Wardray PremiseMRI Installations |
| Part of the Wardray Premise Total Radiation Shielding Package |
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MRI Installation with
Relax & View® Wall Panel Click image to enlarge
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MRI Observation Window
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Wardray Premise are experts in RF and Magnetic Shielding for MRI Rooms, having completed over 100 installations to date.
Using a series of purpose-made components produced from the highest quality materials, each cage is designed and manufactured in our modern UK factory to suit the site conditions and satisfy the requirements of each individual contract.
We have also completed a number of modifications to existing MRI Rooms.
In addition to conducting RF tests for our own cages, we are pleased to carry out independent tests on other sites and mobile units.
- General Specification
- Why Aluminium?
- Door Sets
- Observation Windows
- Special Filters and Fittings
- Magnetic Shielding
- RF Testing
- Room Fit Out
- Site Requirements
- Important Notes
- Guarantee
- Upgrading Existing Facilities
General Specification
TopThe MRI cage is an all British shielding structure constructed from a unique modular system using a series of purpose made components produced from the highest quality materials.
The self supporting aluminium structure is designed, manufactured and installed under our strict quality control. Each cage is produced to suit local site conditions. The rigid construction is easily adapted to overcome late changes in sizes and specification and allows the easy introduction of additional filters.
The finished product well exceeds the attenuation levels required by the major equipment manufacturers. Our designs are regularly revised and updated as new scanners are introduced.
The standard thickness of the walls and ceilings is approximately 50mm, excluding any internal finishes. Floor thickness, excluding the final covering but including the 4mm base insulation membrane, is approximately 27mm.
The floor can also be strengthened to meet the load bearing requirements of any size magnet and incorporate under floor cable ducts.
The framework will also support alternative galvanised steel lining which will provide a degree of magnetic shielding required for some installations.
Our cage is produced from a series of single and multiple extruded aluminium tube sections locked together with special brackets to form a rigid frame of walls, ceiling and floor. This stands on an insulating membrane with a self levelling compound introduced to infill gaps between the frame and floor.
The floor frame is infilled with high density boards to give a flush finish. Additional supporting pads for the magnet can be introduced if necessary.
The internal surfaces of the frame are lined with aluminium sheet, locked into the threaded groove in the extrusion with a face fixed moulded aluminium cover strip. This unique system gives a double overlap of the material at each panel joint for the maximum level of performance. Using a construction, formed from one rigid material eliminates any problems of structural stressing and flexing through building movement or varying co-efficients of expansion. It also eliminates the inherent weakness of timber framework, thinner shielding materials and the problems associated with some clamping systems.
This construction allows for the easy removal and re-fitting of panels to allow magnet access in the event of an equipment upgrade.
Sound insulation can be incorporated into the framework of the walls during assembly.
In excess of 100 sites have been successfully completed in conjunction with all major equipment manufacturers in the last 12 years
Why Aluminium?
TopAluminium has a proven record on a world wide basis for high specification RF facilities used by leading telecommunication companies in sensitive military installations.
It is the preferred material for many of the mobile MRI Units now in regular use and subject to the rigours of transportation from site to site.
The specification required to meet the necessary conductivity properties and attenuation levels provides strength, which is put to advantage in the overall room construction.
Subject to reasonable site conditions, consistent with all installations, the system ensures that there is no likelihood of degradation, confirmed by over 100 sites completed in the last 12 years.
As with other shielding materials, such as copper, in adverse conditions there is a possibility of oxidisation.
To simulate these conditions, samples of our cage construction were submitted for independent testing in a humidity chamber (98% Rh at 38°C). Results showed neither detectable signs of corrosion nor increase in resistance at the joints.
- Rigid, robust, free standing cabins
- Exceeds required attenuation levels by all leading Equipment manufacturers
- Construction allows easy introduction of additional wave guides and alterations when equipment is upgraded
Door Sets
TopThese are constructed with an aluminium facing which can be finished in a choice of wood veneers, laminates etc and matching timber lippings.
Adjustable, purpose made lift off hinges are provided and plated beryllium copper finger strips are fitted to the door frame (jams and head) to minimise wear and tear.
They are also fitted to a removable section on the bottom edge of the door to provide contact with the low contour threshold, which are easily replaced in the event of damage or wear.
The standard single leaf door size gives a clear opening 1200mm wide x 2100mm high. Double doorsets are available on request.
Doors and framework incorporate acoustic seals to jambs, head and bottom edge of door, to increase the acoustic attenuation. This can be further increased with the addition of a membrane to the door face as an option.
The locking mechanism consists of a single latching point complete with a Euro-cylinderlock. Lifting the handle engages two further retaining bolts to ensure maximum contact.
An emergency panel 600mm x 600mm is available. This includes an inbuilt resistance within the hinges to avoid the panel accidentally closing during an escape procedure.
