A Legacy of Protection, A Future of Innovation

For over 50 years, Lancs Industries has been the premier U.S. manufacturer of radiation shielding and containment products, serving nuclear power plants, national laboratories, the U.S. Navy, and Department of Energy remediation sites. Our mission has always been to increase safety and reduce risk for workers in hazardous environments—and Charles is uniquely equipped to lead that mission forward.

A Leader Built for Complex Challenges

Charles’s career spans decades of executive leadership in high-stakes industries. From turning around a 110-year-old maritime company to leading $100M clean energy projects at VEX Energy, he has consistently delivered results through operational excellence, strategic growth, and team empowerment.

His experience as a U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Captain and later as a senior executive at Veolia and Vicinity Energy gives him deep insight into the industries we serve—especially nuclear, defense, and energy. He’s led global teams, managed billion-dollar assets, and driven innovation in some of the world’s most complex environments.

A Message from Charles

“Lancs Industries has a proud legacy of protecting those who work in the most challenging environments. I’m honored to join this mission and excited to lead the company into its next chapter—expanding our capabilities, investing in innovation, and continuing to deliver the highest standards of safety and service to our customers.”

— Charles Melcher, CEO, Lancs Industries

Looking Ahead

With Charles at the helm, Lancs Industries is poised to expand our leadership in radiation protection and containment—developing new technologies, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to serve as a trusted supplier to the nuclear, defense, and medical sectors.

Please join us in welcoming Charles to Lancs. The future is bright—and shielded.

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Understand Your Industry’s Specific Needs

Every industry that deals with radioactive materials encounters unique challenges in managing radiation exposure. Selecting the right shielding solution starts with a detailed understanding of the type of radiation, exposure levels, working conditions, and operational constraints present in your sector. Here’s a closer look at how different industries define their shielding needs:

• Nuclear Power Plants and DOE Remediation Sites:
  These environments routinely expose workers to gamma rays and neutron radiation during operations like reactor maintenance, spent fuel management, and decontamination projects. High-density shielding is necessary to protect workers during refueling outages and while handling contaminated equipment. Lancs Industries’ flexible lead blankets, shielding curtains, and custom barriers provide critical protection, while containment tents and HEPA-filtered ventilation systems help prevent the spread of radioactive contamination during large-scale decommissioning and environmental cleanup efforts.
• Naval Shipyards and Nuclear Submarines:
  Nuclear propulsion systems onboard ships and submarines demand shielding solutions that fit into confined, complex structures. In these maritime environments, space and weight constraints are paramount. Workers benefit from lead-free shielding options like tungsten or bismuth based materials that offer maximum radiation attenuation without adding excessive weight to vessels. Flexible containment solutions, such as glovebags and custom-fitted sheeting, are vital for conducting repairs and inspections in restricted areas while maintaining full radiation safety.
• Research Laboratories and Universities:
  Laboratories involved in nuclear physics, medical research, or material science often work with smaller-scale radioactive sources. However, precision is key, shielding must not interfere with experiments or delicate procedures. Lightweight, portable shielding barriers and glovebags allow researchers to safely conduct experiments without compromising the integrity of their work. Furthermore, mobile containment tents help create isolated clean zones in shared lab spaces where radioactive material handling occurs.
• Medical Facilities and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:
  Hospitals, imaging centers, and pharmaceutical labs regularly utilize radiation in diagnostic procedures (such as X-rays and CT scans) and in the development of radiopharmaceuticals. Here, shielding must not only be effective but also easy to clean and compliant with strict hygiene standards. In pharmaceutical facilities, isolators and glovebags ensure safe handling of radioactive compounds while preventing product contamination.
• Industrial Radiography and Non-Destructive Testing:
  In industries like oil and gas, and construction, radiography is used to inspect welds and structural components for flaws. Mobile and rugged shielding solutions are needed to protect technicians working on remote job sites. Flexible lead blankets and portable containment systems allow for rapid setup and breakdown, minimizing exposure risks even in challenging field environments.
• Waste Management and Environmental Remediation:
  Sites tasked with handling and disposing of radioactive waste require shielding solutions that are durable, adaptable, and able to accommodate large volumes of hazardous material. Flexible lead wraps, containment tents, and HEPA filtration systems ensure that workers stay protected during packaging, transport, and long-term storage operations.

Selecting the right radiation shielding for your industry involves understanding your specific hazards, evaluating material choices, and ensuring comprehensive containment. With its extensive range of products—including lead and lead-free shielding, flexible containment solutions, and customizable designs—Lancs Industries is the trusted partner for organizations dedicated to protecting their workers and maintaining the highest safety standards.

