Nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment waste treatment system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment waste treatment system and method, and relates to the technical field of radioactive waste treatment.The nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment waste treatment system comprises a source classified collection module, and the source classified collection module comprises a first collection unit and a second collection unit; the solid-liquid separation module comprises a physical filter pressing unit and a solid collecting disc; the drying module comprises a drying unit and a residue collecting disc, the drying unit is used for carrying out dehydration treatment on the solid excrement, and the residue collecting disc is used for accumulating excrement residues formed after dehydration treatment; and the packaging and transferring module comprises a packaging unit and a transferring unit. Compared with related technologies, the nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment waste treatment system has the advantages that efficient classification, solid-liquid separation and volume reduction treatment of nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment waste are achieved, the environmental pollution risk is effectively reduced, and the operation safety and the space utilization rate are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radioactive waste treatment technology, and more specifically, to a nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment, as an important component of the modern medical system, plays an irreplaceable role in the precise diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors, endocrine system diseases, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Its clinical application continues to expand and is gradually gaining acceptance and recognition from patients. During the diagnosis and treatment process, after patients use radiopharmaceuticals, radionuclides that are not taken up or metabolized by the target tissues are mainly excreted through urine and feces. If these radioactive excrement products are directly discharged into municipal sewage treatment systems, they will pose a risk of environmental pollution; therefore, special disposal is necessary.

[0003] Currently, medical institutions generally use decay pools for waste treatment, which involves temporarily storing waste in a closed pool until the radioactivity level naturally decays to a safe threshold before discharge. However, this traditional method has significant drawbacks: decay pools are large and have limited volume, occupying a significant amount of medical space. For long-half-lived radionuclides such as iodine-131, a decay period of at least 180 days is required, resulting in low facility turnover efficiency. More importantly, solid and liquid waste coexist in the decay pool for extended periods, interacting to form a difficult-to-treat viscous sludge. This not only significantly increases the complexity and frequency of subsequent cleaning work but also exposes operators to a higher risk of radiation exposure. Furthermore, cleaning tools are easily contaminated and difficult to thoroughly clean.

[0004] In terms of solid waste management, the types of waste generated during the diagnosis and treatment process and patient observation period, such as syringes, cotton swabs, plastic products, glassware, and textiles contaminated with radionuclides, are diverse. Direct packaging of these wastes results in large volumes and occupies significant storage space. Sharp objects, such as needles, can easily puncture packaging materials, posing a risk of radioactive material leakage. With the rapid development of nuclear medicine technology and the continuous increase in the number of patients receiving treatment, traditional decay pools and solid waste collection and treatment models are no longer sufficient to meet the urgent needs of modern medical waste management in terms of space utilization, operational safety, treatment efficiency, and waste volume reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system, which has the advantages of achieving efficient classification, solid-liquid separation and volume reduction of nuclear medicine diagnostic waste, effectively reducing the risk of environmental pollution, and improving operational safety and space utilization.

[0006] This invention provides a nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system, comprising: The source classification and collection module includes a first collection unit and a second collection unit. The first collection unit is used to collect patients' excrement, and the second collection unit is used to collect solid medical waste contaminated with radioactive nuclides. A solid-liquid separation module includes a physical pressure filtration unit and a solid collection tray. The physical pressure filtration unit is used to separate excrement collected from the first collection unit into solid excrement and liquid excrement. The solid collection tray is used to accumulate the separated solid excrement. The drying module includes a drying unit and a residue collection tray. The drying unit is used to dehydrate the solid excrement so that the moisture content of the solid excrement is reduced to a preset value and forms loose flocculent excrement residue. The residue collection tray is used to accumulate the excrement residue formed after dehydration. The packaging and transfer module includes a packaging unit and a transfer unit. The packaging unit is used to independently seal and package the excrement residue and the solid medical waste, and the transfer unit is used to transfer the sealed and packaged excrement residue and solid medical waste to a radioactive waste disposal facility.

[0007] Optionally, the packaging unit includes a first storage container and a second storage container with a shielding layer, wherein the first storage container is used to store the excrement residue and the second storage container is used to store the solid medical waste.

