Properties of Cobalt-60
Cobalt-60 is naturally unstable, therefore emits two gamma rays at energies of 1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV,
and decays at a rate of approximately 1% per month back to stable, non-radioactive nickel-60. It is these
gamma rays that provide the energy to accomplish the desired objective, like sterilizing a medical device.
Cobalt-60 is used because it is an emitter of gamma rays which will penetrate metal parts. Co-60 has a half-life of 5.3 years and can be used in a chemically inert form held inside a sealed container. This enables the equipment to have a long lifetime and not require regular maintenance.
Cobalt-60 is type of ionizing radiation. Gamma rays from a source penetrate the targeted material and
knock electrons from orbit. Because of its excellent penetrating power, cobalt-60 enables treatment of products in their final hermetically sealed packaging, ensuring sterility until the product is removed from its package and put into
use. It is ideal for complex devices with long lumens, sealed cavities and mated surfaces.
Cobalt-60’s chemical properties help its use in finding thickness and faults in metals. Its long half-life means that it can be left within metal objects so that routine checks can be made without replacement, and hence it is convenient and cost-effective for industrial use. Its radiation emission levels are relatively low, making exposure to workers in an industrial environment safer. Cobalt-60 is a gamma emitter and from this has high penetration ability, meaning it can be used to measure the thickness of a wide range of metal objects.
and decays at a rate of approximately 1% per month back to stable, non-radioactive nickel-60. It is these
gamma rays that provide the energy to accomplish the desired objective, like sterilizing a medical device.
Cobalt-60 is used because it is an emitter of gamma rays which will penetrate metal parts. Co-60 has a half-life of 5.3 years and can be used in a chemically inert form held inside a sealed container. This enables the equipment to have a long lifetime and not require regular maintenance.
Cobalt-60 is type of ionizing radiation. Gamma rays from a source penetrate the targeted material and
knock electrons from orbit. Because of its excellent penetrating power, cobalt-60 enables treatment of products in their final hermetically sealed packaging, ensuring sterility until the product is removed from its package and put into
use. It is ideal for complex devices with long lumens, sealed cavities and mated surfaces.
Cobalt-60’s chemical properties help its use in finding thickness and faults in metals. Its long half-life means that it can be left within metal objects so that routine checks can be made without replacement, and hence it is convenient and cost-effective for industrial use. Its radiation emission levels are relatively low, making exposure to workers in an industrial environment safer. Cobalt-60 is a gamma emitter and from this has high penetration ability, meaning it can be used to measure the thickness of a wide range of metal objects.