3 Critical Ways Sealing Solutions Protect Nuclear Medicine Systems (Part 2)

By Dimitri Van Den Broeck (September 2025)

On Omniseal Solutions’ last nuclear blog (How Precision Seals Enable Nuclear Medicine, Part 1), our nuclear experts provided insights as to how metal and polymer sealing solutions are enabling nuclear medicine throughout its various complex processes – first starting with containment seals used in radiopharmaceutical production and transport to resilient sealing solutions found in particle accelerators and waste management. This blog continues the journey into modern healthcare and the need for reliable protection, especially in specialized environments where radioactive materials are necessary for diagnostics, evaluation, imaging and patient treatment in nuclear medicine and radiology (nucleology). 

According to the World Nuclear Association, over 50 million nuclear medicine procedures are performed each year, and demand for radioisotopes is increasing. At the heart of this complex medical system is a critical component: polymer and metal seals. High-performance seals play a protective role in not only equipment used in nuclear medicine but also providing radioactive containment at various stages of the production and transport process (as referenced in our last blog).

Nuclear medicine seals are engineered to contain radioactive materials, ensuring safe handling as well as prevention of leaks and/or contamination. These seals shield healthcare professionals and the surrounding environment from exposure to harmful radiation during medical procedures. The integrity of the equipment is also important, with seals withstanding the extreme temperature and pressure conditions inherent in handling radioactive materials.

What ensures a seal’s reliability over time? The first step is to partner with an experienced sealing and manufacturing company such as Omniseal Solutions known for co-engineering capabilities and simulation and testing expertise. In doing so, you will benefit from this company’s understanding of advanced materials as well as their ability to custom design a sealing solution for your nuclear medicine application requirements. 

Rigorous testing and quality control procedures are also a standard in the production of nuclear medicine seals to ensure consistent performance at the highest level and structural integrity over time. Advances in sealing technology and material science further bolster the effectiveness of these solutions, driving innovation in safer and more efficient medical practices. Proven, polymer solutions such as Meldin^® thermoplastics, Hycomp™ composites and Omniseal^® spring-energized seals uphold the containment requirements within the extreme environments of nuclear medicine, enabling practitioners and patients to move forward safely and with peace of mind.

Nuclear medicine equipment use various polymer and metal sealing solutions, with elastomeric seals being a common option. However, as nucleology technology progresses, not only are resilient metal sealing solutions needed but also more high-performance polymer alternatives such as PEEK, FEP, and ETFE, which are being selected to provide fundamental properties. These materials provide the required containment and reliable performance when subject to gamma radiation, intense heat, and extreme pressures.

Why do polymer and metal seals excel under extreme conditions? These sealing solutions are developed from high-performance materials, including advanced polyimides, composites, or metal alloys, due to their durability and resistance to radiation. Custom engineered seals can also provide other technology advantages such as wear resistance and the ability to hold tight tolerances. Let’s explore the various high-performance materials that can support your nuclear medicine systems.

1. Polymer Thermoplastics (Polyetheretherketone / PEEK) are polymers with the highest tensile and flexural strength of any high-performance polymer and provide extremely high temperature resistance. Their melting point is over 700º F, and they can operate in 500º F temperature without deforming. Within high-radiation environments, they do not suffer any significant losses in properties, and the effect of gamma radiation on this material is low.

   a. The polymer seals are used in Imaging Therapy Systems (PET Scanners, Diagnostics and Treatment) for high purity and contamination protection.

2. Polymer Composites are a lightweight, cost-effective, and non-toxic alternative to traditional shielding materials. They are flexible, have high corrosion resistance, and can be manufactured into complex shapes

   a. The polymer seals are used in Medical and Radiology Equipment and components for high strength-to-weight ratio, low X-ray and gamma attenuation, and excellent corrosion resistance.

3. Polymer Spring-Energized Seals are excellent polymer solutions as they provide a multitude of mechanical properties needed in nuclear medicine: chemical compatibility, corrosion resistance, low coefficient of friction, dry running capabilities, extreme temperatures (both hot and cryogenic), and high pressure.

   a. The polymer seals are used in UVH Systems (Beamlines, Chambers and Vessels) for ultra vacuum properties.

4. Metal Seals provide the safety, durability, and leakage control required for handling radioactive materials and in the use of sensitive imaging or treatment devices.

   a. The metal seals are used in cyclotrons, PET scanners, and radiopharmaceutical transport.

The need for polymer sealing solutions within the nuclear medicine sector is growing. Along with leakage control, any sealing solution used in these critical systems must withstand extreme conditions while maintaining their integrity over long periods. Their ability to do so is critical not only for safe operation, but also for the quality and purity of the medical radioisotopes produced. Any contamination at this stage could compromise the safety and effectiveness of the radiopharmaceuticals used in patient care.

Sealing solutions in nuclear medicine make a significant impact in patient safety and treatment effectiveness, especially in imaging and diagnostics. Precision is the critical objective as the seals contain radioactive materials effectively and facilitate the controlled delivery of nuclear medicine. This precision minimizes risks and maximizes therapeutic outcomes. Further, regulatory agencies require equipment to be quality assured, so they are functioning properly before any administration of radiopharmaceutical to the patient This process is a safeguard to make sure unnecessary radiation is not given to the patient.

How do you keep nuclear medicine equipment functioning accurately? 

As discussed in the above paragraphs, using proven seals with high-performance materials help in accuracy due to their resilience and ability to maintain functionality in the presence of corrosive and high-pressure environments. This ensures that nuclear medicine can be practiced with minimal risk of exposure. 

Nuclear medicine polymer and metal seals are integral components of the precision required in modern medical systems that involve radioactive substances. Proven to be effective at containment, longevity and accuracy, these sealing solutions protect healthcare professionals and patients but also enhance the efficacy of medical treatments. Precision seals do require meticulous engineering to meet the extreme demands of nuclear medicine. 

As the nuclear medicine sector continues to grow, Omniseal Solutions continues to work closely with industry leaders to innovate sealing technologies that not only reinforce the reliability of nuclear medicine equipment but also enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Connect with our experts to help with your nuclear medicine challenges, or watch this nucleology video for more details.