[0008] Optionally, the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system further includes a press, and the second storage container is a compaction container, the press being used to compress the second storage container into a cake.

[0009] Optionally, the first collection unit is a solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet.

[0010] Optionally, the second collection unit is a solid waste collection bin, which is used to collect the solid medical waste, including glass waste, metal waste, plastic waste and textile waste.

[0011] The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system provided by this invention has, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects compared with related technologies: The nuclear medicine medical waste treatment system described in this invention achieves preliminary separation of liquid waste from solid medical waste through a source-based sorting and collection module. This source-based sorting avoids the mixing of different types of waste in the initial stage, laying the foundation for subsequent targeted treatment. Furthermore, the system introduces a solid-liquid separation module, particularly a physical pressure filtration unit, to perform immediate solid-liquid separation of the waste. This contrasts sharply with related technologies where solid and liquid waste mix for extended periods in decay tanks, forming sludge. Timely separation not only avoids sludge formation and reduces the risk of radioactive exposure and workload for personnel cleaning decay tanks, but also allows the separated liquid waste to be introduced into the liquid waste treatment branch, providing the possibility of using other new technologies to reduce the volume of liquid waste, thus overcoming the bottleneck of solid-liquid doping limiting the synergistic application of liquid waste treatment technologies in related technologies. In addition, a drying module dehydrates the solid waste, reducing its moisture content to a preset value and forming loose, flocculent waste residue. This step effectively reduces the volume of solid waste. In related technologies, solid medical waste is typically directly packaged and transferred, occupying a large space. The drying process of this invention significantly reduces the volume of solid waste, thereby reducing the space required for storage and transportation and improving disposal efficiency. Finally, the packaging unit in the packaging and transportation module independently seals and packages excrement residue and solid medical waste, and then transports them to the radioactive waste storage facility via the transportation unit. This method of independent packaging and direct transportation avoids the risks associated with the diverse types of solid medical waste, the large space requirements, and the potential for leakage due to sharp objects puncturing the packaging, as seen in related technologies. By independently packaging different types of waste, better management and disposal are possible, improving the overall safety and reliability of the treatment process.

[0012] In addition, the present invention also provides a method for treating nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste, based on the nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste treatment system described above, the method comprising: S1: Source-based sorting and collection, the first collection unit of the source-based sorting and collection module collects patient excrement in a directional manner, and at the same time, the second collection unit of the source-based sorting and collection module collects solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides; S2: Solid-liquid separation process: The excrement collected by the first collection unit is transported to the solid-liquid separation module. The physical pressure filter unit of the solid-liquid separation module separates the excrement into solid and liquid. The separated liquid excrement is introduced into the liquid waste treatment branch, and the separated solid excrement is retained in the solid collection tray of the solid-liquid separation module for accumulation. S3: Drying and volume reduction treatment. When the accumulated amount of solid excrement in the solid collection tray reaches a preset value, it is transferred to the drying module. The drying module dehydrates the solid excrement until the moisture content of the solid excrement drops to a preset value and forms loose flocculent excrement residue. S4: Packaging and transfer processing. The packaging unit of the packaging and transfer module separately seals and packages the flocculent excrement residue and solid medical waste. Then, the transfer unit of the packaging and transfer module directs the sealed waste to the radioactive waste disposal repository to complete the treatment of nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment waste.

[0013] Optionally, in step S2, the physical pressure filtration unit uses a room temperature pressure filtration method for solid-liquid separation.

[0014] Optionally, in step S4, the transfer unit uses at least one of channel pushing, track transmission and intelligent transfer vehicle for transfer, and monitors the radiation level in the transfer channel in real time during the transfer process. If the radiation level is abnormal, the transfer is immediately suspended and an early warning is issued.

[0015] Optionally, the method for treating nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste further includes: Step S5: Waste temporary storage and monitoring. After the sealed packaged waste is transferred to the radioactive waste disposal repository, the radioactivity level of the waste in the repository is monitored in real time. Once the radioactivity level of the waste drops to the exemption limit, it is treated as ordinary medical waste or transferred to the city repository for unified treatment.

[0016] Optionally, the drying module uses drum drying or freeze drying methods.

