In industries that deal with radioactive isotopes, sensitive equipment, and high-value products, reliable, customized shielding solutions are essential. MarShield, a leader in providing custom shielding products, recently faced a unique challenge when one of the top medical care and research facilities in the USA sought a solution for their hot lab. This challenge led to the development of custom shielded stainless steel cabinets, a process that indicated a broader trend in the demand for stationary enclosures offering permanent, tailored protection for the staff and storage of sensitive source equipment or radioactive medicines, particularly in hot labs, research facilities, and university labs.
This article explores how custom shielded cabinets met the growing needs of a client requiring optimal protection from radioactive sources, ensuring seamless performance.
How MarShield Assisted with the Client’s Custom Radiation Shielding Project
Initial Consultation and Design Review
MarShield began by understanding the client’s specific needs, including the level of radiation shielding required, the type of equipment to be protected, and the environmental conditions. The goal was to ensure that the final solution would provide effective protection while accommodating operational requirements.
Material Selection
The choice of shielding material was critical to ensuring that the cabinet provided the required level of protection. Engineers selected 11-gauge 304-grade stainless steel for its durability and resistance to corrosion. To enhance the shielding properties, ASTM pure lead was incorporated into the design, providing superior radiation protection through 3/16” lead shielding thickness. This combination of materials ensured that the cabinets could effectively shield against a wide range of radioactive sources while maintaining durability in demanding environments.
Prototyping and Iteration
MarShield’s custom shielded cabinets went through several design iterations. This included fine-tuning dimensions, determining the appropriate lead shielding thickness, adding features such as magnetic locking doors, and custom-designing elements like the waste chute and sink integration. The cabinets were designed for optimal space utilization, functionality, ergonomics, security, and protection of operators working nearby from radioactive waste.
Final Design and Fabrication
Once the design was finalized, the custom shielded cabinets were fabricated with precision. The use of 11-gauge 304-grade stainless steel provided structural integrity, while the ASTM pure lead shielding ensured optimal radiation protection. The magnetic locking doors provided additional security, keeping sensitive or hot equipment safely enclosed. These cabinets were built to withstand long-term use in demanding environments, maintaining both their shielding effectiveness and longevity.
Successful Outcomes & Customer Satisfaction
The custom cabinets were built and delivered on time and within budget, meeting all the functional and technical requirements and providing peace of mind to the client. With high-quality workmanship, stainless steel construction, ASTM pure lead shielding, and magnetic locking doors, the protection and safety of both healthcare staff and valuable equipment was ensured.
When a company addresses the specific challenges of its clients and delivers a product that exceeds expectations, customer satisfaction naturally follows. By combining innovative design, advanced materials, and a highly skilled fabrication team, MarShield’s custom shielded cabinets provide long-lasting value. This commitment to quality and service is what helps MarShield build enduring relationships with its clients.
If you’re looking for a custom radiation shielding design, MarShield is up for the challenge!
Visit our website for more information on our storage container solutions or contact us to discuss your requirements.