EP2633527B1 - Device for producing radioisotopes - Google Patents
Device for producing radioisotopes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2633527B1 EP2633527B1 EP11778846.3A EP11778846A EP2633527B1 EP 2633527 B1 EP2633527 B1 EP 2633527B1 EP 11778846 A EP11778846 A EP 11778846A EP 2633527 B1 EP2633527 B1 EP 2633527B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cavity
- metal sheet
- irradiation
- target fluid
- substantially conical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 64
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 60
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 60
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052758 niobium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010955 niobium Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N niobium atom Chemical compound [Nb] GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 description 13
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000001678 irradiating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009206 nuclear medicine Methods 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000017525 heat dissipation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000006506 Brasenia schreberi Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-AHCXROLUSA-N Iodine-123 Chemical compound [123I] ZCYVEMRRCGMTRW-AHCXROLUSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-BJUDXGSMSA-N Nitrogen-13 Chemical compound [13N] QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-BJUDXGSMSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005094 computer simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000110 cooling liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-BJUDXGSMSA-M fluorine-18(1-) Chemical compound [18F-] KRHYYFGTRYWZRS-BJUDXGSMSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002600 positron emission tomography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013077 target material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-NOHWODKXSA-N xenon-124 Chemical compound [124Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-NOHWODKXSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21G—CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS; RADIOACTIVE SOURCES
- G21G4/00—Radioactive sources
- G21G4/04—Radioactive sources other than neutron sources
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21G—CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS; RADIOACTIVE SOURCES
- G21G1/00—Arrangements for converting chemical elements by electromagnetic radiation, corpuscular radiation or particle bombardment, e.g. producing radioactive isotopes
- G21G1/04—Arrangements for converting chemical elements by electromagnetic radiation, corpuscular radiation or particle bombardment, e.g. producing radioactive isotopes outside nuclear reactors or particle accelerators
- G21G1/10—Arrangements for converting chemical elements by electromagnetic radiation, corpuscular radiation or particle bombardment, e.g. producing radioactive isotopes outside nuclear reactors or particle accelerators by bombardment with electrically charged particles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H6/00—Targets for producing nuclear reactions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21G—CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS; RADIOACTIVE SOURCES
- G21G1/00—Arrangements for converting chemical elements by electromagnetic radiation, corpuscular radiation or particle bombardment, e.g. producing radioactive isotopes
- G21G1/001—Recovery of specific isotopes from irradiated targets
- G21G2001/0015—Fluorine
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a device for the production of radioisotopes, and in particular to a device for the production of radioisotopes by irradiation using a particle beam of a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor. It also relates to an irradiation cell for the production of radioisotopes by irradiation using a particle beam of a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor.
- positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that requires positron-emitting radioisotopes or molecules labeled with these same radioisotopes.
- 18 F is one of the most commonly used radioisotopes among others such as 13 N, 15 O, or 11 C. The 18 F has a half-life of 109.6 min and can thus be routed to other sites than its production site.
- a device for producing radioisotopes comprises a proton accelerator and an irradiation cell. This irradiation cell comprises a cavity, inside which is included the radioisotope precursor in liquid form.
- the energy of the proton beam directed on the irradiation cell is of the order of a few MeV to about 20 MeV.
- Such a beam energy causes a heating of the irradiation cell and a vaporization of the radioisotope precursor, thus reducing the stopping power of this precursor and therefore the production yield of radioisotopes.
- a target cooling device must therefore also be implemented in order to attempt to maintain the radioisotope precursor in liquid form, or at most in the form of an intermediate state between liquid and vapor.
- the power to be dissipated for an energy beam of 18 MeV with an intensity of 50 to 150 ⁇ A is between 900 W and 2700 W, and this on a radioisotope precursor volume generally between 0.2 and 5 ml, for irradiation times ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
- the document US 5917874 discloses a device for producing radioisotopes comprising an irradiation cell closed by a metal sheet and comprising a fluid comprising a precursor of radioisotopes or target fluid.
- the depth of the cavity of the irradiation cell with respect to the axis of the beam is relatively small so as to irradiate substantially all the target fluid sample.
- the depth of the cavity of the irradiation cell is 1.7 mm, so as to have an optimal cross section for the production of radioisotope.
- the energy of the particle beam irradiating the target fluid is of the order of 8 MeV, which requires a sufficiently thin metal sheet to limit energy losses of the beam as it passes through the sheet.
- the sheet has a thickness of the order of 6 microns and is maintained by a perforated grid to withstand the increasing internal pressure in the irradiation cell during irradiation.
- the radioisotope production device further comprises means for cooling the irradiation cell.
- the irradiation cell is insertable into a cooling box in which circulates a flow of water.
- the irradiation cell further comprises a solid cone made of a material of high thermal conductivity and located on the rear side of the irradiation cell, facing the sheet, so as to evacuate the heat produced in the cavity.
- the inside of the cooling box is of cylindrical shape and comprises a duct located opposite the top of said cone and intended to project a turbulent flow of cooled water on the cone.
- the cone also has fins radially spaced around its surface to improve heat dissipation.
- a device only allows the irradiation of small volumes of water enriched in 18 O, and does not have a means for effectively cooling the metal sheet, which can pose a problem in terms of the sealing of the cell. irradiation.
- the perforated grid is not completely transparent to the beam and prevents part of the beam from penetrating inside the cavity. Part of the perforated grid or the metal sheet thus absorbs part of the beam which causes heating of the metal sheet.
- the metal foil is relatively thin and is the hottest and least cooled part, it is relatively fragile.
- the seals between it and the body become damaged during use and said cavity loses seal.
- the document BE 1011263 discloses a radioisotope producing device comprising an irradiation cell with a cavity comprising a hemispherical shaped portion, closed by a sheet.
- the irradiation cell receives a fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor also called "target fluid".
- the walls of this cavity are made of a heat conductive metal material and with a sufficiently thin thickness to dissipate heat from inside the cavity.
- An element called "diffuser" surrounds the outer walls of said cavity, creating a channel in which a cooling fluid circulates. Nevertheless, the irradiation cell must have a minimum depth so as to irradiate sufficient target fluid without beam losses in the body of the irradiation cell.