[0017] Since the technical improvements and effects of the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method are the same as those of the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system, the technical effects of the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method will not be described in detail. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Source classification and collection module; 2. Solid-liquid separation module; 3. Packaging and transfer module; a. First collection unit; b. Second collection unit; c. Physical pressure filtration unit; d. Solid collection tray; e. Drying module; f. Packaging unit; g. Transfer unit; h. Radioactive waste disposal repository. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In the description of this invention, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing this invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment," "one embodiment," and "one implementation" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or implementation is included in at least one embodiment or implementation of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or implementation. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or implementations.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system of this invention includes: Source classification and collection module 1, which includes a first collection unit a and a second collection unit b, wherein the first collection unit a is used to collect the patient's excrement and the second collection unit b is used to collect solid medical waste contaminated with radioactive nuclides. Solid-liquid separation module 2 includes a physical pressure filtration unit c and a solid collection tray d. The physical pressure filtration unit c is used to separate the excrement collected from the first collection unit a into solid excrement and liquid excrement. The solid collection tray d is used to accumulate the separated solid excrement. The drying module e includes a drying unit and a residue collection tray. The drying unit is used to dehydrate the solid excrement so that the moisture content of the solid excrement is reduced to a preset value and forms loose flocculent excrement residue. The residue collection tray is used to accumulate the excrement residue formed after dehydration. The packaging and transfer module 3 includes a packaging unit f and a transfer unit g. The packaging unit f is used to independently seal and package the excrement residue and the solid medical waste. The transfer unit g is used to transfer the sealed and packaged excrement residue and solid medical waste to the radioactive waste disposal repository h.

[0024] In this embodiment, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 As shown, the source sorting and collection module 1 is the initial stage of the system. Its function is to initially sort and collect different types of radioactive waste at the source of waste generation to avoid cross-contamination and lay the foundation for subsequent treatment. The first collection unit a, as part of the source sorting and collection module 1, is specifically used to collect excrement generated by patients undergoing nuclear medicine treatment, such as urine, feces, and vomit. This excrement may contain unmetabolized radionuclides. The second collection unit b, also part of the source sorting and collection module 1, collects solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides generated during nuclear medicine treatment, such as disposable medical supplies and protective materials. The solid-liquid separation module 2 is a key processing stage in the system. Its main function is to effectively separate the mixed excrement into solid and liquid components, facilitating subsequent treatment of waste in different forms. The physical pressure filtration unit c is the core component of the solid-liquid separation module 2. By applying physical pressure, it mechanically separates the solid and liquid components in the excrement, thereby achieving effective separation of the solid and liquid phases. Solid collection tray d is used to temporarily store and accumulate the solid waste obtained after solid-liquid separation in physical filtration unit c, for subsequent centralized treatment. Drying module e is responsible for dehydrating the solid waste after solid-liquid separation, significantly reducing waste volume and altering its physical form to make it easier to store and transport. Packaging and transfer module 3 is the final treatment stage of the system, responsible for securely packaging the treated radioactive waste and safely transferring it from the treatment site to the final disposal location. Packaging unit f, as part of packaging and transfer module 3, is used for independently and sealed packaging different types of radioactive waste (such as excrement residue and solid medical waste) to prevent radioactive material leakage. Transfer unit g, as another component of packaging and transfer module 3, is responsible for safely and efficiently transporting the sealed radioactive waste from the treatment area to the designated radioactive waste storage facility h. Radioactive waste storage facility h is a dedicated facility for long-term storage or final disposal of radioactive waste, ensuring the safe isolation of radioactive materials from the environment and human society.

