Applications

Hopewell Designs line of calibration irradiators are used in primary and secondary standards labs throughout the world in over 40 countries and 100 laboratories.  These systems help our customers perform accurate, precise calibrations of ion chambers, portable instruments, and personal dosimetry.  These systems range from simple to highly sophisticated and automated and can be configured to match a calibration program’s requirements.  Systems are available for gamma, X-ray, neutron, and beta calibration with exposure rates ranging from near background to teletherapy levels.

Hopewell Designs brings a new level of automation and sophistication to calibration through our Automated Irradiator Software (AIS).  The AIS increases accuracy and efficiency, and automatically stores data. By putting most irradiator operations under computer control,  the operator continues to have full control over the system, but by handling the tedious and repetitive tasks, the computerized controls free the operator to focus on areas where expertise is most needed. The AIS provides a wide range of variable and program parameters so that our software is easily tailored to specific customer needs.

We have supplied over 100 AIS and automated calibration systems in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, we have supplied enhanced AIS packages to primary standards labs and laboratory accreditation programs. 

Automated and computer-controlled capabilities include:

• Automatic calibration setup
• Exposure rate calculation
• Radioactive decay correction
• Automatic database entry

The automatic setup routine speeds up instrument or dosimeter calibration and increases accuracy by quickly configuring the irradiator to match a procedure. With the change of one button, this routine configures source, attenuator, track position or exposure rate, and time or exposure. These configurations are arranged in procedures and steps that the user defines. Up to 100 procedures, each with a capacity of 50 steps are stored in a database. Whenever the operator changes a step, the irradiator is re-configured to match that step.

Exposure rate is automatically calculated, with decay correction, any time the irradiator configuration (distance, source, attenuator, etc.) is changed.  When an exposure rate is entered, the track distance is calculated and displayed.

Data is saved to the database after each exposure.  With our instrument calibration database, readings are saved as the instrument is calibrated, and a calibration report generated at the end of the process.

Calibration laboratories may require a large range of exposure rates from radiation protection levels up to teletherapy levels.  Our teletherapy level calibration irradiator is designed specifically for calibrations and measurements at high dose rates. Rather than adapt old teletherapy systems, Hopewell Designs has developed a simple system that is easy to maintain, but still provides the high fidelity radiation field required for such calibrations.  Our collimator is the same type multi-leaf design of legacy systems so our irradiator can be readily incorporated into existing calibration procedures and protocols.

Hopewell Designs, Inc. provides unparalleled service, preventative maintenance, technical support and source reloading for its entire product line.

Hopewell Designs is the one source with the expertise to help customers with all aspects of a radiation calibration program.  Not only do we offer a comprehensive line of irradiators, we have experts that can support you in every stage of your program.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT. We have a team of experts familiar with radiation protection programs in the medical, industrial, and power industries.  We have worked with customers throughout the world to review long term needs and plans, and then develop a radiation and dosimetry program for implementation. 

BUILDING DESIGN. Hopewell Designs has been involved with designing and supporting construction of calibration labs since 1994.  As such, our engineers are very knowledgeable in all aspects of calibration laboratories including shielding requirements, electrical and conduit design, mechanical needs, heating and air conditioning, installation of equipment, and special requirements for source loading. As part of our services, we can support the architect and contractor during the planning and construction of the building.

EQUIPMENT SELECTION.  We have worked with primary standards labs that require the highest level of precision, and we have worked with tertiary calibration labs that must be cost competitive.  We can help with selection of equipment and instrumentation to assure it matches the requirements of your program.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT. Once equipment is installed, laboratory programs and procedures must be fully implemented before the laboratory can begin providing calibration services. Hopewell Designs has helped develop quality assurance programs, instrument calibration procedures, and database tracking programs. The company can assist with irradiator calibrations and with establishing traceability to a primary standard.  We provide services to help with accreditation and compliance with such standards as ISO 17025.

TRAINING. Hopewell Designs offers a broad range of training programs that can be provided at our offices or at the customer’s site. The range of topics includes:

• The role of the SSDL
• The international measurement system
• Quality control
• Elements of a measurement quality assurance program
• Errors, error propagation, and uncertainty analysis
• Traceability of measurements and calibration of irradiators
• Calibration of instruments
• Operation and maintenance of irradiator systems

CALIBRATION. Hopewell Designs provides full calibration services for our line of irradiators as well as other models.  This service can include performing the full calibration with our own equipment, or assisting the customer using his electrometer and ion chambers.  All calibrations are traceable to NIST.

In addition, we offer modeling and characterization of exposure fields that would include MCNP analysis and spectrum measurements.

SERVICE. We have a deep commitment to our customers, to their operations, and their satisfaction.  Our team of highly trained service engineers are dedicated to keeping your equipment working flawlessly. We offer full and comprehensive service and support for all our products as well as other vendors' irradiators and devices.