upward irradiation.
• Effective radiation control was demonstrated using a tungsten collimator and minimal lead shielding.
• Simulation results were validated against experimental measurements with acceptable relative errors.

Conclusions:

• Scientifically justified radiation safety frameworks are crucial for non-enclosed RT facilities.
• Operational flexibility and radiation safety are achievable in open-ceiling RT settings.
• The proposed approach significantly enhances inspection efficiency and industrial productivity without compromising safety.