DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

Exposure device (container)

Radiographic exposure devices are used to remotely project the radiation source to a predetermined exposure position when required and to securely maintain it and shield it when it is not in use. Current equipment requirements require devices be designed and tested to ISO/ANSI standards and pertinent transportation regulations for transport containers. Also known as: projector, gamma ray projector (G.R.P.), camera, pill-box, source-box, exposure container.

Exposure head

Device which locates the sealed source included in the source assembly, in the selected working position and prevents the source assembly from projecting out of the projection sheath. Also known as: source stop, end stop, snout, hose-head.

Locked position

Describes the condition when the lock on a radiographic exposure device or transport container is fully engaged to lock the source assembly in place and the key is removed from the lock. This condition prevents unauthorized personnel access to the sealed source assembly locked within the device.

Maximum rating

The maximum activity expressed in bequerels and curies that cannot be exceeded, of a sealed source specified by radionuclide by the manufacturer when contained within a radiographic exposure device or a transport container.

Plunger lock

A mechanical device with a key used to lock or unlock the radiographic exposure device or transport container.

Projection sheath

A flexible or rigid tube for guiding the source assembly from the radiographic exposure device to the working position, having the necessary connections for attachment to the radiographic exposure device and the exposure head or including the exposure head itself. The projection sheaths also provide protection of the source assembly and attached control cable from water, dirt, sand and other foreign materials usually present at radiography environments. Also known as: source guide tubes, guide tubes, source tubes, head hoses. Examples of rigid projection sheaths include j-tubes, probes, jet engine probes.

Remote control

The mechanical device that enables the source assembly to and from a working position by operation from a distance away from the radiographic exposure device. The remote control includes the control crank mechanism (normally a hand-crank), and where applicable, also the control cable, the control cable sheath and the necessary connections and attachments. See additional description under ‘control crank’.

Reserve sheath

Remote control sheath containing the length of control cable, necessary for the projection of the source assembly.

Sealed source

Radioactive source sealed in a capsule or having a bonded cover, the capsule or cover being strong enough to prevent contact with and dispersion of the radioactive material under the conditions of use and wear for which it was designed. Commonly referred to as: the ‘source’ or the ‘pill’.

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