[0025] Specifically, this nuclear medicine medical waste treatment system achieves safe and efficient treatment of nuclear medicine medical waste through the coordinated operation of a series of modules. First, the system includes a source-separation collection module 1. This module aims to separate and collect waste from its initial generation stage to avoid cross-contamination between different types of waste. This source-separation collection module 1 specifically includes a first collection unit a and a second collection unit b. The first collection unit a is configured to collect patient excrement. For example, a dedicated toilet with an independent collection pipe can be used, or a movable collection container can be provided for centralized collection after patient use. The second collection unit b is configured to collect solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides. For example, a universal collection box can be provided for medical personnel to dispose of used syringes, cotton swabs, gloves, and other solid waste. Second, the system includes a solid-liquid separation module 2, which separates the excrement collected by the first collection unit a into solid and liquid components. This solid-liquid separation module 2 specifically includes a physical pressure filtration unit c and a solid collection tray d. The physical pressure filtration unit c separates the excrement into solid and liquid components. For example, a simple sieve filtration device can be used to allow the liquid portion to flow away under gravity, or a manual pressing device can be used to squeeze out the liquid from the solids. The separated solid waste is then collected in a solids collection tray d for accumulation. This solids collection tray d can be an open container for temporarily storing the filtered solids. The system also includes a drying module e, which is configured to dehydrate the solid waste accumulated in the solids collection tray d. For example, natural air drying can be used, spreading the solid waste in a well-ventilated area to allow the moisture to evaporate gradually; or a heated oven can be used to accelerate moisture evaporation by providing heat. Through dehydration, the moisture content of the solid waste is reduced to a preset value, forming a loose, flocculent waste residue, thereby achieving a significant reduction in waste volume. Finally, the system includes a packaging and transfer module 3, which is responsible for the secure packaging and transfer of the treated waste. This packaging and transfer module 3 specifically includes a packaging unit f and a transfer unit g, wherein the packaging unit f is configured to independently seal and package the dried waste residue and the solid medical waste collected at the source. For example, sealed packaging can be used to separate different types of waste and then seal them. Transfer unit g is used to transport sealed packaged excrement residue and solid medical waste to radioactive waste storage facility h. For example, a dedicated trolley can be used to transport packaged waste to a designated location.

[0026] Compared to related technologies that directly discharge all radioactive waste into decay tanks, this invention achieves preliminary separation of liquid waste from solid medical waste through a source-based sorting and collection module 1. This source-based sorting avoids the mixing of different types of waste in the initial stage, laying the foundation for subsequent targeted treatment. Furthermore, the system introduces a solid-liquid separation module 2, particularly a physical filter press unit c, to perform immediate solid-liquid separation of the waste. This contrasts sharply with related technologies where solid and liquid waste mix for extended periods in the decay tank, forming sludge. Timely separation not only avoids sludge formation and reduces the risk of radioactive exposure and workload for personnel cleaning the decay tank, but also allows the separated liquid waste to be introduced into the liquid waste treatment branch, providing the possibility of using other new technologies to reduce the volume of liquid waste, thus overcoming the bottleneck of solid-liquid doping limiting the synergistic application of liquid waste treatment technologies in related technologies. In addition, the drying module e dehydrates the solid waste, reducing its moisture content to a preset value and forming loose, flocculent waste residue. This step effectively reduces the volume of solid waste. In related technologies, solid medical waste is typically directly packaged and transferred, occupying a large space. The drying process of this invention significantly reduces the volume of solid waste, thereby reducing the space required for storage and transportation and improving disposal efficiency. Finally, the packaging unit f in the packaging and transportation module 3 independently seals and packages excrement residue and solid medical waste, and then transports them to the radioactive waste disposal repository h via the transportation unit g. This method of independent packaging and direct transportation avoids the risks of multiple types of solid medical waste, large space occupation, and leakage caused by sharp objects puncturing the packaging, as seen in related technologies. By packaging different types of waste independently, better management and disposal can be achieved, improving the overall safety and reliability of the treatment process.

[0027] In summary, this nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system, through its modular design and collaborative operation, effectively solves the problems of large space occupation of decay pools, difficulty in solid-liquid mixing treatment, insufficient waste volume reduction, and leakage risk in related technologies, providing a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment.

[0028] Optionally, the packaging unit f includes a first storage container and a second storage container with a shielding layer, wherein the first storage container is used to store the excrement residue and the second storage container is used to store the solid medical waste.