- An irradiation cell as described in the document WO 2005081263 was realized.
- This irradiation cell comprises a first cylindrical portion and a second hemispherical portion located on the opposite side to a sheet closing the cavity.
- a first disadvantage of this type of device is that when the irradiation cell is irradiated, a large part of the fluid in the cavity vaporizes, leaving only a thin stream of water on the lower wall of the cavity. As the beam of particles passes through a low density volume, the probabilities of nuclear reactions 18 O (p, n) 18 F are reduced.
- the walls of the cavity being thin and undergoing significant heating, said cavity collapses after several uses, which positions a portion of the already poorly irradiated liquid outside the beam and causes a drop in efficiency.
- the document US 20050084055 discloses a device for producing radioisotopes comprising an irradiation cell comprising a target fluid.
- the irradiation cell comprises a cavity closed by a sheet.
- the cavity comprises a face opposite to said sheet and called "rear wall", and an upper wall located at the top of the sheet and the rear wall.
- the rear wall is inclined so that the portion of the rear wall proximal to the top wall is more away from the sheet as the distal wall portion distal to the top wall.
- the device further comprises a cooling system comprising a vertical duct 502 through which a cooling fluid arrives.
- the vertical duct 502 is connected to a duct 504 adjacent to the rear wall, itself connected to a duct 506 adjacent to the upper wall.
- the bottom wall separating said surface from the portion of the rear wall distal to the top wall is not cooled.
- the cooled walls are cooled only by a conduit in contact with only a portion of the walls.
- the fluid present in the cavity condenses on the upper wall cooled by a liquid having been heated after having passed through the conduit 504 adjacent to the rear wall. The cooling of the fluid included in the cavity is therefore not optimal and must be improved in order to present more condensed liquid facing the beam so as to increase the probabilities of nuclear reactions.
- the document US 6586747 discloses a device for producing radioisotopes comprising an irradiation cell comprising a cavity closed by a sheet which is inclined with respect to the axis of the beam. In this way, the power of the beam is distributed over a wider area. Nevertheless, in this device, with the increase of the area of the sheet exposed to the beam, the power of the beam dissipated in the sheet remains nevertheless important which causes a global heating of the sheet and an increase in the internal pressure in the cavity.
- the document US 20060062342 is intended to solve the problem of pressure stress on the sheet by introducing a pressurized chamber adjacent to the sheet of the irradiation cell so that the pressure exerted on the sheet on the side of the pressurizing chamber opposes the pressure exerted on the same sheet on the side of the irradiation cell.
- the inclined or perpendicular position relative to the beam of the target chamber sheet should make it possible to force the target fluid on the top of the sheet.
- the device does not include a cooling system of the sheet, and the addition of a pressurized chamber and therefore an additional sheet in the passage of the beam causes beam power losses.
- the sheet being poorly cooled, it is difficult to force the fluid against the top of said sheet.
- the cavity of the target of the FIG. 1 comprises a cylindrical portion extended by a conical portion.
- the metal foil forming the irradiation window closes the cylindrical portion of the cavity.
- cryogenic cooling targets cause less problems in cooling the cell and the metal sheet forming the irradiation window. However, they need to find gaskets that withstand cryogenic temperatures and that have, at the same time, a sufficient life when exposed to intense irradiation.
- the metal sheet is positioned substantially perpendicular to the axis of the particle beam.
- the radioisotopes are produced by irradiating a target fluid with a substantially horizontal particle beam.
- the plane formed by the metal sheet is a vertical plane.
- the acute angle ( ⁇ ) is between (about) 30 ° and (about) 89 °, preferably between (about) 45 ° and (about) 85 °, more preferably between (about) 60 ° and (approximately) 85 °.
- the cooling device comprises a cooling fluid inlet located opposite the portion of the irradiation cell opposite to said sheet, and a diffuser creating a channel capable of circulating the cooling fluid.
- the inclined surface may for example be a plane or a surface composed of several planes or a curved surface or surface composed of several curved surfaces.
- the cavity is of substantially conical shape, and preferably has on most of its depth the shape of a right cone of revolution.
- the inclined surface is therefore a concave surface of a cone, and the wedge-shaped zone is delimited by a cone surface, by the plane formed by the metal foil and by a horizontal plane intercepting the cone surface and the plane formed by the metal foil.
- the top of the substantially conical shaped cavity is rounded, and preferably has the shape of a spherical cap.
- the first part further comprises a groove surrounding, on the rear surface side, the second part, this groove being designed to serve as a collector for a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of said second part. .
- the irradiation cell is made of niobium.
- the outer surface of the second portion of substantially conical shape comprises grooves, preferably extending zone near the top of the second portion to a region near the base of the second portion, so as to create paths for the passage of said cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of said second portion.
- the first part further comprises a groove, which on the side of the rear surface surrounds the outer surface of the second part, so as to reduce the thickness of the first part at the base of the second part, this groove being designed to serve as a collector for a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of the second portion.
- the outer surface of the second substantially conically shaped portion comprises grooves, each groove preferably extending from an area near the top of the second portion of substantially conical shape to a region near the base of the groove. the second part, so as to create between them paths for the passage of a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of the second part.
- the device 1 of the present invention is intended to be used in the context of the production of radioisotopes, in particular by irradiation of a target fluid with the aid of an accelerated particle beam.
- a preferred use of the device 1 of the present invention is the production of 18 F by accelerated proton beam bombardment 13 on 18 O enriched water.
- the beam 13 is substantially horizontal.
- the FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a portion of a device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the device 1 of the present invention comprises an irradiation cell 7 represented in three-dimensional view on the FIG 2 .
- the irradiation cell 7 comprises a cavity 3 intended to contain a target fluid, for example water enriched in 18 O.
- a target fluid for example water enriched in 18 O.
- the cavity 3 has an upper part (or high) 19 (located above the plane AB) and a lower part (or low) 20 (located below the plane AB).
- the plane AB is substantially horizontal.
- the cavity 3 comprises an opening closed by a metal sheet 4 that is transparent to the beam 13.
