DEFINITIONS AND TERMS
6.3
Source assembly
A source holder with a sealed source attached or included. In cases where the sealed source is directly
attached to the control cable without the use of a source holder, the source assembly is the control cable
with the sealed source attached. In cases where the sealed source is not attached to the control cable nor
included within the source holder, the sealed source is the source assembly.
In the case where a simulated source is attached to or included with a source holder or control cable, this
becomes a simulated source assembly.
Flexible type source assemblies are also known as ‘pigtails’. The source assembly is most commonly
referred to as the ‘source’.
Rigid or chain link type source assemblies are also known as: source rods, source pencils, source trains,
source chains.
Source holder
A holder or attachment device, by means of which a sealed source or simulated source can be:
• directly included in the radiographic exposure device (category I apparatus - an exposure device in
which the source assembly is not removed for exposure).
• fitted at the end of the control cable (category II apparatus - an exposure device from which the
source assembly is projected out through a projection sheath to the exposure head for exposure. The
exposure is remotely operated.)
Source holders may be an integral part of the source assembly or may be capable of being dismantled for
sealed source replacement.
Source changers
A lockable Type A or Type B transport container used to transport new sealed source assemblies,
exchange them and return depleted sealed source assemblies to the manufacturer. Source changers are
also utilized for storage of sealed source assemblies. Also known as: source exchangers, storage
containers.
Working position
Condition of the exposure container and source assembly when in the position intended for the
Performance of industrial gamma radiography.