To learn more about how we can support your industry’s unique radiation protection needs, visit lancsindustries.com.

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Understanding Radiation and the Need for Shielding

Radiation, particularly ionizing radiation found in nuclear settings, poses a serious threat to human health. Shielding serves as the essential defense against exposure, blocking or attenuating harmful rays to protect workers in environments like nuclear power plants, Department of Energy remediation sites, U.S. Navy vessels, and laboratories. Effective shielding not only safeguards individual health but also ensures operational continuity and regulatory compliance in high-risk industries.

Innovative Shielding Solutions: Lead and Lead-Free Options

Lancs Industries offers a comprehensive lineup of radiation shielding products tailored to the unique demands of various industries:

• Lead Radiation Shielding: We manufacture flexible lead-based shielding, ideal for settings requiring maximum radiation attenuation. Our lead blankets and barriers are customizable to fit intricate operational layouts.
  • Items such as lead wool blankets, bricks, lead plates, free floating lead wool, blanket racks and more.
• Lead-Free Radiation Shielding: We also produce advanced lead-free shielding. Utilizing high-density metals like tungsten shielding and bismuth shielding, providing superior protection.
  • Lead-free options include blankets, floor shields, pipe wraps, pipe shields, magnetic shields and more!

Each of our shielding solutions is manufactured to the highest standards of quality, ensuring long-lasting performance and robust worker protection.

Containment Products: Controlling Contamination at the Source

Radiation safety extends beyond shielding; containment is critical for preventing the spread of radioactive particles. Lancs Industries produces a wide range of containment solutions to confine contaminants at their source:

• Containment Tents: Portable and highly durable, these tents establish controlled environments around hazardous work zones. Varying in many shapes and sizes, we can build to suit or recommend a design based on our experience.
• Glovebags: Designed for hands-on work with radioactive materials, glovebags allow safe manipulation without direct contact. We’ve created many custom glovebag types and we have many we make routinely. We’re also able to add expanded options, additional access points, additional mitts/gloves, internal barriers and more.
• Catch Containments: Strategically deployed to capture and contain accidental releases during operations. Our team is able to make these exact to your equipment dimensions and they are easy to install in tight spaces and varying surfaces.
• Sleeving, Bags, and Sheeting: Versatile sleeving that protects equipment and surfaces from contamination. These are perfect for those businesses who need additional flexibility with their protection barriers during use and disposal as well.

All containment products are engineered with rigorous quality control to meet the highest performance standards.

Flexible HEPA Filters and Protective Clothing

Supporting our containment systems, we also offer Flexible HEPA Grade Filters, which allow for a additional level of protection from containment setups. Additionally, our line of protective radiation clothing addresses both functional safety and worker comfort, ensuring that anti-contamination suits meet disposal and practical usage requirements in challenging environments.

Custom Designs for Specialized Needs

Recognizing that each facility and project has its own distinct radiation protection needs, Lancs Industries provides custom design services. Our team collaborates with clients to fabricate tailored shielding and containment solutions that precisely match operational requirements, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency.

Want to learn more? Contact us today. Lancs Industries leverages decades of expertise, innovative materials, and rigorous quality standards to develop radiation shielding and containment products that protect workers and the environment. Whether addressing emergent radiological issues, routine refueling outages, or long-term containment needs, our solutions are trusted across industries to keep radiation exposure and contamination under control.

To learn more about our comprehensive product offerings and custom solutions, visit lancsindustries.com.

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Tungsten: The Modern Choice for Precision and Safety

Tungsten shielding is highly valued in applications where precision is a key concern. Its higher density compared to lead makes tungsten an excellent choice for reducing radiation exposure in smaller, more confined spaces. This property allows for the creation of thinner shields that are as effective as thicker lead-based alternatives, providing significant space savings without compromising protection for personnel.

How thin can this shielding be? A layer one-third as thick as a layer of lead can block the equivalent amount of scatter radiation. That makes it ideal for use cases such as radiation protection aprons and other personal protective equipment.

Additionally, tungsten’s high melting point enhances its durability, making it suitable for high-temperature environments. This durability also translates to less frequent replacements and maintenance, which can mean long-term savings despite the higher initial investment. There is also an option to use Bismuth radiation shielding protection as well.

Lead: Cost-Effective and Versatile

Lead radiation shielding has been the go-to choice for radiation shielding for decades due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. It’s particularly favored in large-scale projects where extensive areas need protection, such as in nuclear power plants and industrial radiography facilities. The lower cost of lead shielding makes it a practical option for projects where budget constraints are a significant consideration.