- the expression "transparent beam sheet” means that substantially all of the beam 13 is capable of traversing the sheet.
- metal 4 without being attenuated by the metal sheet 4.
- the metal sheet 4 is preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the axis of the particle beam 13 .
- the metal foil 4 is characterized by an upper (or upper) and a lower (or lower) portion as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 , Substantially coinciding respectively with the top (or high) 19 and the bottom part (or bottom) 20 of the cavity 3.
- the metal foil 4 is sealingly maintained against the front surface of the irradiation cell 7.
- a seal 6 is positioned between the metal sheet 4 and the irradiation cell 7, so as to ensure sealing.
- the irradiation cell 7 comprises an inlet channel 2 opening preferably in the upper part 19 of the cavity 3 and close to the metal sheet 4 for the introduction of the target fluid into the cavity 3, and a channel 5 for the extraction of the target fluid, starting preferably from the lower part 20 of the cavity 3.
- the inlet 2 and outlet 5 channels are located at less than 10 mm, more preferably at less than 10 mm. 5 mm, still preferably less than 3 mm, of the sheet 4 so that the filling of the cavity and the evacuation of the target fluid are facilitated.
- the irradiation cell 7 included in the device 1 of the present invention is used in a device for producing radioisotopes comprising a loop in which a target fluid can circulate periodically through the irradiation cell and a cooling and / or capture system of the radioisotope produced, as described in the document WO 02101758 .
- the position and the inclination of the inlet channel 2 with respect to the metal sheet 4 are advantageously selected so as to constitute an additional means of cooling the metal sheet 4. The selection of the position and the optimum inclination of the inlet channel 2 with respect to the sheet 4, are largely within the abilities of those skilled in the art.
- the irradiation cell 7 is insertable into a body 8 comprising a cooling device.
- the cooling device comprises a cooling fluid inlet 9, preferably a non-cryogenic cooling fluid.
- the arrival of cooling fluid 9 is preferably located along the axis AB and directed towards the part of the irradiation cell 7 opposite the sheet 4.
- the cooling device also comprises a diffuser 14 creating a channel ring 10 around the irradiation cell 7. the cooling liquid circulating in the channel 10 must ensure that the walls of the irradiation cell 7 to be cooled sufficiently so that the target fluid within the cavity 3 remains substantially in liquid form .
- the cavity 3 comprises, in its lower part 20, an inclined surface 15 (here a concave conical surface, since the cavity 3 is preferably of substantially conical shape).
- This inclined surface 15 delimits the bottom portion 20 of the cavity downwards, so as to evacuate the target fluid, which condenses in contact with the cooled walls of the cavity 3 by gravity towards said metal sheet 4. It intercepts the plane formed by the metal sheet 4 forming an acute angle ( ⁇ ) with this plane, so as to form a zone 18 adapted to collect by gravity the target fluid which (in operation) condenses in contact with the walls of the cavity 3 cooled by the cooling device.
- the acute angle ( ⁇ ) is between 30 ° and 89 °, more preferably between 45 ° and 85 °, more preferably between 60 ° and 85 °.
- the inclined surface 15 is in contact with the lower part of the metal sheet 4, thus creating the area 18 of the cavity 3 in contact with the sheet metal 4 in which target fluid condensed on the walls of the cavity 3 can accumulate more quickly.
- this zone 18 is wedge-shaped, delimited between the plane formed by the metal foil 4, the inclined surface 15, which intercepts the plane formed by the foil 4 at the edge 22, and a horizontal plane, which intercepts the inclined surface 15 and the plane formed by the metal sheet 4.
- the height of the condensed fluid collected is maximum at the level of the metal sheet 4 (that is to say, where the fluid is in contact direct with the metal sheet 4) and decreases gradually away from the metal sheet 4 (that is to say towards the inside of the cavity 3).
- the condensed target fluid in contact with the metal sheet 4 in the zone 18 of the cavity 3 minimizes the heating of the sheet and therefore the heating of the seals 6, which ensures a good seal of the cavity 3 relative to the devices. of the prior art.
- the wedge-shaped zone 18 guarantees in particular a maximum height of the liquid at the level of the metal foil. It also reduces the risk of local overheating of the condensed fluid, thanks to excellent convective circulation of the liquid in this zone.
- the continuous supply of condensed target fluid at the walls of the metal sheet 4 minimizes the heating of the metal sheet 4 and reduces the risk of damaging it.
- the metal sheet 4 is better cooled with respect to the sheets of the devices of the prior art, the internal pressure in the cavity 3 decreases and it is possible to reduce the thickness of the sheet, which limits the energy losses of the beam 13 in the metal sheet 4.
- the cavity 3 is of substantially conical shape.
- the conical shape of the cavity maximizes the cooled surface S r relative to the volume of the cavity V c . It has been surprisingly discovered that if we compare the ratios S r / V c for the shapes of cavities of the prior art with that of the present invention, we note that for an opening radius of the cavity R and a depth of the cavity P given ( FIG. 4 ), this ratio is higher in the case of a cavity of substantially conical shape. Tables 1, 2 and 3 below show this comparison. ⁇ u> Table 1.
- Tables 1, 2 and 3 show that for the same depth P of the cavity and for the same opening radius R of the cavity, the volume of a conical-shaped irradiation cell is always smaller than the volume of the cavity.
- an irradiation cell comprising a cylindrical portion and a hemispherical portion as described in the document WO 2005081263 .
- the ratio "surface area cooled per unit volume" Sr / Vc for a radiation irradiation cell taper is always superior to that of an irradiation cell as described in the document WO2005081263 .
- the irradiation cell 7 for use in the device 1 according to the present invention thus allows the irradiation of a reduced volume of target fluid, while keeping a cavity depth 3 sufficient to prevent beam losses, and providing improved cooling.
- the irradiation cell is made of niobium, a material chosen for its chemical inertness properties and its acceptable thermal properties. Niobium does not produce secondary radioisotopes with a half-life of more than 24 hours. Niobium nevertheless has the disadvantage of being difficult to machine, so in this preferred aspect, the top of the cone is preferably rounded.
- FIG. FIG. 4 An exemplary embodiment of an irradiation cell made of niobium is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 .
