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Determination of Half Value Layer (HVL) Value on X-Rays Radiography

with using Aluminum, Copper and Lead (Al, Cu, and Sn) Attenuators
To cite this article: Lincewati Sidauruk et al 2018 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 1116 032032

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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

Determination of Half Value Layer (HVL) Value on X-Rays

Radiography with using Aluminum, Copper and Lead (Al,
Cu, and Sn) Attenuators

Lincewati Sidauruk*,Herty Afrina Sianturi, Martha Rianna, Timbangen

Sembiring and Diana Alemin Barus
Physics Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas
Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155, Indonesia

*E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. Half Value Layer (HVL) has done on X-rays using Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu)
and Tin (Sn) at University Hospital of North Sumatera. The method used is based on
BAPETEN Regulation No.09 of 2011 and Standard Western Australia. From the results of
research conducted on X-ray plane obtained the result of measurement of Half Value Layer
(HVL) value by using Aluminum (Al) at 50 kVp - 90 kVp, with strong current of 20 mAs,
obtained HVL thickness on Aluminum 50 kVp = 3.0 mm Al, 60 kVp = 4.0 mm Al, 70 kVp =
5.0 mm Al, 81 kVp = 5.6 mm Al and 90 kVp = 6.1 mm Al. By using Copper (Cu) at a voltage
of 50 kVp = 0.05 mm Cu, 60 kVp = 0.15 mm Cu, 70 kVp = 0.2 mm Cu, 81 kVp = 0.3 mm Cu
and 90 kVp = 0.3 mm Cu. By using Tin (Sn) at a voltage of 50 kVp = 0.05 mm Sn, 60 kVp =
0.05 mm Sn, 70 kVp = 0.05 mm Sn, 81 kVp = 0.05 mm Sn and 90 kVp = 0.05 mmSn. From
the results of this study found that of the three types of attenuator, the best as an attenuator for
Half Value layer (HVL) for X-ray plane is Aluminum (Al) and Copper (Cu). For Tin type
Attenuator (Sn) is not suitable as an attenuator to measure HVL on an X-ray plane at a voltage
of 50 kVp - 90 kVp.

1. Introduction
Applications of nuclear technology have been widely used in life, one of them in the field of health or
medical in the radiology. The Radiology Service Unit is one of the supporting medical installations,
using ionizing radiation sources to diagnose the presence a disease in the form of anatomical features
displayed in the radiographic film. Radiology services should pay attention to radiation safety aspects.
In a controlling effort, the Government has issued Government Regulation No. 33 of 2007 on the
Safety of Ionizing Radiation and Security of radioactive sources, The Decree of the Head of Bapeten
No. 01 / Ka-Bapeten / V-99 on Health against ionizing radiation is called radiation safety, which
contains dose limits of radiation workers < 50 mSv/year and general public < 5 mSv/year [1].
Installation of Radiology in hospitals require some main room: room inspection, the operator
spaces, sanitary spaces, dark room, a reading room and space planning of the dose. A good
examination of spaces for the safety of the patient, employees, and the public in General [2].
Radiography X-ray or plane X-ray is a tool used to perform a medical diagnosis by using X-rays.
X-rays emitted from the tube is directed at the body parts that will been diagnosed. The X-ray beam
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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

