A radionuclide discrimination system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a radionuclide identification system and method, wherein the identification system comprises a sample placing module for placing a radionuclide sample; an absorption sheet module located above the sample placing module and provided with a plurality of absorption sheets of different types for weakly absorbing rays emitted by the radionuclide; a collecting module located above the absorption sheet placing module and used for collecting ray information after the absorption sheet; and a processing module comprising a control unit and an analysis unit, wherein the control unit is used for controlling the absorption sheet module to switch the absorption sheets, and the analysis unit is connected with the collecting module and used for analyzing the ray information; and the application overcomes the limitation of the conventional equipment in the aspect of absorption sheet switching, automatically switches the absorption sheets in an automatic control mode, and can improve experimental efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to nuclide identification, specifically to a system and method for identifying radioactive nuclides. Background Technology

[0002] The mass absorption coefficient method is an important means of identifying radionuclides and has wide applications in nuclear science and related fields. This method determines the mass absorption coefficient of a radionuclide by measuring its absorption in different absorber sheets, thus enabling the identification and analysis of radionuclides.

[0003] However, in implementing the mass absorption coefficient method, traditional equipment designs are relatively simple and functionally limited, often lacking the ability to perform multiple processes simultaneously. This limitation significantly restricts the improvement of experimental efficiency.

[0004] Especially in the process of switching absorber sheets, traditional methods rely primarily on manual operation. Manually switching absorber sheets not only requires highly skilled operators, but the entire process is also tedious and time-consuming. More importantly, manually switching absorber sheets typically necessitates stopping the entire experiment, further extending the experimental time.

[0005] A complete experiment typically requires at least 6+1 absorber sheets (6 for experimental measurements and 1 for background). If manual switching is used, the experimenter needs to interrupt the experiment multiple times to change to different absorber sheets. This not only increases the complexity of the experimental procedure but also significantly reduces experimental efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, in order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the present invention provides a system and method for identifying radionuclides. The identification system overcomes the limitations of traditional equipment in terms of absorber switching and adopts an automatic control method to automatically switch absorber sheets, which can improve experimental efficiency.

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides a system for identifying radionuclides, including

[0008] Sample placement module, used to place radionuclide samples;

[0009] The absorption plate module, located above the sample placement module, has several absorption plates of different types for attenuating the absorption of radiation emitted by nuclides.

[0010] The acquisition module, located above the absorption sheet placement module, is used to acquire X-ray information after passing through the absorption sheet; and

[0011] The processing module includes a control unit and an analysis unit. The control unit is used to control the absorption sheet module to switch the absorption sheet, and the analysis unit is connected to the acquisition module to analyze the radiation information.

[0012] Optionally, the absorbent sheet module includes a feeding tray, a driving component, and several absorbent sheets of different models;

[0013] The feeding tray has several equally spaced and uniformly arranged absorption sheet placement areas. Each absorption sheet placement area has a through hole (the absorption sheet placement area is a groove opened in the feeding tray, and the groove has a through hole, which allows the absorption sheet to be directly aligned with a certain area of ​​the radionuclide sample without any obstruction in between). The absorption sheet is placed in the absorption sheet placement area, and the number of absorption sheet placement areas is not less than the number of absorption sheets.

[0014] The driving component is connected to the feeding tray and drives the feeding tray to deliver the absorption sheet above the nuclide sample in a regular manner.

[0015] Optionally, the driving component drives the feeding tray to rotate around the first axis, and several absorption sheet placement areas are evenly arranged in a circular array around the first axis.

[0016] Optionally, the sample placement module includes a feeding block, a dispensing block, and a cover plate;

[0017] The feeding block has a receiving groove for placing a nuclide sample, and the cover plate covers the receiving groove. At least on the surfaces of the feeding block and the cover plate that are in contact with the nuclide sample, there is a radiation shielding layer (the feeding block and the cover plate can be made of radiation shielding material, thereby forming a radiation shielding layer on the surfaces of the feeding block and the cover plate that are in contact with the nuclide sample). A guide hole penetrating the radiation shielding layer is provided on the cover plate.

[0018] The material feeding block is installed on the material feeding block (the material feeding block is equipped with a handle, and the user pushes the material feeding block by the handle), and the material feeding block moves in a directional manner under the action of external force;

[0019] After the feeding block is positioned directly below the absorber, the guide hole is positioned directly below the absorber (this guide hole enables the nuclide sample after the cover plate is closed to be directly aligned with a certain area of ​​the absorber, with no obstructions in between, thus achieving directional radiation of the nuclide sample).

