Table of Content

20 May 2025 Volume 45 Issue 3

  

Preliminary analysis on the driving force for the development of radiation protection

LIU Liye, WANG Renze, YU Weiyue, AN Hongxiang, SUN Qinghong, GAO Zequan

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  197-206. 

Abstract ( 12 )   PDF (7697KB) ( 12 )  

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In order to explore the important driving forces for the development of radiation protection, the development history of representative international organizations, advanced countries and regions of nuclear energy and China was briefly reviewed in terms of radiation protection. Therefore, five important driving forces for the development of radiation protection were summarized, namely, the deep understanding of radiation effects, the expansion of nuclear facilities and activities, the development of related technologies, the progress of social factors, globalization and autonomization. On this basis, the changes and stage characteristics of the above driving forces were preliminarily analyzed; strategic research agendas (SRAs) of international organizations and several countries and regions in the field of radiation protection were briefly reviewed. Based on the above mentioned driving forces, the opportunities and challenges for domestic radiation protection discipline were preliminarily analyzed and discussed, which is for academic reference and comments.

Study on basic construction of quality assurance platform for radiation monitoring

YANG Youkun, BAO Li, WANG Ruijun, LIAN Bing, SONG Qinnan, LI Pengxiang, MA Xuyuan

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  207-213. 

Abstract ( 13 )   PDF (1702KB) ( 17 )  

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This study conducts an investigation into the current status of radiation monitoring and its quality assurance both domestically and internationally. This study identifies shortcomings in the quality assurance efforts within the field of radiation monitoring in China and proposes the establishment of a radiation monitoring quality assurance platform in China. This study also outlines the technical architecture for the construction of this platform and conducts in-depth research on its foundational infrastructure. The establishment of a framework structure with “one core, four supporting pillars” as the foundational infrastructure of the quality assurance platform was proposed. Through technological innovation and optimization, the study aims to strengthen the connection between the core and external interfaces, thereby ensuring the effective operation of the platform’s foundational infrastructure. This lays a solid foundation for subsequent iterations and upgrades of the quality assurance platform, facilitating effective quality assurance efforts in the field of radiation monitoring.

Harmonizing the development of radiation protection standards with radiation therapy equipment and technology

WANG Hongkai, TIAN Yuan, DAI Jianrong

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  214-220. 

Abstract ( 10 )   PDF (2086KB) ( 5 )  

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This study analyzes the recent advancements in radiation therapy equipment technology, focusing on medical linear accelerators, conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy technology, proton and heavy ion therapy equipment, as well as new mobile radiation therapy devices and high-dose-rate therapy modes. The study highlights the challenges in aligning the development of radiation therapy technologies with existing radiation protection standards. The analysis result indicates that the growth and application of certain new technologies are constrained by current radiation protection standards. Specifically, the use of the instantaneous maximum ambient dose equivalent rate as a criterion for evaluating radiation therapy rooms is inconsistent with real working conditions, making it difficult to control personnel exposure based on variations in dwell time and workload. This can lead to a significant increase in construction costs for shielding design. Furthermore, the current standards do not adequately account for changes in beam angles associated with new technologies, and the conditions for maximum field size and dose rate measurement do not accurately align with clinical practices. Based on this analysis, it is recommended that the current radiation protection standards for radiation therapy should be revised to replace the traditional evaluation criterion with the time-averaged maximum ambient dose equivalent rate. Additionally, relevant parameters and conditions should be optimized to better accommodate the evolving needs of modern radiation therapy equipment. By updating and refining existing radiation protection standards, the safety of radiation therapy can be better ensured while fostering the adoption of new radiation therapy technologies, ultimately achieving a harmonious development of radiation protection standards and radiation therapy equipment technology.

Investigation and analysis of radioactivity level in lead and zinc mines in Sichuan Province

ZHU Xiaojiao

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  221-228. 

Abstract ( 8 )   PDF (988KB) ( 4 )  

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In order to establish the data archive of radioactivity level of lead and zinc mines in Sichuan province, radiation level of 33 lead and zinc mines in Sichuan province was investigated, and the terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate and mineral radionuclide activity concentration (²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th) were studied. According to the investigation results, all the estimated dose was lower than the annual dose limit of 20 mSv for occupational personnel. The annual exposure dose of mining enterprises is the highest, and that of smelting enterprises is the lowest. The radiation dose was mainly from γ external exposure. The results show that it is necessary to strengthen the radiation safety management of lead-zinc mining enterprises and strengthen the external radiation protection of employees, which can provide data support for the control of radioactive pollution in lead-zinc mines.

Radiation environment remediation and long-term management effect evaluation of a decommissioned uranium mine and mill facility in Southwest China

BI Cunde

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  229-236. 