In addition to its budget-friendly nature, lead is highly malleable, which makes it versatile for various applications. It can be easily molded into complex shapes or rolled into sheets and blankets, making it ideal for creating custom shielding solutions on the fly. This flexibility is invaluable in scenarios where bespoke shielding configurations are required quickly.

Lead’s effectiveness against a broad range of radiation types, including both gamma and x-rays, further solidifies its position as a reliable shielding material.

Choosing Between Tungsten and Lead

You should consider the specific needs of your project when deciding between tungsten and lead. For environments where precision, safety, and space are critical, tungsten may be the better option. Its safety profile and compact shielding capabilities make it ideal for medical applications and spaces where environmental health is a priority.

For large-scale projects where cost is a decisive factor, and in situations where you need flexibility in your shielding configuration, lead remains a viable choice. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

In short, both tungsten and lead offer significant benefits for radiation shielding. The choice between the two should be guided by specific project requirements, environmental considerations, and budget constraints. By understanding the strengths of each material, you can ensure that your radiation protection strategy is both effective and compliant with safety standards.

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Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Pharmaceutical containment systems should be inspected for integrity and performance after each use. This frequent inspection ensures that any potential compromise in the containment can be addressed before it leads to contamination or safety issues. The inspection should include checks for:

• Integrity of filters and seals.
• Proper function of air handling systems.
• Structural stability of the containment unit.

Each containment system, including flexible pharmaceutical containment systems, come with manufacturer guidelines that outline specific maintenance protocols, which should be followed diligently to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Cleaning Protocols

Keeping pharmaceutical containments clean is paramount. The cleaning process should be thorough, using approved disinfectants that do not damage the containment materials. Here are recommended steps for effective cleaning:

• Remove all visible debris and residues from surfaces using soft brushes or clean cloths to avoid scratching or damaging the containment surface.
• Apply suitable disinfectants carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring all areas are well-covered without pooling.
• Rinse if necessary (depending on the disinfectant used) to remove any chemical residue that could interfere with pharmaceutical processes.
• Dry the surfaces thoroughly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria that thrive in moist environments.

Adhering to a strict cleaning schedule helps maintain the operational integrity and extends the life of the containment systems.

Containment Upgrade Strategies

Over time, containment systems may require upgrades due to wear and tear or due to changes in regulatory requirements. It’s important to consider the shelf life and usage frequency of the containment materials. Common upgrades include:

• Replacement of HEPA filters to maintain air quality.
• Installation of newer, more durable materials to replace those that show signs of wear such as tears, pinholes, and discoloration.
• Enhancements in the automation of containment systems to improve efficiency and safety.

Upgrades should be planned during routine maintenance checks and integrated into the overall maintenance schedule to minimize disruption to pharmaceutical production processes.

Integrating Training and Compliance

Proper training for personnel is essential for the effective maintenance of pharmaceutical containments. Employees should be familiar with:

• The operational principles of containment systems.
• The correct procedures for cleaning and maintenance.
• Emergency procedures for containment breach or failure.

Regular training updates are necessary to keep pace with technological advancements and regulatory changes in the industry.

Maintaining your non-flexible and flexible pharmaceutical containment solutions is critical for ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance. By conducting regular inspections, adhering to rigorous cleaning protocols, implementing timely upgrades, and ensuring thorough training for all personnel, pharmaceutical companies can maintain the efficacy of their pharmaceutical isolators and other containment systems. Remember, the goal is not just to meet current safety standards but to exceed them, thereby safeguarding both the product and the people involved in its production.

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How Gamma and Alpha Radiation Are Different

Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation—like X-rays but with higher energy. They are photons without mass or electrical charge, which allows them to penetrate materials more easily than charged particles. This high penetrating power means gamma rays can pass through the human body and even thick layers of less dense materials. Industries commonly use gamma rays for sterilizing medical equipment and in cancer treatment due to their deep penetration capabilities.

In contrast, alpha radiation consists of alpha particles, which are helium nuclei. These particles contain two protons and two neutrons, giving them a significant mass relative to other types of radiation, and they carry a positive charge. Due to their mass and charge, alpha particles have low penetrating power but can cause severe damage to living cells if ingested or inhaled because they deposit a large amount of energy onto a small area.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications about Gamma and Alpha Radiation

There are some misconceptions about the protection against gamma and alpha radiation. Alpha radiation is not harmful to human skin from external exposure however, it becomes a severe health hazard when alpha-emitting materials are ingested or inhaled. This type of contact typically occurs when alpha-emitting dust or dirt, which can stick to buildings or float in the air, comes into contact with individuals without proper protective gear.