[0020] Optionally, the feeding block is adapted with a directional track and a limiting point.

[0021] Optionally, the acquisition module includes a probe and a probe mounting frame. The probe mounting frame is fixedly installed above the absorption sheet module, and the probe is detachably installed in the probe mounting frame.

[0022] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for identifying radionuclides, implemented through the aforementioned radionuclide identification system, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] The placement module pushes the nuclide sample directly below the probe of the acquisition module;

[0024] The absorber module is controlled by the control unit to move different types of absorbers sequentially between the probe and the nuclide sample, so that the probe, the designated absorber, and the nuclide sample are on the same axis.

[0025] The analysis unit acquires the radiation information collected by the probe under different absorption sheets and identifies nuclides based on the radiation information.

[0026] Optionally, the method for moving the absorber plates sequentially between the probe and the nuclide sample in a predictable pattern is as follows:

[0027] The drive unit drives the feeding tray to rotate regularly at an angle according to the control signal from the control unit;

[0028] The feeding tray stops rotating after reaching the designated position, with the designated absorption sheet facing the probe.

[0029] After an absorber stops for a set time or the drive receives the next control signal, the drive will rotate the feeder to another angle and rotate the next absorber to the designated position.

[0030] Optionally, the probe is a scintillator probe or a plastic scintillator probe, and the radiation information is a count obtained by using the scintillator probe on a nuclide sample under the action of a specified absorption sheet.

[0031] Alternatively, a method for identifying nuclides based on X-ray information is:

[0032] By using the counts obtained by the scintillator probe under different absorber sheets, the attenuation degree of the nuclide sample can be determined, and then the nuclide can be identified based on the attenuation degree.

[0033] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0034] The radionuclide identification system and method described in this invention are applicable to the identification of radionuclides, especially β-nuclides. This identification system integrates the sample placement module, absorption plate module, and acquisition module into one unit, which is controlled by the processing module, thus improving the integration of the device. By designing the absorption plate module, automatic switching of absorption plates can be achieved, thereby improving experimental efficiency.

[0035] Simultaneously, a well-designed processing module enables automatic control and analysis. This processing module includes a control unit and an analysis unit. The control unit can control the absorption sheet module, while the analysis unit can analyze and process the radiation information acquired by the acquisition module to complete the identification of radionuclides.

[0036] The method for identifying radionuclides is based on an identification system and utilizes the mass absorption coefficient method. By measuring the counts obtained by the scintillator probe under different absorbers, the attenuation degree of the nuclide sample is determined, and the nuclide is then identified based on this attenuation degree, thereby improving the efficiency of the experiment. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radionuclide identification system described in this invention (the sample placement module is in the loading state).

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radionuclide identification system described in this invention (sample placement module is in position).

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radionuclide identification system after separation and processing module according to the present invention (sample placement module is in the loading state).

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radionuclide identification system after separation and processing module according to the present invention (sample placement module is in position).

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Front view schematic diagram of the state identification system;

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of the state identification system;

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section of AA;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the sample placement module of the present invention located directly below the absorption sheet module;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sample placement module structure described in this invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a partial breakdown diagram of the sample placement module described in this invention;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the absorption sheet module described in this invention;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the absorption sheet module described in this invention from another perspective;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the processing module described in this invention;

[0050] In the diagram: 100, Sample placement module; 101, Feeding block; 102, Orientation track; 103, Limiting point; 104, Placement groove; 105, Discharge block; 106, Cover plate; 107, Receiving groove; 108, Handle; 109, Guide hole; 200, Absorption sheet module; 201, Feeding tray; 202, Driving component; 203, Absorption sheet placement area; 204, Through hole; 300, Acquisition module; 301, Probe; 302, Probe fixing frame; 303, Probe groove; 304, Probe through hole; 400, Processing module; 401, Analysis unit; 402, Control unit; 500, Working base surface; 600, Absorption sheet; 700, Nuclide sample. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0052] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0053] As described in the background section, the traditional method for switching absorber sheets relies primarily on manual operation. Manually switching absorber sheets not only requires highly skilled operators, but the entire process is also cumbersome and time-consuming. More importantly, manually switching absorber sheets typically necessitates stopping the entire experiment, further extending the experimental time.

