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GammaTec

Isotopes

Industrial Isotope Sources

Industrial Isotope Sources

The backbone of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for critical infrastructure.

Half-Life:

Energy Range:

Thickness Range:

Key Applications & Advantages

Key Technical Specifications

Shielding Reference

Compatible Projectors

Looking for Selenium-75 or Iridium-192?

Complete a quick 2-minute form for our sales team to get back to you with a comprehensive quotation.

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Radiography Exposure & Safety Considerations

Optimal radiographic results and site safety depend on balancing several key factors related to the chosen isotope source and the material being inspected.

Source Strength

Higher activity shortens the required exposure time but increases the required safety distance.

Material Density

Heavier alloys or thicker sections require either a longer exposure time or a stronger source.

Focal Spot Size

Smaller focal spots enhance image resolution but may require longer exposure times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paperwork do I need to submit?

Required documentation often includes:

  • Export Permit
  • Authorization to ship Radioactive material (when sending projectors to South Africa for loading)
  • Purchase Order and/or Payment confirmation
  • Permit/license to use, possess and convey Radioactive material
  • Permit/license to Import Radioactive material
How does half-life work?

The half-life is the time required for one half (50%) of the unstable material to degrade into a more stable material.

Example: A 100 Ci source reduces to 50 Ci after one half-life. Ir-192 has a half-life of about 74 days; Se-75 is about 120 days.

Repairs & Services

Gammatec offers repair, service, and maintenance on a wide range of RT Projectors and Equipment.

Customers can use the Interactive Calibration Management System (CMS) online portal to track their equipment.

Sources Disposal

Gammatec NDT Supplies in South Africa will accept back all sources supplied by us for safe disposal.

Sources from Foreign Suppliers:

Depleted sources *may* be accepted for disposal on condition that replacement sources are purchased.

Industrial Isotope Sources

Industrial Isotope Sources

The backbone of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for critical infrastructure.

Comprehensive Comparison Matrix

Compare technical specifications side-by-side to determine the optimal isotope for your specific material thickness, density, and exposure requirements. Note: Cs-137 is listed here representing the standard heavy isotope requested.

Specification Selenium-75 (Se-75) Iridium-192 (Ir-192) Cesium-137 (Cs-137) Cobalt-60 (Co-60)
Half-Life 119.8 Days 73.83 Days 30.17 Years 5.27 Years
Gamma Energy Range 66–401 keV 206–612 keV 662 keV 1.17 - 1.33 MeV
Optimal Steel Thickness 5–30 mm 10–90 mm 20–80 mm 50–150 mm
Exposure Rate Constant 0.20 R·m²/hr·Ci 0.469 R·m²/hr·Ci 0.33 R·m²/hr·Ci 1.30 R·m²/hr·Ci
HVT (Lead) 1.0 mm 5.1 mm 6.5 mm 12.0 mm
HVT (Concrete) ~22.0 mm 43.2 mm 48.0 mm 60.5 mm

Selenium-75

Key Applications & Advantages

Se-75 has a reduced energy output, providing superior radiographic contrast sensitivity for thinner materials, ideal for small components and vessel inspections.

  • Optimized for steel thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm
  • Lower energy spectrum means improved shielding effectiveness
  • Delivers sharp, superior quality images in its range

Compatible Projectors

  • Exertus: Dual 120, Fortes, Circa (Ideal for CPR), RidSe4P, ITS
  • Sentinel 880 Series (Suitable with adapter)
Selenium-75 (Se75) Brochure

Iridium-192

Key Applications & Advantages

Ir-192 is the industry standard, excelling at inspecting dense or thick-walled materials. It provides better contrast sensitivity for materials around 25.4 mm thick.