On the other hand, gamma radiation requires robust protection due to its ability to penetrate most materials. A common misconception is that lightweight materials can offer protection from gamma rays; in truth, dense materials like lead, tungsten, and even thick layers of concrete or water are needed to effectively block them.

Protective Strategies and Materials for Both

Protecting against alpha radiation primarily involves containment and preventing alpha-emitting particles from being ingested or inhaled. Plastic containment barriers are effective in trapping alpha-emitting particles. These containments often include ventilation systems designed to capture airborne particles, thereby reducing the risk of inhalation or contamination of skin and clothes. It’s crucial for individuals working in environments with potential alpha radiation exposure to use protective clothing and respiratory gear to prevent contamination.

Due to its penetrating nature, gamma radiation protection requires materials that can absorb or deflect the energy of gamma rays. Lead radiation shielding and lead-free radiation shielding materials such as tungsten shielding and bismuth shielding are particularly effective for shielding against high-intensity gamma radiation. These materials are often used in protective barriers, vests, and other forms of personal protective equipment designed to shield the body from exposure. In facilities where gamma radiation is present, walls might be lined with lead or specialized concrete to create a safe working environment.

Contamination Risks and Containment Strategies

The risks of contamination differ significantly between gamma and alpha radiation. Alpha particles are typically found on surfaces or airborne as dust and can easily transfer on clothing or equipment, making strict decontamination procedures necessary for safety. Gamma radiation, while not transferable via contamination, poses a direct risk through exposure. Simply being in the vicinity of gamma radiation without adequate protection can be dangerous.

Effective protection against gamma and alpha radiation requires an understanding of the nature of these radiations and the implementation of specific protective measures. By using appropriate materials for shielding and following rigorous safety protocols, industries can minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure. Whether you’re dealing with alpha particles that need containment to prevent ingestion or inhalation, or shielding against the penetrating power of gamma rays, safety in environments with radiation hazards depends on informed practices and the correct use of technology.

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Site-Specific Pharmaceutical Containment Products 

Using the  specifications and measurements of Frontida’s production equipment, we custom-produced containments to fit seamlessly over each piece of equipment. The containments were designed and produced to contain all drug compounds during production including operator interface with the machinery.  Each piece of machinery had a unique size and configuration, and the containments needed to be varied, unique, and substantial. Our pharmaceutical production isolators create controlled environments to protect personnel from exposure to hazardous chemicals and compounds, high-risk pathogens, and other substances.  

Solution 

Lancs Industries produced containments for the following pieces of equipment for the Frontida drug manufacturing process: 

• Fitzmill containment and flexible adaptor chutes.
• Tablet blending and pressing containment.
• Deduster enclosures 
• Killian S250 enclosures 
• Granulator enclosures 
• Scale enclosures 
• Charge bags 

Example of Pharmaceutical Containment Device – From Concept to Production

Lancs Industries has designed and manufactured flexible pharmaceutical containments for various machines – including dryers, blenders, granulators, and tablet presses – for 50 years. Our products are designed to enable continued high speed operation of machinery while protecting personnel from direct contact with the drug formulation.  

Our pharmaceutical containment products provide comfort and peace of mind for all staff involved in the production processes. Lancs continues to bring the same collaborative design process we’ve honed in our 50 years designing containment products for the nuclear industry, including work with nuclear power and national laboratories, to the pharmaceutical industry. 

Additional Examples of Pharmaceutical Containment Device – From Concept to Production

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Lancs Industries’ 2021 relocation from Kirkland, Washington, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, marked an exciting new chapter focused on expanding production capacity and national growth. This strategic move, while challenging, positioned Lancs Industries for immense business success over the next decade and beyond.

As President Lewis Byrd notes, “Moving from a 17,000 sq ft. facility where you’ve been located for 47 years, to another 26,000 sq. ft. facility 1,400 miles away was extremely challenging. And building out the new facility with necessary power and infrastructure. On top of all that, we were doing all of this in the middle of a global pandemic!” Despite the hurdles, Lancs Industries persevered. “We overcame every challenge that came up with hard work and a great, committed team,” Byrd adds.

The Albuquerque facility enables Lancs to effectively double manufacturing capabilities while providing ample room for future development. Byrd explains, “There is great demand for our radiation shielding and containment products, and the increased capacity of our new facility in terms of space, operating efficiency and personnel has reduced the lead times for many products by 50-75%.” Lancs Industries has also expanded their pharmaceutical containment sector as well.