[0029] In this embodiment, the shielding layer is a material layer used to block or attenuate radioactive radiation. Its function is to reduce the radiation level outside the container, protecting operators and the environment from ionizing radiation. The choice of shielding material typically depends on the type and energy of the radionuclide to be shielded; common shielding materials include lead, steel, concrete, and high-density polyethylene. For example, lead or steel is an effective shielding material for gamma rays; for beta rays, plastic or aluminum may be sufficient. The thickness of the shielding layer is designed according to the radiation intensity and the required level of protection. The first storage container is specifically designed to store dried excrement residue. Its design should take into account the physical morphology (loose, flocculent) and radioactivity level of the excrement residue and work in conjunction with the shielding layer to ensure safe storage. In addition to the shielding layer, the first storage container may also employ a sealed design to prevent leakage or spread of contents. For example, a barrel-shaped container with a screw-top or snap-on lid, or a box lined with a leak-proof bag, can be used. The second storage container is specifically designed to store solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides. Solid medical waste can take many forms, including glass, metal, plastic, and fabric. Therefore, the design of the secondary storage container needs to accommodate this diversity and provide radiation protection through a shielding layer. For example, boxes or barrels of different sizes and shapes can be used to accommodate solid medical waste of different sizes and shapes, and can be designed with structures that are easy to load and seal.

[0030] Optionally, the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system further includes a press, and the second storage container is a compaction container, the press being used to compress the second storage container into a cake.

[0031] In this embodiment, a press is a device capable of compressing an object by applying mechanical force. This press can take various forms; for example, it can be a hydraulic press, which generates powerful pressure through hydraulic cylinders, suitable for high-intensity compression; it can be a pneumatic press, driven by compressed air, which is relatively easy to operate; or it can be an electric press, which uses a motor to drive the mechanical structure to achieve compression. The main function of the press is to reduce the volume of waste. The second storage container is designed as a compaction container, meaning that it can not only safely store waste but also withstand and assist in the internal compression of waste. These compaction containers can be made of lightweight, easily compressible, tough, low-resilience, and biodegradable materials, used to contain radioactive solid waste before and after compression. "Compressing waste into a cake" refers to applying continuous mechanical pressure to the waste using a press, significantly reducing its volume and forming a compact, regular block or cake-like structure. This process can be achieved by unidirectional or multidirectional compression of the waste within the compaction container using a press until a preset density or volume reduction rate is achieved.

[0032] It should be noted that the excrement residue in the first storage container does not need to be compressed by a press, but is shaped by mechanical equipment.

[0033] Optionally, the first collection unit a is a solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet.

[0034] In this embodiment, the solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet is a sanitary ware that integrates excrement collection, preliminary solid-liquid separation, and vacuum conveying functions. Its core lies in its internal structural design, which achieves preliminary separation of solids and liquids at the source of excrement generation, and then uses vacuum negative pressure to transport the separated waste to subsequent processing stages. This design aims to improve collection efficiency, reduce the risk of radioactive contamination spread, and alleviate the processing burden on the subsequent solid-liquid separation module 2. Specifically, the solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet can be implemented in various ways. For example, it can have a filter plate or screen with micropores inside, through which liquid excrement flows into a separate liquid collection channel, while solid excrement is trapped above the filter plate or screen. Another approach is to design an inclined flow-guiding structure inside the toilet, using gravity to guide liquid excrement along a specific path into the liquid collection port, while solid excrement is collected through another channel.

[0035] Optionally, the second collection unit b is a solid waste collection bin, which is used to collect the solid medical waste, including glass waste, metal waste, plastic waste and textile waste.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second collection unit b is designed as a solid waste storage bin, which can be a collection device with an internal independent container, designed to centrally store different types of solid medical waste.

[0037] In addition, the present invention also provides a method for treating nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste, based on the nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste treatment system described above, the method comprising: S1: Source-based sorting and collection, the patient's excrement is collected in a directional manner through the first collection unit a of the source-based sorting and collection module 1, and solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides is collected through the second collection unit b of the source-based sorting and collection module 1. S2: Solid-liquid separation process, the excrement collected by the first collection unit a is transported to the solid-liquid separation module 2, and the excrement is separated into solid and liquid by the physical pressure filter unit c of the solid-liquid separation module 2. The separated liquid excrement is introduced into the liquid waste treatment branch, and the separated solid excrement is retained in the solid collection tray d of the solid-liquid separation module 2 for accumulation. S3: Drying and volume reduction treatment. When the accumulated amount of solid excrement in the solid collection tray d reaches a preset value, it is transferred to the drying module e. The solid excrement is dehydrated by the drying module e until the moisture content of the solid excrement drops to a preset value and forms loose flocculent excrement residue. S4: Packaging and transfer processing. The flocculent excrement residue and solid medical waste are separately sealed and packaged by the packaging unit f of the packaging and transfer module 3. Then, the sealed waste is directionally transferred to the radioactive waste disposal repository h by the transfer unit g of the packaging and transfer module 3 to complete the treatment of nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment waste.

