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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

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

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 1 inch (25.4 mm) thick.

  • Pipeline Weld Inspection
  • Structural Integrity Assessment
  • Corrosion Monitoring
  • Effective for a steel thickness range of 10 mm to 90 mm

Technical Specifications

Half-Life 73.83 Days
Gamma Energy Range 206–612 keV
Exposure Rate Constant 469 mR·m2/hr·Ci
Decays to Platinum-192 (Pt-192)

Shielding Reference

Material Density (g/cm3) Half-Value Thickness (HVT)
Lead 11.34 5.1 mm
Steel 7.80 13.0 mm
Concrete 2.35 43.2 mm
Tungsten 17.80 3.3 mm

Compatible Projectors

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

Did You Know?

We offer Enriched Iridium-192 for customers requiring smaller focal spot sizes and similar contrast, leading to exceptional image sharpness in precision inspections.

Selenium-75

Key Applications & Advantages

Se-75 has a reduced energy output, which provides superior radiographic contrast sensitivity for thinner materials, making it the ideal choice for small components and certain 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
  • Best paired with the Exertus CIRCA for Close Proximity Radiography (CPR)

Technical Specifications

Half-Life 119.8 Days (Longer life than Ir-192)
Gamma Energy Range 66-401 keV
Exposure Rate Constant 0.20 R·m2/hr·Ci
Steel Thickness Range 5–30 mm

Shielding Reference

Material Density (g/cm3) Half-Value Thickness (HVT)
Lead 11.34 1.0 mm
Steel 7.80 8.0 mm
Aluminium 2.65 27.0 mm
Tungsten 17.80 0.8 mm

Compatible Projectors

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

Best Practice Note

Due to its lower energy, Se-75 allows for significantly smaller controlled area footprints on site, improving safety and inspection efficiency in congested work areas.

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.

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.

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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