  • Pipeline Weld Inspection
  • Structural Integrity Assessment
  • Effective for steel thickness from 10 mm to 90 mm

Compatible Projectors

  • Exertus: Dual 60, Dual 120, Fortes, ITS
  • Sentinel 880 Series, INC IR-100, Teletron, SPEC 2-T
Iridium-192 (Ir192) Brochure

Cesium-137

Key Applications & Advantages

Cs-137 features an exceptionally long half-life, making it ideal for long-term fixed installations, material density gauging, and concrete profiling where regular source replacement is impractical.

  • Highly effective for density and moisture gauging
  • Concrete structure and rebar mapping
  • 30-year half-life ensures consistent radiation flux over decades

Compatible Equipment

  • Specialized process control gauges & density meters
  • Concrete crawlers & selected pipeline inspection systems
Cesium-137 (Cs137) Brochure

Cobalt-60

Key Applications & Advantages

Co-60 emits extreme, high-energy gamma rays designed for penetrating massive, highly dense components. It is the definitive choice for heavy foundry work and extreme infrastructure.

  • Inspection of heavy steel castings and massive forgings
  • Penetrates steel easily from 50 mm up to 150 mm
  • Requires specialized heavy shielding and substantial controlled areas

Compatible Projectors

  • Exertus Dual 120 (with heavy Tungsten shielding configurations)
  • Heavy-duty fixed installation Co-60 exposure devices
Cobalt-60 (Co60) Brochure

Need to Order Industrial Isotopes?

Complete a quick 2-minute form for our sales team to get back to you with a comprehensive quotation covering sourcing, logistics, and delivery.

Request a Quote

Radiography Exposure & Safety Considerations

Optimal radiographic results and site safety depend on balancing several key factors related to the chosen isotope source and the material being inspected.

Source Strength

Higher activity shortens the required exposure time but significantly increases the required safety distance (controlled area radius) needed on site.

Material Density

Heavier alloys or thicker sections require either a longer exposure time or a stronger source to achieve adequate film density and contrast.

Focal Spot Size

Smaller focal spots enhance image resolution but decrease radiation flux, potentially requiring longer exposure times to maintain film quality.

Emergency Procedures & Documentation

Quickly access and download critical documentation for emergency shipping and source retrieval protocols.

Emergency Shipping Plugs

Download the official notice and procedure guide regarding emergency shipping plugs.

Emergency Source Retrievals

Access the detailed operating manuals and procedures for emergency source retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paperwork do I need to submit?

Required documentation often includes:

  • Export Permit
  • Authorization to ship Radioactive material when sending projectors to South Africa for loading (Approved by Gammatec representative)
  • Purchase Order and/or Payment confirmation
  • Permit/license to use, possess and convey Radioactive material for Industrial use
  • Permit/license to Import Radioactive material
How does half-life work?

The decay of radioactive elements occurs at a fixed rate. The half-life of a radioisotope is the time required for one half (50%) of the unstable material to degrade into a more stable material.

For instance, if a new source has an activity of 100 Ci, after one half-life, its activity is reduced by 50% to 50 Ci. After two half-lives, it will have an activity of 25 Ci, and so on. Half-lives vary greatly; for example, Cobalt-60 (Co-60) has a half-life of about 5 years, while Iridium-192 (Ir-192) is about 74 days, and Selenium-75 (Se-75) is about 120 days.

Repairs & Services

Gammatec maintains a World-class Mechanical Workshop in South Africa with experienced technicians for repair, service, and maintenance on a wide range of RT Projectors, Equipment, and Accessories.

Customers can also use the Interactive Calibration Management System (CMS) online portal to assist in tracking their equipment sent for repair or calibration.

Sources Disposal

This is to confirm that Gammatec NDT Supplies SOC Ltd in South Africa will accept back all sources supplied by us for safe disposal.

Sources from Foreign Suppliers:

Depleted Ir-192 and Se-75 sources from foreign suppliers *may* be accepted for safe disposal by Gammatec, on condition that replacement sources are purchased on a one-for-one basis. Acceptance is based on applicable South African Import/Export regulations at the time of the request.

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