Abstract ( 7 )   PDF (2217KB) ( 3 )  

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The decommissioning environmental remediation and management of uranium mine and mill facility is a complex system engineering. Taking a uranium mining and mill facility in Southwest China as an example, this paper reviews the process of decommissioning, the engineering measures in decommissioning, and the long-term management after decommissioning. The results of important radiation environment monitoring indicators over the years were tracked, and the effectiveness of various measures during decommissioning was reviewed and evaluated.

Trend and analysis of changes in radiation environment levels of urban radioactive waste storage facilities in Guangxi from 2013 to 2022

WU Yichao, TIAN Yu, LIU Jing, LI Runhua, LIANG Xiaoxu, YUAN Hairong

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  237-241. 

Abstract ( 8 )   PDF (1061KB) ( 3 )  

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Through the analysis of the monitoring data of the radiation environment quality of the urban radioactive waste repository in Guangxi from 2013 to 2022, the variation pattern of the radiation environment quality in the storage area in the past ten years is summarized, which provides a scientific basis for future radiation supervision. The analysis and monitoring results show that the ambient dose rate of γ radiation air in Guangxi urban radioactive waste repository from 2013 to 2022 is within the natural background range in Guangxi. The total α and total β radioactivity concentrations in water were lower than the national guidance values. The contents of radionuclides in soil and aerosol are within the natural background range in Guangxi. The urban radioactive waste repository in Guangxi is in good condition. The air, water and soil are not polluted by artificial radionuclides, and the radiation is safe and controllable.

Ion irradiation effects of Mg_1-xZn_xAl₂O₄ (x = 0-1) spinels

CHEN Shuangqiang

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  242-251. 

Abstract ( 6 )   PDF (8723KB) ( 7 )  

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Spinels have been proposed for a multitude of nuclear-energy-related applications, including as nuclear waste forms, inert matrix fuels and structure materials for nuclear reactor, due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical durability and radiation resistance. The study of radiation behavior and radiation tolerance have important significance in materials selection, assessment and modification. The 500 keV He ions irradiation were performed on Mg_1-xZn_xAl₂O₄ (x = 0-1) spinels at room temperature with different ion fluence. There were a phase transition from order spinel to disorder spinel (O-D) but no amorphization in all of the samples even if the highest ion fluence1×10¹⁷ ions/cm² according to the results of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering spectrum (Raman). The swelling ratio of MgAl₂O₄, Mg_0.4Zn_0.6Al₂O₄ and ZnAl₂O₄ caused by irradiation is 0.43％, 0.12％and 0.67％, respectively. We think Mg_0.4Zn_0.6Al₂O₄ spinel have the best radiation swelling tolerance, closely followed by MgAl₂O₄ and ZnAl₂O₄ is the worst when the ion fluenceis below 1×10¹⁷ ions/cm². But, maybe the swelling ratio of Mg_0.4Zn_0.6Al₂O₄ will outstrip MgAl₂O₄ at the higher ion fluence than 1×10¹⁷ ions/cm².

Numerical simulation study on the influence of high-rise buildings on pollutant dispersion under stable stratification

LI Jixun

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  252-265. 

Abstract ( 7 )   PDF (15460KB) ( 2 )  

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The influence of stable stratification with different Richardson numbers (Ri_b) on the flow structure and pollutant dispersion around a 1∶1∶2 (length∶width∶height) high-rise building using the k-epsilon high Reynolds number turbulence model was simulated. The results show that the temperature stratification significantly affects the flow structure around the building. As Ri_b increases, the leeward stagnation point gradually moves towards the top of the building, the recirculation region on the top of the building shifts backward, and the length of the recirculation region on the windward side of the building first increases and then decreases. The vortex position gradually moves above the building. The high TKE/u_H² region around the building is mainly distributed on the top of the building and in the downwind recirculation region. As Ri_b increases, the TKE/u_H² decreases in the top and wake regions of the building. With increasing Ri_b, the ground-level pollutant concentration first increases and then decreases, the height of the downwind plume gradually decreases, and the maximum concentration in the plume rises.

Analysis of lens opacification status and influencing factors among radiological workers in China’s nuclear power plants

WANG Huaxian

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  266-272. 

Abstract ( 9 )   PDF (980KB) ( 11 )  

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This study aims to investigate the status of lens opacification and its influencing factors among radiological workers in China’s nuclear power plants, with the expectation of providing a scientific basis for the occupational health surveillance and radiation protection of this population. The study selected 2,091 radiological workers from nuclear power plants and 1,500 non-radiological workers in 2023. Analysis was conducted through questionnaire surveys and lens examinations. The results showed that the rate of lens opacification in the radiological group was significantly higher than that in the non-radiological group. Factors such as gender, age, annual effective dose per capita, job type, organizaation, and daily sleep duration during workdays significantly affected lens opacification. This study indicates that there is a certain correlation between long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and lens opacification, where gender, age, annual effective dose per capita, job type, and workplace are independent risk factors for the occurrence of lens opacification, while daily sleep duration during workdays is a protective factor. These findings are of certain significance for formulating occupational health surveillance strategies for radiological workers in nuclear power plants.

