Comparision between Raycell CE and BllodXrad

[nnabijan]

Dear Everyone,

Could you help with a comparision between the Raycell CE and BloodXrad?

Regards,

Matty

[Kip Kuttner]

I do not have experience with the BloodXrad. However we do have a Raycell. We we were in need of a replacement for our Cesium irradiator.

The Raycell is a nice piece of equipment however: 1) the tube needs to be replaced approximately every 7 years. 2) The power supply has a 5 year guarantee but ours needed replacement after 1 year of blood center use. 3) Parts coming from Canada may take days to clear customs. 4) Service personnel cover the globe so a 2-4 day wait before a service person gets to your site is not uncommon. 5) if your ground water exceeds about 72 F during the summer a chiller is necessary in order to stabilize the temperature of the cooling water. Likewise if the water is too cold, ( I do not know the lower limit off hand but it is in the specifications) the water needs to be warmed. 6) The chiller/warmer is noisy.

Other than these shortcomings, the Raycell is well liked by the techs.

[nnabijan]

Thank you KUTTNER for your reply

Edited March 13, 2012 by nnabijan

[nnabijan]

I have the following table to share.

[TABLE=width: 976]

[TR]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]Raycell

[/TD]

[TD]BloodXrad

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 8]Gammacell

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]Nordion

GC 1000 Elite

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]Nordion

GC 3000

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]CIS

IBL 437C

[/TD]

[TD]Shepherd

143

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Dose Range

[/TD]

[TD]Between 25 and 37.5 Gy for an approximate five-minute timer setting

[/TD]

[TD]Dose Rate: 7 Gy/mn

Provides a 25 Gy dose in 3.5 minutes

[/TD]

[TD]Time to deliver 25 Gy

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]1.6–7.14

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]2.56–5

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]2.8 or more

[/TD]

[TD]Not available

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Capacity

[/TD]

[TD]total volume of 1.5 Liters and a 5 minute cycle time, 2-3 of 300 ml

[/TD]

[TD]Capacity: 1.6 Litres

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]0.824

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]2.34

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]3.8

[/TD]

[TD]0.6–3.9

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Dose Mapping

[/TD]

[TD]irradiation time does not change

a dose mapping, twice a year

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]irradiation time changes, at a minimum, every 6 months, just once a year

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Power Supply

[/TD]

[TD]You need a water line, a drain, and 220 electrical line

[/TD]

[TD]Voltage: Single phase 240 Volt

Power: 50 Amp

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]No Need

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Water Supplies

[/TD]

[TD]re-evaluate our water supply and install a pressure regulator tank

certain flow rate and water pressure that is needed to be obtained

[/TD]

[TD]Flow max. 10 l/mn

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]Does not need a water supply

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Maintenance

[/TD]

[TD]QC needed (quarterly, Annually)

replace a tube is about $25,000

[/TD]

[TD]QC needed (quarterly, Annually)

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]Radiation Saftey Officer does not have to be involved for quality control and require less complex maintenance

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Warming up

[/TD]

[TD]Warming up

3 to 5 minute warm up period

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]No Need

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Source

[/TD]

[TD]2 X-ray tubes

Two AS-1 RBC or several pheresis platelets

[/TD]

[TD]2 x 160kV X-Ray tubes

[/TD]

[TD]Activity (TBq)

[/TD]

[TD]24.1 – 107.4

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]53.7 – 107.4

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]63 – 189

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]42.8 – 259

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Supplier

[/TD]

[TD]Best Theratronics Ltd (Formerly a division of MDS Nordion)

Tel: (613) 591-2100 Ext 1397, Tech Support ext. 1090, Cust Service ext 1080.

[/TD]

[TD]Gamma Services Medical

Bautzner Str 67.04347 Leipzig, Germany

Tel: +493412421422

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]Best Theratronics Ltd (Formerly a division of MDS Nordion)

Tel: (613) 591-2100 Ext 1397, Tech Support ext. 1090, Cust Service ext 1080.

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Dimensions

[/TD]

[TD]Width 1140 mm

Length 560 mm

Height 1510 mm

[/TD]

[TD]Width - 934mm, (1250mm open door), Length - 1594mm, Height - 1680mm, Weight - 1200kg

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]Width 80 mm

Length 98 mm

Height 155 mm

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]Width 80 mm

Length 98 mm

Height 155 mm

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 2]Width 67mm

Length 98 mm

Height 150 mm

[/TD]

[TD]Width 60 mm

Length 60 mm

Height 200 mm

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Cost

[/TD]

[TD]About $300,000 with extra cost for annual maintenance about

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD=colspan: 7]About $200,000, as reported by MDS Nordion

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Edited March 13, 2012 by nnabijan

[DeeMc]

I also have not had any experience with the BloodXrad but I have been very happy with our Raycell CE. Our Raycell replaced a cesium irradiator and it has been up and running for almost 3 years. We perform approximately 10 - 20 irradiation cycles per day (up to 3 units can be done at one time) and we have not had to replace a power supply nor an xray tube. We have a very strict process which requires a warm up cycle after 30 minutes of inactivity which extends the life of the tubes, so I am told. My facility is located in a very warm climate and I have not needed a water chiller to cool my water although I know other places have. There is some tweaking that has to be done to be sure you have the correct flow rate at all times - our maintenance department worked that out with a flow regulator and adjusting the pressure coming into the building. I am lucky that the service engineer is located within 90 miles of our facility and he tells me that they keep more parts on hand now to eliminate the wait on parts from Canada.

[carolyn swickard]

We have a very strict process which requires a warm up cycle after 30 minutes of inactivity which extends the life of the tubes, so I am told. .

