Evaluation of the radiological hazard in electron beam welding

Abstract

In electron beam welding a very intense pencil beam of electrons is driven onto the base metal, to melt it and produce the welding. In the interaction of the beam with the metal, strong bremsstrahlung emission of X-ray is generated. Here the generation is evaluated, and the KERMA in air at 1 m is predicted. Results show that a significant radiation hazard is present and serious radiation protection measures are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Electron beam welding
• X-rays
• bremsstrahlung
• radiological risk

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Angelini

S. Angelini earned a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering in July 2009, with a master's thesis in radiation protection. 2009–2011: worked as industrial safety advisor. 2011 to present: worked at IMR-Industrialesud SpA, where he is an engineer and Chief Project Manager.

G. Cucchi

G. Cucchi Graduated in Nuclear Engineering; he is a certified RPE (Radiation Protection Expert). General Secretary and legal representative of the National Association of RPEs from 1979 to 2011; Director of the Health Physics Department of the Montecuccolino nuclear facility 1984; National coordinator of the RPEs of ENEA (Italy's nuclear energy body) 1991–1996, and of INAIL (Italy's National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) 1997–1999; Italian National Contact Point for EUTERP, the European Commission project for the harmonization of RPEs' qualification in the European Union; RPE for ALITALIA since 2001.

D. Mostacci

D. Mostacci earned a M.S. in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Bologna in 1981, then a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Plasma Physics at the University of Arizona in 1985. He is with Bologna University since 1994; he is at present Associate Professor of Radiation Protection and of Reactor Kinetics in the School of Energy and Nuclear Engineering. Research in Transport theory, Radiation protection, Natural radiation, Medical applications of radiations, Nuclear and radiation technologies, Plasma physics. He is a Radiation protection expert (RPE) registered with the Italian Ministry of Welfare with the 3rd (highest) level. Present teaching duties: Radiation protection; Mathematical methods for engineers; Neutron transport; Reactor kinetics.