Food production facilities can now choose x-ray curtains for inspection systems that are a long-lasting, lead-free, environmentally compliant and food-safe replacement to traditional lead curtains.
Purpose-designed for x-ray systems used for the inspection of packaged food, the Xyflex line of flexible x-ray curtains is a strong, durable and environmentally-friendly alternative to lead products. The Xyflex curtains are an exceptionally strong, abrasion-resistant and lead-free rubber shielding material.
Traditional lead-free vinyl x-ray curtains use antimony as the primary metal to block radiation. However, products which contain antimony are considered hazardous waste in places like California which have strict environmental laws.
Xyflex lead-free x-ray curtains are made of a synthetic rubber composite, which is filled with radiation blocking metals, like bismuth, and coated with a high strength, low friction polymer for increased strength and reduced wear. The material can be easily cleaned, making it a great option for food contact applications.
There are no toxic materials used in the Xyflex products, making them environmentally-friendly with no special disposal requirements. These products are compliant with:
- The Lead-Free Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 8 June 2011 for Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), which requires the maximum concentration values by weight for lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenylethers are in compliance.
- The US Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 8 that creates the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste.
- The California Title 22 CAM 17 Metals for non-hazardous waste sets max tolerances for the disposal of products containing certain hazardous materials. Xyflex shielding is one of the only lead-free curtain materials for food scanners which is compliant with California requirements for disposal as non-hazardous waste.
These materials have been tested for replacement of lead-free vinyl curtains in food inspection applications. All materials have been certified per IEC and ASTM standards for attenuation of radiation scatter from cabinet x-ray systems operating from 60 kVp to 160 kVp. The materials are considered suitable as replacement parts under 21 CFR 1020.40 based on lead equivalence, tensile strength and wear resistance.
The Xyflex line of products are available in strips or panels, custom cut to fit any food x-ray scanner. The material is also offered by the roll for manufacturers who convert in-house. Click here for more information about ordering the right curtains for your scanner.
XrayCurtains.com has the widest selection of radiation shielding curtains in the world. We stock over 40 x-ray curtain materials with lead and lead-free versions. Visit us online at www.xraycurtains.com, contact us by email sales@xraycurtains.com or by phone +1 832-519-8787.
