European Emc Products Ltd - EMi / RFI Shielding Enclosures

Radiation Shielding

Excepting our linac bunker work (see below) the shielding we undertake primarily involves constructing lead walls, making penetrations, forming lead baffles etc. This can involve up to 25kg chevron blocks, lead sheet or plate – all of varying thickness, depending on the Radiation Protection Advisor’s calculations. Walls are built either as a stand alone partition wall or formed against an existing structural wall and in either case we can build up to a decorative finish level. Supporting all of this work are the various EEP radiation doors which include neutron.

More information on EMi / RFI Shielding Enclosures

These are a most critical component of any shielding installation. At EEP we design and build a variety of types - hinged or sliding; manual or power operated.

Part of our design philosophy is to reduce maintenance requirements to a minimum and for RF doors, to ensure the shielding performance will be sustained during the lifetime of the door – of particular relevance for busy MRI Rooms. To ensure we deliver consistently high performing doors, EEP custom designs and builds doors for each application – whether an RF, radiation or EMP¹ risk.

For more information on RF Shielded Doors

Monitoring site work – rigorous procedures are enforced to ensure the construction quality is maintained at a consistently high level. This is paramount for radiation shielded areas where strict health physics rules apply.

Installation performance testing – for MRI rooms and other RF shielded facilities this is an in-house activity conducted by EEP staff. For ionising radiation shielded areas, any active testing is normally the responsibility of the user but EEP can undertake this if required.

A magnetic field (an invisible force that acts on ferromagnetic material) can be generated by a permanent magnet (material that has its own field) or an electromagnet that requires an electric current to flow to create the field. Our interest lies with the latter.

Direct Current (DC) magnetic fields associated with MRI scanners are of particular relevance to the Healthcare sector to ensure that:

• MRI scanners remain unaffected from any nearby moving ferrous mass such as a lift or a vehicle passing by adjacent to the MRI room
• Medical equipment in an adjacent area can function without interference
• A safe environment is created for those fitted with electronic implants e.g. a pacemaker

This applies equally for a new build as for an existing facility upgrading to a more powerful MRI scanner.

The following provides some background information on the physics associated with our shielding and cryogenic work:

• Electromagnetic Shielding
• Magnetic Field Shielding
• Helium Quench Pipe Systems
• Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
• Definitions

This is of particular benefit to large contractors. With all operations centred at one location, the logistics of co-ordinating and consolidating the work becomes much simplified. We are therefore ideally positioned to amalgamate all individual EEP specialist elements into a common package.
  
The benefits gained by this approach are: 

• Better client / contractor co-operation and understanding
• Easier communications
• Fewer packages to run and manage
• Reduced client project management time
• Cost optimisation

For more information on Integrated Solutions

Innovation, Research & Development

EEP is constantly seeking ways to improve or enhance its products and services. Two major recent developments are:

MRI Dimmable, LED lighting system
This is designed specifically to function safely and effectively within the high intensity magnetic field environment found within an MRI room. This is a low energy device that provides variable, flickerless and comfortable lighting levels. In addition, it also acts as a self contained emergency lighting unit.

These form a crucial, safety critical part of any MRI scanner installation. In an emergency the liquid helium used in the scanner can be vented directly to the atmosphere; a process that can be a violent and traumatic one as demonstrated here*.

It is therefore paramount the quench pipe system is properly engineered and installed if events such as occurred at the beginning and seen here slowed down, are to be avoided

Advisory, Consultancy and Site Testing Services
EEP provides Consultants, Contractors and Quantity Surveyors with impartial advice and comments relating to installation specifications with particular reference to:

• Achieving optimum shielding performance
• Identifying areas requiring special attention
• Economy
• Uniformity of build quality
• Critical areas that need careful monitoring during the build phase

Innovation, Research & Development 

EEP operates a strict H & S policy and takes all the appropriate precautions to ensure the proper handling and storage of lead and other materials on site at all times. This is in addition to meeting the normal H & S practices and standards demanded by statute.

For more information on Health & Safety