Collimated Detector Layout for Real-Time Radiation Dose Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying radiation dose in large volumes of products are time-consuming, prone to errors, and fail to distinguish between errors originating from the product or the irradiation system, leading to inefficient and potentially harmful over- or under-irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a series of detectors with collimators positioned to face a radiation source, measuring radiation dose in real-time by comparing signals from multiple detectors to determine if errors originate from the product or the irradiation system, ensuring accurate dose verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detector is placed behind the product to measure radiation dose, then real-time dose verification is enabled, but it cannot distinguish whether errors originate from the product or the irradiation system
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two separate detector positions: one detector measures the radiation beam before it interacts with the product (reference measurement), while another detector measures the beam after passing through the product (transmitted measurement). This segmentation allows the system to compare the two measurements and determine whether deviations originate from the product or the irradiation system, thereby resolving the information loss problem.
2Reliability
If a detector is placed in front of the product to analyze the emerging beam, then irradiation system problems can be detected, but the distance between the x-ray converter and conveyor must be increased, decreasing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both the reference beam (for system monitoring) and the transmitted beam (for product dose verification). By using the same detector for both purposes at different time points or positions, the system achieves reliable irradiation system monitoring without requiring additional detectors that would necessitate increased distance and energy loss.
3Productivity
If a detector is placed directly behind the x-ray converter, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the detector experiences rapid saturation and temperature rise, decreasing sensitivity and requiring heavier cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the reference beam before the product is irradiated. This preliminary action allows the detector to capture the full beam intensity without saturation, and then use this reference data to calculate the transmitted dose through the product. By separating the high-intensity reference measurement from the product measurement, the detector avoids rapid saturation and temperature rise while maintaining sensitivity.
4Measurement precision
If standard calibration and verification practices are used to ensure appropriate radiation dose, then dose accuracy can be confirmed, but the process becomes time-consuming and incomplete as it verifies dose at only one single point of the pallet
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the radiation beam throughout the entire irradiation process using detectors positioned to capture the transmitted beam. This continuous measurement provides real-time verification of the radiation dose delivered to the product, replacing the traditional discontinuous point-check method. The continuous action enables complete pallet verification without increasing time consumption, as measurements occur during normal irradiation operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time detection and differentiation of errors, reducing the risk of under- or over-irradiation, and improving the efficiency and accuracy of radiation treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least a reference signal Sdn,PQ(t) of the radiation dose by at least one detector of a series of at least two detectors during a performance qualification step received by a reference product
Implementation Method 2
a series of at least two detectors comprising each a detecting part and a collimator placed at a predetermined distance from the radiation source in such a way that the said at least two detectors are arranged in a plane facing a converter generating the irradiation beam and pointing to a same target zone
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method for measuring and checking the irradiation of a product by a radiation source using a measuring device. After conveying the product in front of the radiation source, the radiation beam irradiates the front of the product and passes through to hit the at least two detectors, which are pointing to the same target zone of the radiation source by a collimator. Finally, the recorded signal of each detector is compared with the signals determined in the performance qualification.