A new core formulation from Knauf Drywall is claimed to make a specialist plasterboard “a real alternative” to lead-based radiation shielding for X-ray facilities.
Knauf Safeboard is a 12.5 mm gypsum board used in one or more layers to provide the specified shielding in standard drywall constructions – said to offer the same radiation protection as 1-2 mm of lead sheeting – the requirement for more than 80% of X-ray equipment in the 70-125 kV range Each board is thoroughly X-rayed on the production line to ensure radiation-tightness. The new plasterboard is installed similarly to other Knauf Drywall plasterboards, and can be cut to size using the score and snap technique. For most healthcare applications one or two layers (depending on X-ray tube voltage) are fixed on each side of 70 mm Knauf “C” Studs, and Knauf Crown Partition Roll in the void. The construction may be finished with a layer of 12.5 mm Knauf high performance plasterboard, where specified for enhanced acoustic, fire, moisture, or impact resistance. Joints are staggered and filled with Safeboard Putty – a yellowdyed gypsum powder with radiation protection supplied dry in 5kg tubs and mixed with water on site.