- the irradiation cell 7 is in the form of a cone of height H and of radius R.
- the cone is truncated by a plane parallel to the base of the cone, at the height H-h1, where the cone has a radius r1.
- This frustoconical portion is surmounted by a spherical cap of radius r and height h2 relative to the base of said disk radius r1.
- the depth P of the cavity 3 is greater than the diameter of the opening of the cavity 3, in order to minimize the volume of target fluid, while keeping a depth sufficient to irradiate the target fluid effectively.
- the radius R of the opening of the cavity is between 2 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 5mm and 15mm, and the depth of the cavity preferably between 1 and 10cm, more preferably between 1cm and 5cm.
- the height h2 of the spherical cap is less than 1 cm.
- the conical cavity 3 passes through the first portion 16 to extend into the second portion 17, and forms in the front surface of the first portion 16 an opening defined by the edge 22, circular in shape, so that said sheet 4 closes the opening at the edge 22 when it bears on the front surface of the first part 16 .
- the outer surface of the second portion 17 of the irradiation cell 7 comprises linear grooves 12 , each of these grooves 12 preferably extending from a region / zone close to the vertex of the second portion 17 of substantially conical shape towards a region near the base of the second portion 17 of substantially conical shape, to create between them paths to accelerate the passage of the cooling fluid 9 and thus to improve the cooling.
- the addition of furrows 12 leads also an increase of the outer surface of the cone and therefore of the heat exchange surface.
- the first portion 16 of the irradiation cell 7 further comprises an annular groove 11 surrounding the second portion 17, at the base of the second portion 17 of substantially conical shape, locally reducing the thickness of the the first part 16 of the irradiation cell 7.
- this groove 11 is in direct communication with the annular channel 10 defined by the diffuser 14 around the outer surface of the first part 16. This allows the evacuation of the coolant in the annular channel 10 created by the diffuser 14 . the circulation of a coolant in the annular groove 11 and the locally reduced thickness in the first portion 16 of the irradiation cell 7 at the annular groove 11 allows improved cooling of the sheet 4 closing the cavity 3.
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Description
La présente invention concerne de façon générale un dispositif pour la production de radio-isotopes, et de façon particulière un dispositif destiné à la production de radioisotopes par l'irradiation à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules d'un fluide cible comprenant un précurseur de radioisotope. Elle concerne aussi une cellule d'irradiation destinée à la production de radioisotopes par l'irradiation à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules d'un fluide cible comprenant un précurseur de radioisotope.The present invention relates generally to a device for the production of radioisotopes, and in particular to a device for the production of radioisotopes by irradiation using a particle beam of a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor. It also relates to an irradiation cell for the production of radioisotopes by irradiation using a particle beam of a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor.
En médecine nucléaire, la tomographie à émission de positrons est une technique d'imagerie nécessitant des radio-isotopes émetteurs de positrons ou des molécules marquées par ces mêmes radio-isotopes. Le 18F est un des radioisotopes les plus couramment utilisés parmi d'autres tels que le 13N, le 15O, ou encore le 11C. Le 18F possède un temps de demi-vie de 109.6 min et peut ainsi être acheminé vers d'autres sites que son site de production.In nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that requires positron-emitting radioisotopes or molecules labeled with these same radioisotopes. 18 F is one of the most commonly used radioisotopes among others such as 13 N, 15 O, or 11 C. The 18 F has a half-life of 109.6 min and can thus be routed to other sites than its production site.
Le 18F est le plus souvent produit sous sa forme ionique et obtenu par bombardement de protons accélérés sur une cellule d'irradiation comprenant de l'eau enrichie en 18O. De nombreuses cellules d'irradiation ont été développées toutes ayant pour même but de produire du 18F- en un temps réduit avec le meilleur rendement. Généralement, un dispositif de production de radio-isotopes comprend un accélérateur de protons et une cellule d'irradiation. Cette cellule d'irradiation comprend une cavité, à l'intérieur de laquelle est inclus le précurseur de radio-isotope sous forme liquide. 18 F is most often produced in its ionic form and obtained by accelerated proton bombardment on an irradiation cell comprising water enriched in 18 O. Many irradiation cells have been developed all having the same purpose of produce 18 F - in a short time with the better performance. Generally, a device for producing radioisotopes comprises a proton accelerator and an irradiation cell. This irradiation cell comprises a cavity, inside which is included the radioisotope precursor in liquid form.
Généralement, l'énergie du faisceau de protons dirigé sur la cellule d'irradiation est de l'ordre de quelques MeV à une vingtaine de MeV. Une telle énergie de faisceau provoque un échauffement de la cellule d'irradiation ainsi qu'une vaporisation du précurseur de radio-isotope, diminuant ainsi le pouvoir d'arrêt de ce précurseur et donc le rendement de production de radio-isotopes. Un dispositif de refroidissement de la cible doit donc également être implémenté afin de tenter de maintenir le précurseur de radio-isotope sous forme liquide, ou tout au plus sous forme d'un état intermédiaire entre liquide et vapeur. De plus, dans le cas de la production de 18F-, à cause du coût particulièrement élevé du précurseur, l'eau enrichie en 18O, seul un très petit volume de ce précurseur, tout au plus quelques millilitres, peut être placé dans la cellule d'irradiation. Par conséquent, le problème de dissipation de chaleur produite par l'irradiation du matériau cible sur un si petit volume constitue un problème majeur à surmonter. Typiquement, la puissance à dissiper pour un faisceau d'énergie de 18 MeV d'une intensité de 50 à 150µA se situe entre 900 W et 2700 W, et cela sur un volume de précurseur de radio-isotope généralement compris entre 0,2 et 5 ml, pour des temps d'irradiation allant de quelques minutes à plusieurs heures.Generally, the energy of the proton beam directed on the irradiation cell is of the order of a few MeV to about 20 MeV. Such a beam energy causes a heating of the irradiation cell and a vaporization of the radioisotope precursor, thus reducing the stopping power of this precursor and therefore the production yield of radioisotopes. A target cooling device must therefore also be implemented in order to attempt to maintain the radioisotope precursor in liquid form, or at most in the form of an intermediate state between liquid and vapor. Moreover, in the case of the production of 18 F - , because of the particularly high cost of the precursor, water enriched in 18 O, only a very small volume of this precursor, at most a few milliliters, can be placed in the irradiation cell. Therefore, the problem of heat dissipation produced by the irradiation of the target material on such a small volume is a major problem to overcome. Typically, the power to be dissipated for an energy beam of 18 MeV with an intensity of 50 to 150 μA is between 900 W and 2700 W, and this on a radioisotope precursor volume generally between 0.2 and 5 ml, for irradiation times ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
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Dans le but de réduire les contraintes mécaniques sur la feuille dues à l'augmentation de pression dans la cavité en cours d'irradiation, le document
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Le document
Le document
Il sera noté que des cibles à refroidissement cryogénique causent moins de problèmes en ce qui concerne le refroidissement de la cellule et de la feuille métallique formant la fenêtre d'irradiation. Elles nécessitent cependant de trouver des joints d'étanchéité qui résistent à des températures cryogéniques et qui ont, en même temps, une durée de vie suffisante lorsqu'ils sont exposés à une irradiation intense.It will be noted that cryogenic cooling targets cause less problems in cooling the cell and the metal sheet forming the irradiation window. However, they need to find gaskets that withstand cryogenic temperatures and that have, at the same time, a sufficient life when exposed to intense irradiation.
