Application of the Monte Carlo method to the analysis of doses and shielding around an X-ray fluorescence equipment

Abstract

An X-ray fluorescence equipment is used for practical exercises in the laboratory of Nuclear Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain). This equipment includes a compact X-ray tube, ECLIPSE-III, and a Si–PIN XR-100T detector. The voltage (30 kV), and the current (100 μA) of the tube are low enough so that expected doses around the tube do not represent a risk for students working in the laboratory. Nevertheless, doses and shielding should be evaluated to accomplish the ALARA criterion. The Monte Carlo method has been applied to evaluate the dose rate around the installation provided with a shielding composed by a box of methacrylate. Dose rates calculated are compared with experimental measurements to validate the model. Obtained results show that doses are below allowable limits. Hence, no extra shielding is required for the X-ray beam. A previous Monte Carlo model was also developed to obtain the tube spectrum and validated by comparison with data from manufacturer.