Observation Windows
TopThese consist of two pieces of glass, each containing a layer of copper mesh with an anti-reflective coating. They are glazed and laminated to form a complete window unit which is bonded and terminated within a welded aluminium frame for fitting into the prepared opening.
The space between the two window sections gives enhanced attenuation and is designed to eliminate moiré fringes.
Our standard window size is 1500mm x 900mm, although a single unit is available up to a maximum size of 2000mm x 1000mm.
Right: Larger windows will be produced in separate sections using a sealing joint.
Special Filters and Fittings
TopAir Conditioning Filters
All air conditioning must enter and leave the cage through suitably approved RF filters.
These are available in stock standard sizes 300mm x 300mm and 450mm x 450mm, which should meet most requirements. Non standard sizes are available to special order on request.
Galvanic separation is achieved by the inclusion of a timber frame fitted on the outside of the cage. A separate equalizing vent filter is fitted (usually above the door) to alleviate any vacuum effect within the room.
Medical Gas Filters
Constructed with anti-static connections, they have been pressure tested for 1.5 hours at a maintained pressure of 150psi.
Electrical Filters
Filters are available with either 5 amp or 25amp rating.
They are provided for connection of any supplementary electrical equipment used within the room that cannot be routed through the manufacturers' service panel.
Open Wave Guides
These consist of access tubes in varying diameters and lengths, are easily installed and preserve the integrity of the shield.
Service Panel Frames and Quench Pipe Filters
These are produced to suit individual manufacturers’ specifications.
| Honeycomb Filter for
Air Conditioning, etc. Click image to enlarge
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Open Wave Guide
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Medical Gas Filters
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Electrical Filters
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IMPORTANT: Please Note
It is acknowledged that an electrolytic action can occur between aluminium and copper. Where copper based materials and components are used, we introduce a compatible interfaced gasket.
Magnetic Shielding
TopWe are able to offer a design and installation service for any Magnetic Shielding requirement upon receipt of the full manufacturers' specifications, outlining existing field strengths together with the proposed room layout.
Enquiry Guide: RF Cages
Top- If available, please provide a drawing or dimensioned sketch.
- Our standard door size is 1200mm wide x 2100mm high. Does it open into or out of the room?
- Proposed equipment manufacturer if known and type of equipment, model number etc.
- Types and quantities of any special filters required.
RF Testing
TopAware of the advances in technology Wardray Premise have, in conjunction with leading EMC analysts, developed their own in-house testing facility. Using highly sophisticated RF test equipment, our construction methods have been refined to obtain attenuation levels at the wide range of frequencies now specified by the leading equipment manufacturers. These levels are far in excess of their current requirements which leave us well equipped to produce rooms for higher powered magnets.
In addition to conducting RF tests for our own cages we are always pleased to carry out independent tests on other sites and in mobile units.
Tests are conducted in accordance with MIL Std. 285. Further developments in the testing standards are being investigated which will be introduced when appropriate. Latest information can be obtained from our Technical Staff.
Room Fit Out
TopWe will work in close co-operation with site contractors involved in the installation of air conditioning, power, lighting and internal finishes or as an alternative can contract to provide a complete installation.
Site Requirements
TopSite Requirements Prior to our Installation
- An enclosed room in clean condition with all other trades completed.
- Structural floor moisture content not exceeding 5%
- Structural floor level to a tolerance of ± 2.5mm. If this has not been achieved, we reserve the right to charge for any waiting time whilst the work is completed to the correct specification.
- Temperature to be maintained at a minimum of 15°
- Relative humidity between 0% and 10% without condensation.
Important Notes
TopPost-Installation Care to Preserve the Validity of the Guarantee.
The RF cabin must be protected against water ingress, either from external weather penetration or leakage from internal services. At no time must any item be fixed to the cage or any penetrations passed into the room other than as authorised through the manufacturer’s pen panel.
Any proposed works involving the cabin structure must not be undertaken without first seeking our advice and written consent.
Guarantee
TopThe main structure is based on the use of high grade aluminium which will not degrade beyond our stated design limits.
A five year guarantee is offered for attenuation performance, defective materials and workmanship excluding finger strips which are liable to damage, wear etc and will require periodic replacement.
As a result of continuing development and improvements we reserve the right to change the specification without prior notice.
Upgrading Existing Facilities
TopThe Wardray Premise cage is particularly suitable for modification when equipment is upgraded. An RF test is undertaken to confirm acceptable attenuation levels and our work can include providing new filter panel frames, floor supports etc to meet the requirements of the new equipment. This work can also include the installation of an emergency release panel within the door.
We will also undertake the modifications to cages of other manufacturers subject to an initial site survey to assess their suitability for upgrading.