[0038] In this embodiment, the source-based sorting and collection in step S1 refers to sorting waste at its source, separating waste of different properties for collection. This step aims to prevent cross-contamination, facilitate subsequent targeted treatment, and improve processing efficiency and safety. Specifically, the first collection unit a can be a solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet, used for targeted collection of patient excrement, ensuring that excrement is effectively collected and initially separated upon generation. The second collection unit b can be a solid waste collection bin, used to collect solid medical waste contaminated with radioactive nuclides. The solid-liquid separation treatment in step S2 refers to separating the solid components from the liquid components in the excrement. The purpose of this step is that the separated liquid excrement can be introduced into a dedicated liquid waste treatment branch for processing, while the solid excrement undergoes subsequent volume reduction and drying to avoid the influence of liquid on the subsequent drying process and reduce the processing load. The physical pressure filtration unit c can be a plate and frame filter press or a belt filter press, which uses mechanical pressure to squeeze out the water from the excrement, leaving the solid components on the filter cloth. The solid collection tray d can be designed as a movable tray or container for temporary storage of the filtered solid waste, facilitating subsequent transfer. Step S3, drying and volume reduction, refers to dehydrating the solid waste after solid-liquid separation, reducing its moisture content and altering its physical form. This step significantly reduces waste volume, lowers transportation and storage costs, and transforms the waste into a more stable flocculent state, facilitating subsequent packaging and long-term storage. The drying module e can use a drum dryer to heat and dry the solid waste through hot air circulation; or it can use a freeze dryer to remove moisture through sublimation. The preset value can be set to a moisture content below 10% or 5% to ensure waste stability and volume reduction effect. Through the drying process, the solid waste becomes loose, easy to package and fill, forming flocculent waste residue. Step S4, packaging and transfer, refers to independently sealing the treated waste and safely transferring it to the final disposal site. This step aims to prevent the leakage and spread of radioactive materials, ensure safety during transfer, and comply with radioactive waste disposal regulations. Packaging unit f may include a first storage container and a second storage container with shielding layers, such as lead canisters or concrete canisters, to seal excrement residue and solid medical waste separately. Transfer unit g may employ a rail transport system or intelligent transfer trolley to transport the packaged waste from the treatment area to the radioactive waste storage facility h in a controlled environment.

[0039] Specifically, the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method of the present invention systematically defines each stage from waste generation to final disposal, organically integrating the various functional modules of the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system 1 to form a continuous, efficient, and safe treatment process. First, in the source classification and collection step S1, different types of waste are initially separated through the first collection unit a and the second collection unit b, laying the foundation for subsequent targeted treatment and effectively avoiding cross-contamination. Next, in the solid-liquid separation treatment step S2, the physical pressure filtration unit c efficiently separates the solid and liquid components in the waste, allowing the liquid waste to be introduced into a dedicated liquid waste treatment branch, while the solid waste accumulates in the solid collection tray d, creating favorable conditions for subsequent drying treatment. Subsequently, the drying and volume reduction treatment step S3 utilizes the drying module e to deeply dehydrate the solid waste, transforming it into smaller, more stable flocculent waste residue, greatly reducing the volume and amount of waste. Finally, in packaging and transfer step S4, the treated waste is individually sealed in packaging unit f and then safely transferred to the radioactive waste storage facility h by transfer unit g. The entire process is clear, and the modules work together, enabling operators to handle waste more conveniently and safely, reducing the possibility of human error.