Afin d'augmenter les rendements de production de radio-isotopes, il est nécessaire de fournir un dispositif de production de radio-isotopes ne comprenant pas les désavantages de l'art antérieur.In order to increase the production yields of radioisotopes, it is necessary to provide a device for producing radioisotopes that does not include the disadvantages of the prior art.
En particulier, il est nécessaire de fournir un moyen efficace de refroidissement de la fenêtre fermant la cavité cible, surtout lorsqu'on travaille avec un fluide de refroidissement non cryogénique.In particular, it is necessary to provide an effective means of cooling the window closing the target cavity, especially when working with a non-cryogenic cooling fluid.
Il est également nécessaire d'améliorer le dispositif de refroidissement des parois de la cavité cible.It is also necessary to improve the cooling device of the walls of the target cavity.
D'autres avantages et propriétés du dispositif selon l'invention vont devenir apparents à la lumière de la description qui suit.Other advantages and properties of the device according to the invention will become apparent in the light of the description which follows.
Selon un premier aspect, la présente invention concerne un dispositif destiné à la production de radioisotopes par l'irradiation d'un fluide cible comprenant un précurseur de radioisotope à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules, le dispositif comprenant:
- une cellule d'irradiation comprenant une cavité de forme substantiellement conique destinée à contenir le fluide cible et fermée par une feuille métallique ; et
- un dispositif de refroidissement non-cryogénique des parois de la cavité, apte à maintenir au moins une fraction (de préférence l'intégralité) du fluide cible compris dans la cavité dans un état liquide lorsque le fluide cible est irradié.
- an irradiation cell comprising a cavity of substantially conical shape for containing the target fluid and closed by a metal sheet; and
- a non-cryogenic cooling device of the walls of the cavity, adapted to maintain at least a fraction (preferably all) of the target fluid included in the cavity in a liquid state when the target fluid is irradiated.
De préférence, la feuille métallique est positionnée de manière substantiellement perpendiculaire à l'axe du faisceau de particules.Preferably, the metal sheet is positioned substantially perpendicular to the axis of the particle beam.
De préférence, les radioisotopes sont produits par irradiation d'un fluide cible à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules substantiellement horizontal. De préférence, le plan formé par la feuille métallique est un plan vertical.Preferably, the radioisotopes are produced by irradiating a target fluid with a substantially horizontal particle beam. Preferably, the plane formed by the metal sheet is a vertical plane.
De préférence, l'angle aigu (α) est compris entre (environ) 30° et (environ) 89°, de préférence entre (environ) 45° et (environ) 85°, encore de préférence entre (environ) 60° et (environ) 85°.Preferably, the acute angle (α) is between (about) 30 ° and (about) 89 °, preferably between (about) 45 ° and (about) 85 °, more preferably between (about) 60 ° and (approximately) 85 °.
De préférence, le dispositif de refroidissement comprend une arrivée de fluide de refroidissement située face à la partie de la cellule d'irradiation opposée à ladite feuille, et un diffuseur créant un chenal apte à faire circuler le fluide de refroidissement.Preferably, the cooling device comprises a cooling fluid inlet located opposite the portion of the irradiation cell opposite to said sheet, and a diffuser creating a channel capable of circulating the cooling fluid.
La surface inclinée peut par exemple être un plan ou une surface composée de plusieurs plans ou une surface courbe ou surface composée de plusieurs surfaces courbes. La cavité est de forme substantiellement conique, et a de préférence sur la plus grande partie de sa profondeur la forme d'un cône droit de révolution. Dans cette exécution, la surface inclinée est dès lors une surface concave d'un cône, et la zone en forme de coin est délimitée par une surface de cône, par le plan formé par la feuille métallique et par un plan horizontal interceptant la surface de cône et le plan formé par la feuille métallique.The inclined surface may for example be a plane or a surface composed of several planes or a curved surface or surface composed of several curved surfaces. The cavity is of substantially conical shape, and preferably has on most of its depth the shape of a right cone of revolution. In this embodiment, the inclined surface is therefore a concave surface of a cone, and the wedge-shaped zone is delimited by a cone surface, by the plane formed by the metal foil and by a horizontal plane intercepting the cone surface and the plane formed by the metal foil.
De préférence, le sommet de la cavité de forme substantiellement conique est arrondi, et a de préférence la forme d'une calotte sphérique.Preferably, the top of the substantially conical shaped cavity is rounded, and preferably has the shape of a spherical cap.
De préférence, la cellule d'irradiation comprend :
- une première partie comprenant une surface avant, qui forme une surface d'appui pour la feuille métallique, et une surface arrière;
- une seconde partie de forme substantiellement conique, qui est en saillie par rapport à la surface arrière de la première partie.