will penetrate the body and will be captured by the film, so will form the image of a body part that is
illuminated. Before the plane X-ray parameter settings need to be done to get X-rays that are desired.
These parameters are voltage (kV), tube current (mA) and the time of exposure (s) [3].
Tube voltage on the X-ray is one of the factors that can be controlled by the radio diagnostic [4].
The increase in the value of the voltage of the X-ray tube should be offset by a decline in the value of
the flow tube X-ray generator and time radiation intensity shines so that produced enough shadow
density. Determination of tube voltage plane contrast X-rays done by measurement of dosimetric
implemented directly in an experimental setting [5].Tube current and time is a very mutually bound in
determining the intensity of the X-rays emitted into the patient's body so that it will form the image of
the organs.
Previous research Wadianto et al, [6] has been doing high-voltage accuracy test tools Mobile
Radiography X-rays to find out the value of deviations in voltage tubes (kVp) is still within the
tolerances set out in. 9 of the year 2011. The method is undertaken by measuring the voltage of the
tube using a Detector Piranha 556 and measuring the distance between the X-ray tube into the detector
NiO-32 G-5019 with reference on PERKA BAPETEN NO. 9 of the year 2011. The test results are
then analyzed so that at the conclusion of the performance. Trikasjono et al, [7] have been doing
analysis of plane beam radiation safety - X in radiology unit RSU Yogyakarta Where the purpose to
know the dose of radiation of radiation workers and surrounding communities, by comparison
between the thick radiation beam calculation theoretically against the thick radiation beam in the Unit
of measurement of radiation dose in radiology and in the area of radiation workers and the
surrounding communities.
Suryanto and Sigit [8] have performed an analysis of the image-forming and the limits of tolerance
conformance test of plane X-ray diagnostics. In the formation of image on plane X-ray translucent
capability is from X-rays to the materials. Now the goal is how to process an image on the film that is
formed by the X-rays so that it can be understood the difference in form of pictures on the part of the
body that is illuminated. Factors that affect image radiography, among others, the magnitude of the
mA, focal distance with film (FFD) and voltage (kV).The increase in the mAs will be followed by a
large number of Electrons produced and affect the number of X-ray photons are generated or in other
words mAs related to quantity or intensity of the X-rays are produced. The quantity of X-rays will
affect density (degree of blackish) picture on the resulting film. The higher the mA is used,it will
be increasingly higher density was generated [9].
This research was conducted HVL value is usually determined its minimum value by a regulator
body and must be checked periodically. In Indonesia the Decree of the Minister of Health of the
Republic of Indonesia number 1250, 2009 on the Guidance of Quality Control of Radiodiagnostic
Equipment has been issued. One of the parameters specified in the Minister of Health Decree is the
HVL value. In the Ministerial Decree of Health explained that at a voltage of 80 kVp, HVL value ≥
2.3 mmAl [10]. The same value is also stated in Regulation of Head of BAPETEN. 9 Year 2011
[11].HVL values usually increase with an increase in X-ray tube voltage. The HVL value should not
be lower than that stated by the regulator. HVL values are too low, causing X-rays not to penetrate the
body so be useful in imaging, but provide a large dose on the body. The HVL value should be
measured as soon as possible. There are many methods for determine HVL value. The general method
is to use several Al plates produce a varied thickness then fired X-rays. From Al thickness variation, it
can be known that the thickness yields half dose when compared using the filter at all.

2. Experimental Method
This research was conducted at Hospital of University of North Sumatera (RS.USU), in Radiology
section by using 1 (one) unit of X-ray plane that is Philips Public Radiography. Specifications of X-
ray plane: Frequency 50/60 Hz, 200 mA current, operational voltage 50kVp-90 kV, and 0.1 second
operational time.The X-ray meter used the Piranha brand, calibrated on April 2016. In this study the
focus distance to the detector is 100 cm, the field area is 10 x 10 cm² and the current time is 20 mAs.
Using voltage variation and filter thickness variation by using Al (Aluminum), Cu (Copper) and Sn

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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

(Tin) lead attenuator.Method of measuring HVL value using attenuator, used voltage that is 50 kVp,
60 kVp, 70 kVp, 81 kVp, 90 kVp. The attenuator variation for each stress is performed 4 times for Al
(aluminum) from 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm Al, 4 times for Cu (Copper) 0.05 mmCu to 0.2 mmCu, 1 time for
Sn (Tin) is 0.05 mm Sn. Each variation of the attenuator is exposed to determine the dose detected by
the detector. After obtaining dose data for variation of attenuator thickness, then calculated HVL value
by using interpolation formula and graph. The interpolation method is calculated based at the
graphical method used with the Origin 8.5 software. Furthermore, the HVL value of the result and
using the variation of the attenuator, is compared. When an X-ray is directed to the object, some
photons interact with the material particles and the energy can be absorbed or dispersed. The number
of photons passed through the material depends on the thickness, density and atomic number of
matter, and energy.

3. Results and Discussion

The result of HVL value on the measurement of 50 kVp - 90 kVp voltage using aluminum and copper
attenuators are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

Table 1. Results of Attenuators Measurement using Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu) and Tin (Sn)

Aluminum (Al) Copper (Cu) Tin (Sn)

Voltages Thickness Voltages Thickness Voltages Thickness
(kVp) of Al (mm) (kVp) of Cu (mm) (kVp) of Sn (mm)
50 3 50 0.05 50 0.05
60 4 60 0.15 60 0.05
70 5 70 0.2 70 0.05
80 5.6 80 0.3 80 0.05
90 6.1 90 0.3 90 0.05

Figure 1. Graph of Al HVL Value at 50 - 90 kVp

From Table 1 and Figure 1 it was concluded that by using attenuator with Aluminum type (Al) at
50 kVp voltage obtained thickness of attenuator is 3 mm, 60 kVp obtained thickness attenuator is 4

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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

mm, for 70 kVp obtained 5 mm, For 81 kVp obtained thickness attenuator is 5.6 mm, and for 90 kVp
obtained the thickness of the stenuator is 6.1 mm. In the BAPETEN No. 09 Year 2011 and Western
Australia Standard, that the HVL for each voltage on the X-ray plane The general radiography tested
in this study is still within the permitted minimum range.