[0054] A complete experiment typically requires at least 6+1 absorber sheets (6 for experimental measurements and 1 for background). If manual switching is used, the experimenter needs to interrupt the experiment multiple times to change to different absorber sheets. This not only increases the complexity of the experimental procedure but also significantly reduces experimental efficiency.

[0055] For the reasons stated above, this embodiment provides a system for identifying radionuclides, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the identification system includes:

[0056] Sample placement module 100 is used to place radionuclide samples;

[0057] The absorption plate module 200, located above the sample placement module, has several absorption plates of different types for attenuating the absorption of radiation emitted by nuclides.

[0058] Acquisition module 300, located above the absorption sheet placement module, is used to acquire radiation information after passing through the absorption sheet; and

[0059] The processing module 400 includes a control unit 402 and an analysis unit 401. The control unit is used to control the absorption sheet module to switch the absorption sheet, and the analysis unit is connected to the acquisition module to analyze the radiation information.

[0060] The above technical features are applicable to the identification of radionuclides, especially β The identification system for nuclides integrates the sample placement module, absorption plate module, and acquisition module into a single unit, controlled by the processing module, thus improving the integration of the device. The absorption plate module is designed to automatically switch between absorption plates, improving experimental efficiency. In use, the nuclide sample is first placed in the sample placement module and pushed to the designated position. Then, the designated absorption plate is switched to be directly above the nuclide sample. The acquisition module then obtains the radiation information, and the processing module analyzes and identifies the nuclide based on this information. During this process, the control unit controls the absorption plate module to automatically switch between different absorption plates to better analyze the attenuation degree of the nuclide sample under different absorption plates. Optionally, the processing module 100 can be a PC, where the processing unit 401 and the control unit 402 can be a program within the PC.

[0061] To enable switching between multiple different types of absorber sheets, in one embodiment, such as... Figures 3-8 and Figures 11-12 As shown, the absorbent sheet module 200 is mounted on a working base surface 500. The absorbent sheet module includes a feeding tray 201, a driving component 202, and several absorbent sheets 600 of different models.

[0062] The feeding tray 201 has several equally spaced and uniformly arranged absorption sheet placement areas 203. Each absorption sheet placement area 203 has a through hole 204. Optionally, the absorption sheet placement area is a groove formed in the feeding tray. The groove has a through hole, which allows the absorption sheet to be directly aligned with a certain area of ​​the nuclide sample without any obstructions in between. The absorption sheets are placed in the absorption sheet placement areas. The number of absorption sheet placement areas is not less than the number of absorption sheets. Preferably, both the number of absorption sheets and the number of absorption sheet placement areas are 10.

[0063] The driving component is connected to the feeding tray and drives the feeding tray to deliver the absorption sheet above the nuclide sample in a regular manner.

[0064] Preferably, the driving component 202 is a servo motor fixed to the working base surface 500, the feeding tray 201 is circular, the driving component drives the feeding tray to rotate around the first axis, and several absorption sheet placement areas are evenly arranged in a circular array around the first axis. The first axis vertically passes through the center of the feeding tray. The first axis is the central axis after the nuclide sample in the sample placement module, the designated absorption sheet on the feeding tray, and the probe of the acquisition module are aligned when the identification system is in use.

[0065] The above-mentioned technical features enable automatic switching of absorbent sheets. The rotation of the servo motor drives the feeding tray to rotate. By rotating the feeding tray to different angles, different absorbent sheets can be delivered to the designated position (i.e., directly below the acquisition module). By designing multiple absorbent sheet placement areas on the feeding tray, multiple absorbent sheets can be placed. When switching absorbent sheets, only the rotation of the servo motor needs to be controlled. The whole process can be completed in less than one second, overcoming the problem of low efficiency in traditional manual switching of absorbent sheets.

[0066] To achieve precise delivery of radionuclide samples to a designated location, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the sample placement module 100 includes a directional track 102, a feeding block 101, a discharging block 105, and a cover plate 106. The directional track 102 is fixedly installed on the working base surface 500, and the feeding block 101 is slidably installed on the directional track 102. A limited position 103 is fixedly set on the directional track or the working base surface.

[0067] The feeding block 105 has a receiving groove 107 for placing and positioning the nuclide sample 700. The cover plate 106 is installed on the feeding block and covers the receiving groove. A cover plate receiving groove is provided on the upper edge of the receiving groove to facilitate the placement of the cover plate. The cover plate receiving groove is designed to prevent the cover plate from slipping off.