- Une cavité conique destinée à contenir le fluide cible traverse la première partie pour se prolonger dans la seconde partie, et forme dans la surface avant de la première partie une ouverture délimitée par un bord, de façon-à-ce que la feuille métallique ferme l'ouverture au niveau du bord lorsqu'elle est en appui sur la surface avant de la première partie.
- a first portion comprising a front surface, which forms a bearing surface for the metal sheet, and a back surface;
- a second portion of substantially conical shape, which protrudes from the rear surface of the first portion.
- A conical cavity for containing the target fluid passes through the first portion to extend into the second portion, and forms an opening in the front surface of the first portion bounded by an edge so that the metal sheet closes. opening at the edge when it bears on the front surface of the first part.
De préférence, la première partie comprend en outre une gorge entourant, du côté de la surface arrière, la seconde partie, cette gorge étant conçue pour servir de collecteur pour un fluide de refroidissement s'écoulant le long de la surface externe de ladite seconde partie.Preferably, the first part further comprises a groove surrounding, on the rear surface side, the second part, this groove being designed to serve as a collector for a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of said second part. .
De préférence, la cellule d'irradiation est réalisée en niobium.Preferably, the irradiation cell is made of niobium.
De préférence, la surface externe de la seconde partie de forme substantiellement conique comprend des sillons, s'étendant de préférence d'une zone proche du sommet de la seconde partie vers une région proche de la base de la seconde partie, de façon à créer des chemins pour le passage dudit fluide de refroidissement s'écoulant le long de la surface externe de ladite seconde partie.Preferably, the outer surface of the second portion of substantially conical shape comprises grooves, preferably extending zone near the top of the second portion to a region near the base of the second portion, so as to create paths for the passage of said cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of said second portion.
Selon un autre aspect, la présente invention concerne une cellule d'irradiation destinée à la production de radioisotopes par l'irradiation d'un fluide cible comprenant un précurseur de radioisotope à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules, la cellule comprenant:
- une première partie comprenant une surface avant, qui forme une surface d'appui pour une feuille métallique, et une surface arrière; et
- une seconde partie, de forme substantiellement conique, qui est en saillie par rapport à la surface arrière de la première partie ;
- une cavité substantiellement conique, destinée à contenir le fluide cible, qui traverse la première partie pour se prolonger dans la seconde partie, et qui forme dans la surface avant de la première partie une ouverture délimitée par un bord, de façon-à-ce que la feuille métallique soit apte à fermer l'ouverture au niveau de ce bord, lorsqu'elle est en appui sur la surface avant de la première partie.
- a first portion comprising a front surface, which forms a bearing surface for a metal foil, and a back surface; and
- a second portion, of substantially conical shape, which protrudes from the rear surface of the first portion;
- a substantially conical cavity, for containing the target fluid, which passes through the first portion to extend into the second portion, and which forms in the front surface of the first portion an opening defined by an edge, so that the metal sheet is able to close the opening at this edge, when it bears on the front surface of the first part.
De préférence, la première partie comprend en outre une gorge , qui du côté de la surface arrière entoure la surface externe de la seconde partie, de façon à réduire l'épaisseur de la première partie à la base de la seconde partie, cette gorge étant conçue pour servir de collecteur pour un fluide de refroidissement s'écoulant le long de la surface externe de la seconde partie.Preferably, the first part further comprises a groove, which on the side of the rear surface surrounds the outer surface of the second part, so as to reduce the thickness of the first part at the base of the second part, this groove being designed to serve as a collector for a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of the second portion.
De préférence, la surface externe de la seconde partie de forme substantiellement conique comprend des sillons, chacun de ces sillons s'étendant de préférence d'une zone proche du sommet de la seconde partie de forme substantiellement conique vers une région proche de la base de la seconde partie, de façon à créer entre eux des chemins pour le passage d'un fluide de refroidissement s'écoulant le long de la surface externe de la seconde partie.Preferably, the outer surface of the second substantially conically shaped portion comprises grooves, each groove preferably extending from an area near the top of the second portion of substantially conical shape to a region near the base of the groove. the second part, so as to create between them paths for the passage of a cooling fluid flowing along the outer surface of the second part.
-
La
FIG. 1 est une coupe longitudinale d'une partie d'un dispositif selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.TheFIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a portion of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
La
FIG. 2 est une vue tridimensionnelle d'une cellule d'irradiation selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.TheFIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of an irradiation cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
La
FIG. 3 est une coupe longitudinale suivant un axe A-B de la cellule d'irradiation de laFIG. 2 .TheFIG. 3 is a longitudinal section along an AB axis of the irradiation cell of theFIG. 2 . -
La
FIG. 4 est coupe identique à celle de laFIG. 3 , sur laquelle sont indiquées différentes dimensions de la cellule d'irradiation de laFIG. 2 .TheFIG. 4 is cut identical to that of theFIG. 3 , on which are indicated different dimensions of the irradiation cell of theFIG. 2 .