Transitioning to Albuquerque has also stimulated local economic growth, with Lancs Industries introducing more than 60 well-paying jobs during its first year while carrying an estimated $10 million impact. The company’s rigorous hiring process reflects their commitment to excellence and quality. “We interviewed approximately 500 people to find the current 60+ team members who had the skills and work ethic to make superior radiation shielding and containment products for our customers,” says Byrd.

Lancs Industries’ move was supported by Albuquerque Economic Development and warmly received by officials like Mayor Tim Keller, who has touted Lancs Industries as, “Another great example of a national company making Albuquerque their home base.” Byrd also credits the “great collaboration with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance” in facilitating the transition.

The move allows Lancs Industries to cement ties with vital regional partners like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. Additionally, Albuquerque’s affordable real estate, reasonable cost of living, workforce availability, and hospitable weather prove ideal for both establishing and retaining top talent eager to contribute to Lancs Industries future achievements. While Lancs Industries’ Kirkland roots hold deep meaning, the opportunity to write an exciting new chapter in Albuquerque perfectly aligns with a mission of spearheading advancements across industrial safety equipment and radiation containment products.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Lancs Industries thanks to this vital move.

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Please stop by booth #61 to see the latest innovations in custom pharmaceutical containment and isolation manufacturing and learn about our products for manufacturing efficiency and workplace safety.

We’ll be talking extensively about our products including our pharmaceutical isolators as well as flexible isolators, machinery and equipment enclosures, transfer bags and so much more.

Learn how our pharmaceutical containments and isolators can protect your employees from exposure during the extensive manufacturing process. Talk with the experts who will be working to create your customized pharmaceutical containment and see how our products are used. We also offer case studies so you can see how flexible our pharmaceutical containment systems are! From laboratories to disease control centers and the skin care industries, our systems have helped countless businesses protect their most valuable assets, their employees.

With over 50 years of experience, our team can help you create containment and isolator systems which work best for your business. Talk with us more today or at the conference to see what we can create for you.

And, if you didn’t already know, last year’s conference had near-record attendance, with a sold-out exhibit hall featuring 154 contract service providers, along with speakers and sessions covering manufacturing, packaging, laboratory services, and other industry topics. We hope to see you there! Check out the 2023 agenda.

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Incineration of Radioactive Waste: How it Works

Incineration can be an effective method for radioactive waste disposal but it does have some drawbacks related to managing and storing the ash produced. Incineration combusts or oxidizes wastes at high temperatures, forming ash, flue gas and heat. Waste is incinerated in a specially engineered kiln after the separation of noncombustible constituents. The high temperatures of incinerators, up to 1,100° C or 2000° F, are effective in reducing the volume of radioactive waste in heavier items like contaminated textiles, lumber, paper or plastic, sewage, and animal waste. Standard incinerator types include Controlled Air, Excess Air, Rotary Kiln, Fluidized Bed, Vertical Shaft, and Multiple Hearth. Less common incinerator designs are Microwave, Molten Glass, Molten Salt, Plasma Cyclonic, or Electric Infrared.

The gases and fumes generated by incineration must be treated and filtered prior to emission into the atmosphere. Federal government regulations set limits on radioactive releases from incinerators burning radioactive waste. The toxic by-products of incineration and their total toxicity remain highly uncertain but one of the better-understood toxins is dioxin, which can accumulate in fatty tissue and work its way up the food chain. Special filters can be effective at reducing toxins from incineration but some can still remain in the ash. Radionuclides concentrated in the ash may result in a “Class B” Waste even though the waste fed into the incinerator was a “Class A.” Rigorous ash control, processing, and storage are essential to minimize the risk of groundwater contamination.

When and Where Incineration is Used

While incinerators and “autoclaves” (basically industrial pressure cookers) are in wide use around the world, they are less so in the United States due to concerns about their toxic emissions. According to the World Health Organization, “…incineration equipment should be chosen on the basis of the available resources and the local situation, balancing the public health benefits of pathogen elimination against the technical requirements needed to avoid the health impacts of air or groundwater pollution from the by-products of waste combustion.”

Hospitals and other medical industries tend to produce low-level waste (LLW) that is often compacted and/or incinerated before disposal, particularly in the developing world. This type of waste can encompass paper, rags, tools, clothing, or filters, which contain small amounts of mostly short-lived radioactivity. While LLW is the majority of all radioactive waste – about 90% of the volume – it only accounts for 1% of the radioactivity of all radioactive waste.

Managing Radioactive Waste Disposal

Any university lab, manufacturing plant, medical facility or nuclear power plant should have a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and established safety plan. An RSO, whether at a nuclear reactor facility or a hospital, is responsible for the systems and processes that protect workers and the public, including strategies for radioactive waste disposal.

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