Figure 2. Graph of HVL Cu Value at 50 - 90 kVp

From Table 1 and Figure 2 it was concluded that by using attenuator with Aluminum type (Al) at
50 kVp voltage obtained the attenuator thickness is 3 mm equivalent to 0.05 mm Copper (Cu), 60 kVp
obtained thickness attenuator is 4 mm equivalent to 0.16 mm Copper (Cu), for 70 kVp obtained 5 mm
equivalent to 0.2 mm Copper (Cu), For 81 kVp obtained thick Aluminum attenuator (Al) is 5.6 mm
equivalent to 0.3 mmCu (Copper) and for 90 kVp obtained thick Aluminum attenuator (Al) is 6.1 mm
equivalent to 0.3 mm CU (Copper). Sianturi et al [12] reported that the value of tube voltage deviation
(kVp) and tube time (mAs) to meet the tolerance limit specified by PERKA BAPETEN No 9, 2011 to
four X-ray devices in hospitals at Medan give only onedevice does not exceed the limited permitted by
PERKA BAPETEN No 9, 2011. As per the BAPETEN No. 09 Year 2011 and Western Australia
Standard, that the HVL for each voltage on the X-ray plane. The general radiography tested in this
study is still within the permitted minimum range.
Results of HVL values are shown in Table 3 at a voltage of 90 kVp, 20 mAs. In thickness without
attenuator Tin (Sn) results that surface dose of skin is 0.685 mGy, then given Tin (Sn) thickness
attenuator 0.05 mm, measuring result of 0.306 mGy. Furthermore, there is no reduction in the
thickness of the lead attenuator (Sn) because it is not possible to obtain the thickness of the Tin
attenuator (Sn) below the size of 0.05 mm Tin (Sn).

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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

Figure 3. Graph of HVL Sn Value at 50 - 90 kVp

From Figure 3 concluded that by using Tin attenuator (Sn) at 50 kVp the required tin (Sn) is 0.05
mm thick but no value of half values is obtained from the initial value, at 60 kVp the attenuator of Tin
(Sn) is as thick as 0.05 mm but no value of half the value of the initial value, for the 70 kVp voltage
obtained by Tin attenuator 0.05 mm, but did not get the value of half the value of the initial value, at a
voltage of 81 kVp obtained thickness of tin (T) mm did not get the value of half the value of the initial
value and at a voltage of 90 kVp obtained thick tin (T) attenuator 0.05 mm did not get the value of half
the value of the initial value. So from HVL measurements using attenuator (Sn) for 50 kVp to 90 kVp
voltage cannot be obtained half the value of initial value, meaning that attenuator is not suitable as
attenuator for HVL measurement in X-ray plane.

4. Conclusion
Measurements of HVL by Aluminum (Al) at the University of Sumatera Utara Hospital, still within
the minimum limit in accordance with the BAPETEN No. 09 Year 2011 and Standard Western
Australia, then the three types of attenuators, the best attenuators for Half Value Layer (HVL) for X-
ray plane are Aluminum (Al) and Copper (Cu). The type of Tin type (Sn) is not suitable as an
attenuator to measure HVL on an X-ray plane at a voltage of 50 kVp up to 90 kVp.

References
[1] BAPETEN 1999 Decree of the Head of Bapeten Number 01, Ka-Bapeten, 99 on Health against
ionizing radiation, Jakarta
[2] Rassad, S. 2009 Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia Dr. Cipto
Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta
[3] BATAN 2005 X-Raising Room Design Pusdiklat BATAN, Jakarta
[4] Vassileva, J. 2004 The British Journal of Radiology 75 837
[5] Adhikari, Suraj Raj. 2012 The Himalaya Physics 3 89
[6] Wadianto, Azis Muslim. 2017 Journal of Humanities, Science and Teaching 29 65
[7] Trikasjono, T. et al. 2009 Proceedings of the National Seminar on Nuclear Science and
Technology of PTNBR – BATAN
[8] Suryanto, Sigit Bachtiar 2011 Proceedings of Seminar on Research and Management of
Nuclear Devices.
[9] Bushong, Steward C. 2013 Radiologic Science for Technologists. 10th edition. United State of
America: CV. Mosby Company

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SEMIRATA- International Conference on Science and Technology 2018 IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1116 (2018) 032032 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1116/3/032032

[10] Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 2011, Decree of MENKES Number 1250 /
MENKES / SK / XII / 2009] The same value is also stated in Regulation of Head of
BAPETEN
[11] Nuclear Power Supervisory Agency, Head of BAPETEN Regulation, 2011 number 8 on
Radiation Safety in the Use of X-Ray, Radiology Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
[12] Sianturi, Herty Afrina., Martha Rianna., Timbangen Sembiring., Marhaposan Situmorang 2018
Journal of Aceh Physics Society 7 1