Le dispositif 1 de la présente invention est destiné à être utilisé dans le cadre de la production de radio-isotopes, notamment par irradiation d'un fluide cible à l'aide d'un faisceau de particules accélérées. Une utilisation préférée du dispositif 1 de la présente invention est la production de 18F par le bombardement à l'aide d'un faisceau de protons accélérés 13 sur de l'eau enrichie en 18O. Préférablement, le faisceau 13 est substantiellement horizontal.The
La
Sur la
La cellule d'irradiation 7 est insérable dans un corps 8 comprenant un dispositif de refroidissement. Le dispositif de refroidissement comprend une arrivée de fluide de refroidissement 9, de préférence un fluide de refroidissement non cryogénique. L'arrivée de fluide de refroidissement 9 est de préférence située selon l'axe A-B et dirigée vers la partie de la cellule d'irradiation 7 opposée à la feuille 4. De préférence, le dispositif de refroidissement comprend également un diffuseur 14 créant un chenal annulaire 10 autour de la cellule d'irradiation 7. Le liquide de refroidissement circulant dans le chenal 10 doit assurer que les parois de la cellule d'irradiation 7 soient suffisamment refroidies pour que le fluide cible compris dans la cavité 3 reste essentiellement sous forme liquide.The
La cavité 3 comprend, dans sa partie inférieure 20, une surface inclinée 15 (ici une surface conique concave, puisque la cavité 3 est préférentiellement de forme substantiellement conique). Cette surface inclinée 15 délimite la partie inférieure 20 de la cavité vers le bas, de façon à évacuer le fluide cible, qui se condense au contact des parois refroidies de la cavité 3 par gravité en direction de ladite feuille métallique 4. Elle intercepte le plan formé par la feuille métallique 4 en formant un angle aigu (α) avec ce plan, de manière à former une zone 18 apte à recueillir par gravité le fluide cible qui (en fonctionnement) se condense au contact des parois de la cavité 3 refroidies par le dispositif de refroidissement. Préférablement, l'angle aigu (α) est compris entre 30° et 89°, plus préférablement entre 45° et 85°, plus préférablement encore entre 60° et 85°. La surface inclinée 15 est en contact avec la partie inférieure de la feuille métallique 4, créant ainsi la zone 18 de la cavité 3 en contact avec la feuille métallique 4 dans laquelle du fluide cible condensé sur les parois de la cavité 3 peut venir s'accumuler plus rapidement. Sur la
Selon un aspect préféré, la cavité 3 est de forme substantiellement conique. La forme conique de la cavité permet de maximiser la surface refroidie Sr par rapport au volume de la cavité Vc. Il a en effet été découvert de façon surprenante que si l'on compare les rapports Sr/Vc pour les formes des cavités de l'art antérieur avec celle de la présente invention, on remarque que pour un rayon d'ouverture de la cavité R et une profondeur de la cavité P donnés (
Les tableaux 1, 2 et 3 montrent bien que pour une même profondeur P de la cavité et pour un même rayon d'ouverture R de la cavité, le volume d'une cellule d'irradiation de forme conique est toujours inférieur au volume d'une cellule d'irradiation comprenant une partie cylindrique et une partie hémisphérique telle que décrite dans le document
Selon un autre aspect préféré, la cellule d'irradiation est réalisée en niobium, matériau choisi pour ses propriétés d'inertie chimique et ses propriétés thermiques acceptables. Le niobium ne produit pas de radio-isotopes secondaires dont le temps de demi-vie dépasse les 24 heures. Le niobium a néanmoins le désavantage d'être difficile à usiner, c'est pourquoi dans cet aspect préféré, le sommet du cône est de préférence arrondi.According to another preferred aspect, the irradiation cell is made of niobium, a material chosen for its chemical inertness properties and its acceptable thermal properties. Niobium does not produce secondary radioisotopes with a half-life of more than 24 hours. Niobium nevertheless has the disadvantage of being difficult to machine, so in this preferred aspect, the top of the cone is preferably rounded.
Un exemple de réalisation d'une cellule d'irradiation réalisée en niobium est représenté à la
Selon un autre aspect préféré, le rayon R de l'ouverture de la cavité est compris entre 2mm et 20mm, plus préférablement entre 5mm et 15 mm, et la profondeur de la cavité de préférence comprise entre 1 et 10cm, plus préférablement entre 1cm et 5cm.According to another preferred aspect, the radius R of the opening of the cavity is between 2 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 5mm and 15mm, and the depth of the cavity preferably between 1 and 10cm, more preferably between 1cm and 5cm.
Selon un autre aspect préféré, la hauteur h2 de la calotte sphérique est inférieure à 1 cm.In another preferred aspect, the height h2 of the spherical cap is less than 1 cm.
Une cellule d'irradiation 7 selon un aspect préféré est représentée sur les
- une première partie 16 comprenant une surface avant, qui forme une surface d'appui pour la feuille métallique 4, et une surface arrière,; et
- une seconde partie 17 de forme substantiellement conique, qui est en saillie par rapport à ladite surface arrière de ladite première partie 16
- a
first portion 16 including a front surface, which forms a bearing surface for the metal sheet 4, and a rear surface; and - a
second portion 17 of substantially conical shape, which protrudes from said rear surface of saidfirst portion 16
La cavité conique 3 traverse la première partie 16 pour se prolonger dans la seconde partie 17, et forme dans la surface avant de la première partie 16 une ouverture délimitée par le bord 22, de forme circulaire, de façon-à-ce que ladite feuille métallique 4 ferme l'ouverture au niveau du bord 22 lorsqu'elle est en appui sur la surface avant de la première partie 16..The
Selon un autre aspect préféré de la présente invention, la surface externe de la seconde partie 17 de la cellule d'irradiation 7 comprend des sillons 12 linéaires, chacun de ces sillons 12 s'étendant de préférence d'une région/zone proche du sommet de la seconde partie 17 de forme substantiellement conique vers une région proche de la base de la seconde partie 17 de forme substantiellement conique, afin de créer entre eux des chemins permettant d'accélérer le passage du fluide de refroidissement 9 et donc d'améliorer le refroidissement. L'ajout des sillons 12 entraine également une augmentation de la surface extérieure du cône et donc de la surface d'échange de chaleur.According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the outer surface of the
Selon encore un autre aspect préféré, la première partie 16 de la cellule d'irradiation 7 comprend en outre une gorge 11 annulaire entourant la seconde partie 17, à la base de la seconde partie 17 de forme substantiellement conique, réduisant localement l'épaisseur de la première partie 16 de la cellule d'irradiation 7. Sur la
Claims (13)
- A device (1) intended for producing radioisotopes by irradiation with a beam (13) of particles on a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor, said device comprising:- an irradiation cell (7) comprising a cavity (3) with a substantially conical shape intended to contain said target fluid and closed by a metal sheet (4);- a device for cooling the walls of said cavity (3), capable of maintaining at least one fraction of the target fluid in said cavity (3) in a liquid state when said target fluid is irradiated; and- a tilted surface (15) delimiting said cavity downwards, so as to discharge the target fluid, which condenses upon contact with the walls of the cavity (3) cooled by said cooling device, by gravity towards said metal sheet (4);characterized in that
said cooling device is a non-cryogenic cooling device; and
said tilted surface (15) intercepts the plane formed by said metal sheet (4) by forming an acute angle (α) with said plane, so as to form with said metal sheet (4) a corner-shaped area (18) capable of collecting by gravity the target fluid which condenses upon contact with the walls of the cavity (3) cooled by said cooling device, so that the height of the collected fluid is maximum at said metal sheet (4) and decreases upon moving away from the latter. - The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal sheet (4) is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the beam (13) of particles.