[0068] At least the surfaces of the feeding block 105 and the cover plate 106 that are in contact with the nuclide sample have a radiation shielding layer; optionally, the feeding block and the cover plate can be made of a radiation shielding material, thereby forming a radiation shielding layer on the surfaces of the feeding block and the cover plate that are in contact with the nuclide sample, and a guide hole 109 is provided on the cover plate that penetrates the radiation shielding layer.

[0069] The feeding block 105 is installed on the feeding block 101. The feeding block 101 has a placement groove 104 for placing the feeding block. This placement groove can position the feeding block and prevent it from slipping. The feeding block is equipped with a handle 108. The user pushes the feeding block with the handle, and the operator pushes the feeding block to slide on the directional track until it reaches the limit point. After reaching the limit point, the feeding block containing the nuclide sample is positioned directly below the designated absorption sheet. After the feeding block is positioned directly below the absorption sheet, the guide hole is also positioned directly below the absorption sheet. This guide hole ensures that the nuclide sample, after the cover plate is closed, is directly aligned with a certain area of ​​the absorption sheet without any obstructions in between, achieving directional radiation of the nuclide sample (i.e., radiation towards the absorption sheet).

[0070] The aforementioned technical features enable the precise placement of radionuclide samples, ensuring that the radionuclide sample, absorber, and acquisition module are aligned on the same axis. Through the adaptation of the shielding layer and guide holes, directional radionuclide radiation can be achieved, reducing the impact of radiation leakage on the environment or personnel. In use, the operator first places the radionuclide sample into the receiving slot of the feeding block, then closes the cover plate, places the feeding block containing the radionuclide sample onto the feeding block, and then pushes the feeding block along the directional track until it reaches the limit point. The inclusion of an independent feeding block on the feeding block facilitates easy replacement of the feeding block, as different radionuclide samples may require different feeding blocks. This design allows for convenient replacement of the entire feeding block, avoiding the need to replace the entire feeding block.

[0071] In order to achieve the acquisition of X-ray information, such as Figures 2-4 , Figure 7 and Figure 13As shown, in one embodiment, the acquisition module includes a probe 301 and a probe mounting frame 302. The probe mounting frame 302 is fixedly installed above the absorption sheet module, and the probe 301 is detachably mounted on the probe mounting frame. The probe mounting frame 302 is fixedly installed on the working base surface 500. A probe placement area is provided on the probe mounting frame, which can be a probe groove 303 with a probe through-hole 304. The probe is placed in the probe groove, and the probe faces the absorption sheet through the probe through-hole 304. The probe is connected to the PC for communication via a data cable. The probe mounting frame facilitates the switching of probes by the operator. Preferably, the nuclide sample is... 90 Y, this nuclide can radiate beta rays, so the probe can be a plastic scintillator probe. At the same time, a voltage regulator and a multichannel analyzer module can be integrated inside the probe to simplify its size. In use, it is connected to a PC via a data cable.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the working base 500 is a horizontal worktable, or a worktable formed on the upper surface of a PC host or other experimental equipment. This technical feature enables the sample placement module 100, absorption sheet module 200, and acquisition module 300 to be integrated into one unit, allowing staff to complete experiments quickly and efficiently in the same area.

[0073] In another embodiment, a method for identifying radionuclides is also provided. This method is implemented through the radionuclide identification system and includes the following steps:

[0074] Step S100: Push the nuclide sample directly below the probe of the acquisition module using the placement module;

[0075] Step S200: Control the absorber module through the control unit to move absorbers of different types in sequence between the probe and the nuclide sample, so that the probe, the designated absorber and the nuclide sample are on the same axis.

[0076] Step S300: The analysis unit acquires the radiation information collected by the probe under different absorption sheets, and identifies the nuclides based on the radiation information.

[0077] Furthermore, in step S200, the method for sequentially moving the absorber plates between the probe and the nuclide sample in a predictable manner is as follows:

[0078] The drive unit drives the feeding tray to rotate regularly at an angle according to the control signal from the control unit;

[0079] The feeding tray stops rotating after reaching the designated position, with the designated absorption sheet facing the probe.

[0080] After an absorber stops for a set time or the drive receives the next control signal, the drive will rotate the feeder to another angle and rotate the next absorber to the designated position.

