Abstract
The Mahlo Gravimat densitometers/gauges located at the Feltex carpet factory in Christchurch, New Zealand, contain the radionuclide strontium-90 (Sr-90). Accurate dose/dose rate estimation is always an important concern from a radiation protection point of view. The EGSnrc/BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code was used to create a model of one gauge to determination of the radiation dose distributions and dose rates in air from the Sr-90 source within the gauge. The model was then modified to include a Perspex shield on the surface of the gauge as a possible method of lowering the radiation levels. With this addition, the model predicted an overall reduction in dose rates of 30%. Although no experimental benchmarking was able to be performed due to simplifications in the model and the lack of reliable experimental data, we believe that Monte Carlo methods could be a valuable addition in the design process of any devices, industrial or otherwise, that contain or use radioactive materials. Furthermore, such methods may aide or guide any investigations undertaken as part of radiation protection surveys.
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