Several viewpoints on medium-depth disposal of radioactive waste

LI Feng, WANG Hongzu, ZHU Jie, ZHANG Xue

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  273-278. 

Abstract ( 8 )   PDF (1183KB) ( 6 )  

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Considering the concept on medium-depth disposal of intermediate level radioactive waste proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, this paper surveyed the disposal methods of radioactive waste in some major nuclear countries, analyzed the current status of waste disposal in countries that have carried out intermediate-level disposal, combined the trend of nuclear energy development in China, and estimated the amount of intermediate-level waste that China need to be disposed of in 2030 (3 400 m³), 2050 (28 700 m³), and the latter half of this century (49 400 m³, excluding the intermediate-level waste generated from the operation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities). This paper also briefly analyzed the economic feasibility of disposal and concluded that there is an effective disposal demand in the near future, suggesting that China should proceed with the scientific research, standardization, and early-stage engineering work on intermediate-level waste disposal in an orderly manner as soon as possible.

Study on the ultrasonic enhanced recovery of membrane flux in the treatment of uranium-containing decontamination wastewater

GUO Lixiao

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  279-284. 

Abstract ( 10 )   PDF (3731KB) ( 8 )  

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Considering the characteristics of uranium decontamination wastewater, such as high surfactant content, radioactivity and complicated component, this study used ultrasonic enhanced membrane separation technology to treat the uranium decontamination wastewater. This study explored the cleaning effects of ultrasonic working time, ultrasonic frequency, membrane contamination time and other factors on the flux of the ceramic membrane, and analyzed the comparison result with the traditional cleaning technology. The results show the cleaning effect is better when the ceramic membrane pore size is 0.2 μm, ultrasonic time is 6 min, and ultrasonic frequency is 35 kHz. Ultrasonic enhanced membrane cleaning technology for different levels of contaminaed ceramic membrane flux can be restored to the original flux of 70%-95% and has obvious advantages compared with the ordinary rinsing technology. The ultrasonic cleaning effect of water rinsing can be enhanced to more than 30% for low concentration, and can still be enhanced by about 15% for high concentration. The membrane flux can be enhanced by 15%-30%. In conclusion, the ultrasonic enhanced ceramic membrane can effectively carry out the treatment of uranium-containing decontamination wastewater, enhance the membrane flux and reduce membrane contamination, which has good prospects for application.

Analysis on neutron dose at proton FLASH therapy room

LI Kundong, ZHANG Haiyang, JIA Meichao, XIAO Jie

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  285-291. 

Abstract ( 9 )   PDF (4737KB) ( 9 )  

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The distribution of secondary neutrons in the water model under the condition of ultra-high dose rate proton beam (FLASH ) is calculated by Monte Carlo method. The calculation results show that the distribution of neutrons produced by the indoor energy degrader in the water phantom can reach ten times of that without the degrader when the proton energy is from 70 to 116 MeV. In the case of low proton energy, the cumulative neutron dose of one treatment can reach more than 200 mGy.

Analysis of MRI integrated diagnostic and therapeutic equipment shielding technology

WANG Xiaowa

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  292-298. 

Abstract ( 8 )   PDF (1995KB) ( 4 )  

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a pivotal technology in modern medical diagnostics, renowned for its high resolution and excellent contrast of soft tissues. In recent years, the integration of MRI technology with other diagnostic and therapeutic devices, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Electrocardiography (ECG), Electroencephalography (EEG), and radiation therapy equipment like linear accelerators and proton therapy accelerators, has significantly enhanced the precision and efficiency of diagnostics and treatments. This paper discusses the shielding design and requirements for these integrated technologies, including technical aspects of magnetic and radiation shielding, as well as methodological approaches for both the equipment’s own shielding and the shielding of the room environment. This paper also introduces the shielding requirements and influencing factors for the integrated equipment itself, and also proposes that the shielding technology for integrated equipment is not a simple “1+1” model of magnetic shielding plus radiation shielding, but rather some certain synergistic effect involved.

Research on assessment method and software development for core damage of sodium cooled fast reactor

LIANG Boning, JIA Linsheng, YANG Yapeng, FENG Zongyang, WANG Ning, LIU Zhe

RADIATION PROTECTION. 2025, 45(3):  299-304. 

Abstract ( 6 )   PDF (1020KB) ( 5 )  

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On the basis of core damage assessment method for PWR and combined with the characteristics of 600 MW demonstration sodium cooled fast reactor, this paper proposes an assessment model for core damage of sodium cooled fast reactor based on the comprehensive assessment of on-line monitoring instrument readings as the main model while the radionuclides sampling assessment as the auxiliary model. The developed software of core damage assessment for sodium cooled fast reactor has been applied to the 600 MW demonstration sodium cooled fast reactor project.