- The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radioisotopes are produced by irradiation of a target fluid by means of a substantially horizontal beam (13) of particles.
- The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acute angle (α) is comprised between 30° and 89°, preferably between 45° and 85°, still preferably between 60° and 85°.
- The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling device comprises an admission of coolant fluid (9) located facing the portion of the irradiation cell opposite to said metal sheet (4), and a diffuser (14) generating a canal (10) able to circulate said coolant fluid (9).
- The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top of the cavity (3) of a substantially conical shape is rounded.
- The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irradiation cell (7) comprises:- a first portion (16) comprising a front surface, which falls a supporting surface for said metal sheet (4), and a rear surface;- a second portion (17) of a substantially conical shape, which protrudes relatively to said rear surface of said first portion (16);said cavity (3) of a substantially conical shape being intended for containing said target fluid going through said first portion (16) in order to extend into said second portion (17), and forming in said front surface of said first portion (16) an aperture delimited by an edge (22), so that said metal sheet (4) closes said aperture at the edge (22) when it rests on said front surface of said first portion (16).
- The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first portion (16) further comprises a groove (11) surrounding, on the side of said rear surface, the second portion (17), this groove (11) being designed so as to be used as a collector for a coolant fluid flowing along the external surface of said second portion (17).
- The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the irradiation cell (7) is made in niobium.
- The device according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the external surface of the second portion (17) of a substantially conical shape comprises grooves (12), each of said grooves preferably extending from an area close to the top of said second portion (17) to a region close to the base of said second portion (17); so as to generate paths for the passage of said coolant fluid (9) flowing along the external surface of said second portion (17).
- An irradiation cell (7) intended for the production of radioisotopes by irradiation with a beam (13) of particles, of a target fluid comprising a radioisotope precursor, said cell comprising:- a first portion (16) comprising a front surface, which forms a supporting surface for a metal sheet (4), and a rear surface;- a second portion (17), of a substantially conical shape, which protrudes relatively to said rear surface of said first portion (16); and- a substantially conical cavity (3), intended to contain said target fluid, characterized in that said substantially conical cavity (3) goes through said first portion (16) in order to extend into said second portion (17), and which intercepts said front surface of said first portion (16) according to an acute angle (α) for forming in the latter an aperture delimited by an edge (22), so that said metal sheet (4) is able to close said aperture at the edge (22) when it rests on said front surface of said first portion (16).
- The irradiation cell according to claim 11, characterized in that the first portion (16) further comprises a groove (11), which from the side of said rear surface surrounds said second portion (17), so as to reduce the thickness of the first portion (16) at the base of the second portion (17), this groove (11) being designed so as to be used as a collector for a coolant fluid flowing along the external surface of said second portion (17).
- The irradiation cell according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the external surface of said second portion (17) of a substantially conical shape comprises grooves (12) preferably extending from an area close to the top of said second portion (17) of a substantially conical shape to a region close to the base of said second portion (17), are so as to generate paths for the passage of a coolant fluid flowing along the external surface of said second portion (17).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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BE2010/0640A BE1019556A3 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2010-10-27 | DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RADIOISOTOPES. |
PCT/EP2011/068876 WO2012055970A1 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2011-10-27 | Device for producing radioisotopes |
Publications (2)
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EP2633527A1 EP2633527A1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
EP2633527B1 true EP2633527B1 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
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EP11778846.3A Active EP2633527B1 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2011-10-27 | Device for producing radioisotopes |
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US (1) | US9922743B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2633527B1 (en) |
BE (1) | BE1019556A3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012055970A1 (en) |
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EP3101660B1 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2017-08-09 | Universidade de Coimbra | Process for producing gallium-68 through the irradiation of a solution target |
JP6730874B2 (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2020-07-29 | 日本メジフィジックス株式会社 | Radionuclide manufacturing apparatus, target apparatus and method for manufacturing radiopharmaceutical |
US11276506B2 (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2022-03-15 | National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology | Producing method of radioisotope and radioisotope producing apparatus |
JP7396949B2 (en) * | 2020-03-30 | 2023-12-12 | 日本メジフィジックス株式会社 | Target equipment and radionuclide production equipment |
CN115103503B (en) * | 2022-08-26 | 2022-11-22 | 合肥中科离子医学技术装备有限公司 | Liquid target device |
CN116189953B (en) * | 2023-03-24 | 2024-01-26 | 中子高新技术产业发展(重庆)有限公司 | High-functional-rate liquid target device for 18F isotope production |
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US5917874A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 1999-06-29 | Brookhaven Science Associates | Accelerator target |
BE1011263A6 (en) | 1999-02-03 | 1999-06-01 | Ion Beam Applic Sa | Device intended for radio-isotope production |
US6586747B1 (en) | 2000-06-23 | 2003-07-01 | Ebco Industries, Ltd. | Particle accelerator assembly with liquid-target holder |
US6567492B2 (en) | 2001-06-11 | 2003-05-20 | Eastern Isotopes, Inc. | Process and apparatus for production of F-18 fluoride |
EP1429345A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-06-16 | Ion Beam Applications S.A. | Device and method of radioisotope production |
US7831009B2 (en) | 2003-09-25 | 2010-11-09 | Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. | Tantalum water target body for production of radioisotopes |
EP1569243A1 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-08-31 | Ion Beam Applications S.A. | Target device for producing a radioisotope |
US20060062342A1 (en) | 2004-09-17 | 2006-03-23 | Cyclotron Partners, L.P. | Method and apparatus for the production of radioisotopes |
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2010
- 2010-10-27 BE BE2010/0640A patent/BE1019556A3/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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- 2011-10-27 EP EP11778846.3A patent/EP2633527B1/en active Active
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US9922743B2 (en) | 2018-03-20 |
EP2633527A1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
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