Question:

Did Best Theratronics give you this information? I have had both answers about my Raycell - "its best to leave it running between cycles" and "Turn it off and use the warm-up cycle - it's good for the tubes" and so didn't really know what was best for the tubes. It seems like the warm-up cycle would be best since it prevents the tubes having to come back on hard after a period of inactivity. Thanks for any information you can share.

[Best]

[TABLE=class: MsoNormalTable, width: 486]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]

Irradiator Product Comparison

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222]

Best® Theratronics Ltd.

Raycell® Mk2 (2.0 L)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228]

Best®

Raycell® Mk2 (3.5 L)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 222]

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228]

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Main Use

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

Blood Irradiation

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

Blood Irradiation

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Accessories / Additional Options

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

Plumbing Kit, Extra Canisters, IPDM,

Heat Exchanger, Chiller

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

Plumbing Kit, Extra Canisters, IPDM,

Heat Exchanger, Chiller

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]Tube Details

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222][/TD]

[TD=width: 228][/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Type

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

X-ray

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

X-ray

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Photon Energy

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

160 KV (60-80 keV avg.)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

160 KV (60-80 keV avg.)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]Position

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222]

Fixed Tubes/Fixed Canister

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228]

Fixed Tubes/Fixed Canister

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]Dosimetry Measurements

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222][/TD]

[TD=width: 228][/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Canister Volume

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

2.0 L (0.53 US gal.)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

3.5 L (0.92 US gal.)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Bags (300 ml) Per Canister Volume

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

4

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

6 to 8

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]CDR

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

8.9 Gy/min (± 5%)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

5.1 Gy/min (± 5%)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Timer Setting for 25Gy Central

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

2.8 - 3.1 min

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

4.9 - 5.3 min

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Timer Setting for 25Gy Minimum

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

3.8 - 4.1 min

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

5.8 - 6.2 min

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Canister Diameter (internal)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

167 mm (6.6 in.)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

175 mm (6.9 in.)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Canister Height (internal)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

97 mm (3.8 in.)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

150 mm (5.9 in.)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]IPDM, Record Keeping & Security

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222][/TD]

[TD=width: 228][/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Screen Display

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

Touch Screen with IPDM

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

Touch Screen with IPDM

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Barcode Reader

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

yes

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

yes

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Barcode Standards

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

ISBT 128, ABC Codabar, other

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

ISBT 128, ABC Codabar, other

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Information Transfer

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

Memory Stick

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

Memory Stick

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Security Measures

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

Keypad Keylock & System Password

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

Keypad Keylock & System Password

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]Water Requirements

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222][/TD]

[TD=width: 228][/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Water Flow Rate

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

2.6 - 4 US gal./min (10 - 15 L/min)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

2.6 - 4 US gal./min (10 - 15 L/min)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Water Pressure

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

35-60 psi (241-414 kPa)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

35-60 psi (241-414 kPa)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Potable Quality

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

≤ 7 grains/US Gal. hardness

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

≤ 7 grains/US Gal. hardness

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Heat Exchanger

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

If Water Quality & Temperature Not Good

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

If Water Quality & Temperature Not Good

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Water Temperature

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

10-25 C (50-77 F)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

10-25 C (50-77 F)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Chiller

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

If Heat Exchanger Not Enough

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

If Heat Exchanger Not Enough

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199]Power

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222][/TD]

[TD=width: 228][/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=width: 199, bgcolor: transparent]Single phase Requirement

[/TD]

[TD=width: 222, bgcolor: transparent]

60Hz, 60A at 240V (hardwired to safety disconnect) (NA)

[/TD]

[TD=width: 228, bgcolor: transparent]

60Hz, 60A at 240V (hardwired to safety disconnect) (NA)

[/TD]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=bgcolor: transparent][/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

This table shows the current models of X-ray blood irradiators that Best Theratronics has to offer. Best Theratonics took over both the Raycell and Gammacell product in 2008 and still sells both models. The old Raycell units, NON-CE and CE had a capacity of 1.5 liters and are not sold any longer.

To better answer your questions or concerns regarding the Raycell Mk2 please consider the following points:

· The cooling of the tubes is dissipated via water so it is very important that you have good cool water flow at all times. It takes only a few seconds for the water to heat up and do damage to the tubes.

· There is more maintenance required on the Raycell units than on the Gammacells, due to the process of generating the X-rays for irradiation. On the other hand there are less regulatory requirements on the Raycell versus the Gammacell.

· In order to improve uptime and reliability the new Raycell Mk2 has an improved version of the power supply.

· In addition, for extended periods of inactivity, it is best to do a warm-up cycle at least daily. If the unit has not been used for more than 8 hours, then turn it off. A warm-up cycle does not hurt the unit, so you may make this more frequent.

If you have any questions please direct them to service@theratronics.ca

Edited March 28, 2012 by Best

[cryan]

I do not have experience with the BloodXrad. However we do have a Raycell. We we were in need of a replacement for our Cesium irradiator.

The Raycell is a nice piece of equipment however: 1) the tube needs to be replaced approximately every 7 years. 2) The power supply has a 5 year guarantee but ours needed replacement after 1 year of blood center use. 3) Parts coming from Canada may take days to clear customs. 4) Service personnel cover the globe so a 2-4 day wait before a service person gets to your site is not uncommon. 5) if your ground water exceeds about 72 F during the summer a chiller is necessary in order to stabilize the temperature of the cooling water. Likewise if the water is too cold, ( I do not know the lower limit off hand but it is in the specifications) the water needs to be warmed. 6) The chiller/warmer is noisy.

Other than these shortcomings, the Raycell is well liked by the techs.

Thanks for the explanation. Your arguments really sound reasonable. I think I would also go for the Raycell. If I finally choose this one I will definitely need a chiller but I do not buy one yet so I think I will bypass the time by using chiller rentals. I hope that this will be the right decision for me.