Successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for Amsterdam UMC
On November 12, the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the new lead shielding doors took place at a second location by Von Gahlen. These components are part of the bunker renovation project for the radiotherapy (brachytherapy) department at Amsterdam UMC, supplied by Von Gahlen. This project brings together technical precision, safety, and collaboration to support advanced cancer treatment.
From concept to realization
Together with Olivier Spek Architecten, Amsterdam UMC, and Von Gahlen, the team refined the design to meet all shielding, structural, and operational requirements. Jaco van Oord: “When it comes to special radiation shielding products, we think of Von Gahlen as the ideal partner to consult during initial project implementation meetings.”
Robèr van Galen (KBK MediZorg):
“Von Gahlen is a reliable partner; you know what they deliver and how they handle things.”
Purpose of the new bunker
This High Dose Rate (HDR) treatment delivers high radiation doses directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The actual treatment time takes only 5–10 minutes per patient, but strict radiation safety measures require sufficient shielding and controlled access. To increase efficiency and capacity, two fully shielded bunkers are being constructed, enabling the treatment of multiple patients daily.
Technical design
The Von Gahlen design includes:
- Two lead doors with 30 mm Pb shielding
- A lead ceiling with variable thickness (5–20 mm)
- An additional, smaller ceiling section for localized protection
The doors are floor-free-hanging, allowing easy access for patients and equipment without obstruction.
Key specifications:
- Door dimensions: 1800 × 2250 mm
- Door opening: 1350 × 2100 mm
- Width: approx. 4000 mm
- Weight: approx. 2100 kg
- Construction: steel plate (5 mm), lead (30 mm Pb), reinforcement cross (5 mm), enclosed in a UNP profile
- Drive system: frequency-controlled motor for smooth acceleration/deceleration (max. 0.1 m/s).
- Safety: electromagnetic clutch for manual operation during power failure, meeting EN-12543 standards.
A thorough FAT process
The FAT is part of the V-model, ensuring complete verification of design, functionality, safety, and performance.
Before production, the Design Qualification (DQ) and design freeze phases ensured all expectations and technical requirements were aligned.
Theo Bouwman (Project Manager, Von Gahlen):
“This is a fully customized solution developed in close cooperation with all stakeholders. The careful preparation ensured a smooth FAT, with every test meeting expectations.”
While some participants initially questioned the need for an on-site FAT, the added value quickly became clear.
Collaboration as the foundation
The strong partnership between Amsterdam UMC, KBK Medizorg, Olivier Spek Architecten, and Von Gahlen has been a cornerstone of this project. With their own expertise, they visited the site, exchanged ideas, and considered factors such as minimal ceiling load without compromising the required shielding. Early-stage collaboration ensured a solution that is technically robust, safe, and practical, while maintaining all shielding and architectural requirements.
Project Team
- Amsterdam UMC: Frank de Geest (Staff Advisor Radiotherapy Medical Equipment)
- KBK MediZorg: Robèr van Galen
- Architect: Olivier Spek Architecten – Jaco van Oord
- Von Gahlen: Theo Bouwman (Project Manager), Robert van den Bosch (Mechanical Engineer), Brian Vos (Project Leader Manufacturing)
