X-Ray Tomographic Examination of Irradiator Components in Support of the Forensic Investigation of the May, 2019, Radiological Contamination Event at the University of Washington Harborview Medical Facility
EMSL Project ID
51207
Abstract
We will utilize x-ray computed tomography (CT) and radiography as a non-destructive forensic tool in order to generate high resolution 2D and 3D images of a number of radiologically contaminated components of the irradiator and sealed source recovered from the UW Harborview Medical facility. This technology represents the best in class of non-destructive analytical tools available for imaging cut surfaces, tool marks, threads and welds, and will be indispensable for investigating any signs of corrosion or cracking of the engineered barriers. Imaging in this automated manner will also minimize the whole body and extremity dose of examiners who would traditionally rely solely on more manually intensive techniques such as optical microscopy. The components that will be imaged in this manner are listed below and are of the highest priority to the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) charged with the analysis of cause of this event.Items to be imaged:
• Source holder
• Tungsten plug
• Chop saw blade
• Special Form Capsule*
• Outer Source Capsule*
While each of these items, is radiologically contaminated with 137CsCl, these items have undergone or will undergo (*) decontamination procedures and have been or will be (*) segregated from the inner source capsule and majority of the source material prior to imaging.
Project Details
Start Date
2019-10-11
End Date
2020-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator