What is the system made of? Is shielding required around the jamb area? Can you provide design services for proton centers? When it comes to the intricacies of shielding solutions, it’s only natural for our customers to have many questions. You may want to know about our experience in designing a cancer or imaging center, or about building a vault space in a rented location. If you have a specific question, there’s a good chance you’ll find the answer among these Frequently Asked Questions. Even if you don’t have any questions in mind now, reading the answers to these common questions is a great way to learn more about what you may need and what NELCO can provide. If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for here, simply contact us, and you’ll get a reply within 24 hours. We value every customer and every question!
FAQs
A power and physics port can be located almost anywhere on the unit. Typically, it is located on the end panels and closest to the control station. Wiring, calling, ductwork, mechanical access, HVAC, and electrical are brought into the enclosure through a ceiling port.
Typically the unit requires a minimum of 10′ vertical height (anything below this needs a feasibility review).
The standard, outpatient HDR Treatment has an overall footprint size of approximately 80 square feet. The overall footprint on the other models and any custom enclosures may be more.
Yes.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
• Indicate recycled content and provide manufacturer’s written certification of recycled steel and lead products
• Indicate percentage both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content per unit of product.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
• Indicate location of extraction, harvesting, and recovery; indicate the distance between extraction, harvesting, and recovery and the project site.
• Indicate location of manufacturing facility; indicate distance between manufacturing facility and the project site.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
• Include certification of data indicating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of all field-applied adhesives. Submit MSDS highlighting VOC limits.
Yes.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
• Indicate recycled content and provide manufacturer’s written certification of recycled steel and lead products
• Indicate percentage both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content per unit of product.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
• Indicate location of extraction, harvesting, and recovery; indicate the distance between extraction, harvesting, and recovery and the project site.
• Indicate location of manufacturing facility; indicate distance between manufacturing facility and the project site.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
• Include certification of data indicating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of all field-applied adhesives. Submit MSDS highlighting VOC limits.
Yes. Our experts will gladly assist clients in determining the best size and lead thickness to meet site requirements. Read more about our consulting services.
All sizes up to 48″ x 96″ (all lead glass products are custom cut per specifications).
NELCO Lead Glass may qualify for the following LEED points:
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Yes.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
• Indicate recycled content and provide manufacturer’s written certification of recycled steel and lead products
• Indicate percentage both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content per unit of plywood and lead products.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
• Indicate location of extraction, harvesting, and recovery; indicate the distance between extraction, harvesting, and recovery and the project site.
• Indicate location of manufacturing facility; indicate distance between manufacturing facility and the project site.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
• Include certification of data indicating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of all field-applied adhesives. Submit MSDS highlighting VOC limits.
Yes. To ensure an impenetrable shielding system, we also offer lead pieces (of equal thickness to the drywall) to line any penetrations, including electrical boxes, wall outlets, etc.
Lead batten strips, ribbons, tabs, dado and butt joints are used to guarantee an impermeable radiation shield.
Yes. Our physicists and experts will gladly assist in determining the best size, lead thickness, and wall layout to meet site requirements.
If more than 1/8″ lead is required, NELCO recommends you use our lead-lined plywood.
Yes. To ensure an impenetrable shielding system, we also offer lead pieces (of equal thickness to the drywall) to line any penetrations, including electrical boxes, wall outlets, etc.
NELCO supplies 2″, 3″ or 4″ lead batten strips to shield the seams between each drywall piece, and typically either lead discs or lead tabs to protect the area where screws are attached. Lead discs cover the drywall screw heads, while lead tabs wrap behind the metal stud to protect the screw penetration.
Yes. Our physicists and experts will gladly assist in determining the best size, lead thickness, and wall layout to meet site requirements.
Yes.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
• Indicate recycled content and provide manufacturer’s written certification of recycled steel and lead products
• Indicate percentage both post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled content per unit of drywall, plywood, and lead products.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
•Indicate location of extraction, harvesting, and recovery; indicate the distance between extraction, harvesting, and recovery and the project site.
•Indicate location of manufacturing facility; indicate distance between manufacturing facility and the project site.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
• Include certification of data indicating Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content of all field-applied adhesives. Submit MSDS highlighting VOC limits.
Yes. We can act as a single-source solution providing full design and construction services. We’ll design the system, provide quality materials, install the components, and conduct final RF compliance testing. We also specialize in upgrading existing shielded rooms to allow for new MRI units, hospital renovations, and aesthetic improvements.
Yes, NELCO tests all installed MRI shielding systems twice – once after installation, and once again after all finish work is completed.
The overlap on each standard 66″-wide door installed in a concrete wall with a rough opening of 51″ x 85.5″ is 7.5″.
• Emergency electric or generator if power goes out and facility has a back-up system.
• Door operator has a battery backup in the event of a power failure.
• Operator has a manual with a hand crank, as shown in our safety DVD.
All emergency procedures pertaining to the door system should be reviewed and managed by the hospital’s radiation safety officer.
This is per the physics report; however, we have found that it is typically required unless the duct work is run underground. NELCO can provide duct shielding if required.
Jamb shielding is dependent on physicist requirements. Physicist services can be ordered through NELCO.
No, the Linear Motion Sliding Door System is a controlled use door and shall only be used by trained staff; it is not for general public use. NELCO provides training, as well as an instructional DVD for the staff to learn how to properly operate the slide door system.
Full open speed is 10 seconds. Approximate opening speed for the partial open is 5 seconds.
The gap is ½” off the concrete floor.
YES.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Yes, NELCO’s Swing Door systems can be used in several radiation therapy applications, and are perfectly suited for HDR Rooms. As always, shielding requirements for the doors are dependent on a physics report. If required, NELCO can provide any needed physics services.
• Door operator is on facility electric.
• Emergency electric or generator if power goes out and facility has a backup system.
• Optional battery backup.
• Operator has a disconnect, allowing door to be opened manually.
It depends on the physics criteria and design of each facility.
Opening speeds are 10 seconds to full open and 5 seconds to partial open.
The average gap is ½”.
Yes.
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Typically 3 to 5 weeks from when installation starts to when the door is installed.
Block delivery begins three weeks prior to installation. This is because each truckload can only carry 12 blocks at a time due to weight restrictions.
The average 2′‐0″ x 2′‐0″ x 6′‐0″, 147 pound per cubic foot block weighs 3,528 pounds. The 240 pound per cubic foot block weighs 5,760 pounds.
The standard MegaShield™ Blocks are 147 or 240 pound per cubic foot concrete with some additives that will reduce block spawling.
Our standard MegaShield™ vault is designed for a dual energy Linear Accelerator 6 and 18Mev with IMRT Capability. The vault is also designed for 100% occupancy on the four walls and ceiling. It can be customized to meet specific requirements while maintaining modularity.
MegaShield™ requires a foundation just like any other vault. In fact, it is no different than a CIP/PIP vault foundation.
Yes, NELCO can deal with any confidential projects and information, and has in the past, and will sign any necessary related documents.
Yes, we provide industrial shielding services worldwide.
Currently there are no special certifications.
Non-Destructive Testing is a branch of the materials sciences that is concerned with all aspects of the uniformity, quality and serviceability of materials and structures. The science of non-destructive testing incorporates all the technology for detection and measurement of significant properties, including discontinuities, in items ranging from research specimens to finished hardware and products. By definition, non-destructive techniques are the means by which materials and structures may be inspected without disruption or impairment of serviceability.
NELCO has over 80 years of experience in this marketplace.
Lead batten strips, ribbons, and tabs are used to guarantee an impermeable radiation shield.
Yes, PET/CT Shielding Systems may be eligible for the following LEED credits:
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
Yes, X-Ray Shielding Systems may be eligible for the following LEED credits:
- LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2: Recycled material content
- LEED™ NC Version 2.2, MR Credit 5.1: Local/regional materials
- LEED™ NC Version 2.2, EQ Credit 4.1: Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
NELCO has offices around the world, including in the UK and the United Arab Emirates, allowing us to provide our products and services around the world. For questions regarding specific locations, contact us.
References can be made available upon request. Contact us for more information.
Absolutely, our team of architects can design the room or the entire facility.
Yes, NELCO has provided shielding for nearly every proton therapy center in the United States.
When NELCO performs any structural design or analysis work, we can provide a stamp for those plans.
NELCO has offices around the world, and can perform these services in most locations, including Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. For questions regarding specific regions, contact your local NELCO representative.
Yes, NELCO has designed several leased spaces, and has products to help out in this situation as well.
We offer pre-designed solutions or we can work with owners to create a custom design.
Yes, NELCO can provide architectural services for any space inside of a facility, including waiting rooms, chapels, office space or meeting rooms.
NELCO has worked with medical facilities for over 75 years. Additionally, our team of registered architects has over 35 years of experience in the industry. For a list of references, contact your local NELCO salesperson.