[0081] Furthermore, the probe is a scintillator probe, and the radiation information is a count obtained by using the scintillator probe on a nuclide sample under the action of a designated absorption sheet.

[0082] Furthermore, the nuclide sample is 90 Y, the absorbing sheet is an aluminum sheet, and the method for identifying nuclides based on radiation information is:

[0083] By using the counts obtained by the scintillator probe under different absorber sheets, the attenuation degree of the nuclide sample can be determined, and then the nuclide can be identified based on the attenuation degree.

[0084] The above method can automatically switch absorber sheets within the same area, and based on the mass absorption method, it can efficiently complete the experiment. By designing multiple absorber sheet placement areas on the feeding tray, multiple absorber sheets can be placed. When switching absorber sheets, only the rotation of the servo motor needs to be controlled, which overcomes the problem of low efficiency of traditional manual absorption sheet switching.

[0085] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for identifying radionuclides, characterized in that: include Sample placement module, used to place radionuclide samples; The absorption plate module, located above the sample placement module, has several absorption plates of different types for attenuating the absorption of radiation emitted by nuclides. The acquisition module, located above the absorption sheet module, is used to acquire X-ray information after passing through the absorption sheet; as well as The processing module includes a control unit and an analysis unit. The control unit is used to control the absorption sheet module to switch absorption sheets, and the analysis unit is connected to the acquisition module to analyze the radiation information. The sample placement module includes a feeding block, a dispensing block, and a cover plate; The feeding block has a receiving groove for placing a nuclide sample, and the cover plate covers the receiving groove. At least on the surfaces of the feeding block and the cover plate that are in contact with the nuclide sample, there is a radiation shielding layer. A guide hole penetrating the radiation shielding layer is provided on the cover plate. The material feeding block is installed on the material feeding block, and the material feeding block drives the material feeding block to move in a directional manner under the action of external force; After the material feeding block is positioned directly below the absorbent sheet, the guide hole is positioned directly below the absorbent sheet; The absorbent sheet module includes a feeding tray, a driving component, and several absorbent sheets of different models; The feeding tray has several absorption sheet placement areas, each with through holes, and the absorption sheet is placed in the absorption sheet placement area. The driving component is connected to the feeding tray and drives the feeding tray to deliver the absorption sheet above the nuclide sample in a regular manner.

2. The radionuclide identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several absorption sheet placement areas are evenly spaced and arranged, and the number of absorption sheet placement areas is not less than the number of absorption sheets.

3. The radionuclide identification system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving component drives the feeding tray to rotate around the first axis, and the several absorption sheet placement areas are evenly arranged in a circular array around the first axis.

4. The radionuclide identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding block is equipped with a directional track and a limiting point.

5. The radionuclide identification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acquisition module includes a probe and a probe mounting frame. The probe mounting frame is fixedly installed above the absorption sheet module, and the probe is detachably installed in the probe mounting frame.

6. A method for identifying radioactive nuclides, characterized in that: This is achieved using a radionuclide identification system as described in any one of claims 1-5, the method comprising the following steps: The placement module pushes the nuclide sample directly below the probe of the acquisition module; The absorber module is controlled by the control unit to move different types of absorbers sequentially between the probe and the nuclide sample, so that the probe, the designated absorber, and the nuclide sample are on the same axis. The analysis unit acquires the radiation information collected by the probe under different absorption sheets and identifies nuclides based on the radiation information.

7. The method for identifying radionuclides according to claim 6, characterized in that: The method for moving the absorber plates sequentially between the probe and the radionuclide sample in a predictable pattern is as follows: The drive unit drives the feeding tray to rotate regularly at an angle according to the control signal from the control unit; The feeding tray stops rotating after reaching the designated position, with the designated absorption sheet facing the probe. After an absorber stops for a set time or the drive receives the next control signal, the drive will rotate the feeder to another angle and rotate the next absorber to the designated position.

8. The method for identifying radionuclides according to claim 6, characterized in that: The probe is a scintillator probe, and the radiation information is the count obtained by using the scintillator probe on a nuclide sample under the action of a specified absorber.

9. The method for identifying radionuclides according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method for identifying nuclides based on X-ray information is: By using the counts obtained by the scintillator probe under different absorber sheets, the attenuation degree of the nuclide sample can be determined, and then the nuclide can be identified based on the attenuation degree.

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