[0040] Through the above technical solutions, the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method of the present invention achieves standardized and systematic management of the entire process from source classification to final disposal, significantly improving the safety, efficiency, and volume reduction effect of nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment. Through clearly defined steps S1 to S4, every link from source classification to final transportation is effectively managed and controlled, significantly reducing the risk of radioactive material leakage and personnel exposure. The introduction of solid-liquid separation (S2) and drying / volume reduction (S3) steps enables significant reduction in volume and weight of waste in the early stages of treatment. In particular, the drying module e transforms solid waste into loose, flocculent waste residue, greatly improving the efficiency of subsequent packaging and storage, and reducing disposal costs. Furthermore, liquid waste is directed to a dedicated liquid waste treatment branch, avoiding the complexity of mixing with solid waste, facilitating targeted treatment and potential resource recovery, and reducing potential environmental pollution.

[0041] Optionally, in step S2, the physical pressure filtration unit c uses a room temperature pressure filtration method for solid-liquid separation.

[0042] During the filtration process, the filtration pressure can be controlled between 0.3 MPa and 0.5 MPa to ensure that the residual liquid leaching rate in the solid waste is not less than 90%, and to avoid the influence of high temperature on the properties of radioactive nuclides.

[0043] In this embodiment, "room temperature filtration" refers to performing filtration operations at near-ambient temperatures, typically within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C. This method avoids the additional energy consumption and equipment requirements imposed by high or low temperatures on the processing. Furthermore, for excrement containing radioactive nuclides, room temperature operation effectively maintains the physicochemical stability of the nuclides, preventing volatilization, decomposition, or transformation due to temperature changes, thereby ensuring the safety of operators and the environment. Implementation methods may include: using filtration equipment with temperature sensors to monitor the temperature inside the filtration chamber in real time and maintaining the temperature within the room temperature range through cooling or heating devices (such as a water circulation cooling system or an ambient temperature control system); or, directly performing filtration operations in a clean area with a stable ambient temperature, without the need for additional temperature control devices. "Controlling the filtration pressure between 0.3 MPa and 0.5 MPa" means that during solid-liquid separation, the pressure applied to the excrement is precisely maintained within a specific range. This pressure range is optimized to ensure efficient liquid leaching without over-compression that could damage the equipment or clog the filter media. Implementation methods may include: using a hydraulic or pneumatic filter press, monitoring the pressure inside the filter chamber in real time through a pressure sensor, and automatically adjusting the applied pressure through a closed-loop control system using actuators such as proportional valves or variable frequency pumps to stabilize it between 0.3 MPa and 0.5 MPa; or using filter press equipment with mechanical limit switches or preset pressure relief valves to ensure that the pressure does not exceed the preset range. "Ensuring a residual liquid leaching rate of not less than 90% in solid waste" means that after solid-liquid separation, the amount of liquid contained in the solid waste is reduced by 90% or more relative to its initial liquid volume. A high leaching rate means that moisture in the solid waste is removed to the maximum extent, thereby significantly reducing the volume and weight of solid waste, laying a good foundation for subsequent drying steps, and reducing drying energy consumption and time. Implementation methods may include: improving filtration efficiency by optimizing the filter cloth material and pore size, filter plate structure design, and filtration cycle and pressure curve of the filter press equipment; or, after filtration, sampling and testing the solid waste, assessing the leaching rate by weighing or moisture content analysis, and adjusting the filtration parameters based on the results. "Avoiding the impact of high temperatures on the properties of radionuclides" refers to taking measures throughout the solid-liquid separation process to prevent the temperature from rising to a level that could cause physical or chemical changes in the radionuclides. Some radionuclides may volatilize, decompose, undergo redox reactions, or have altered crystal structures at high temperatures, thereby affecting their radioactivity, half-life, bioavailability, or migration ability in the environment, increasing the complexity and risk of treatment. Implementation methods may include: as mentioned above, using ambient temperature filtration combined with a temperature monitoring and control system to ensure that the temperature during the filtration process remains within a safe range; or, selecting equipment materials with excellent high-temperature resistance and designing effective heat dissipation structures to prevent localized overheating.

[0044] Specifically, in step S2 of the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method of the present invention, the waste from the first collection unit a is separated into solid and liquid components using a physical pressure filtration unit c. To optimize this crucial step, this solution specifically specifies the use of ambient temperature pressure filtration and precise control of the filtration pressure between 0.3 MPa and 0.5 MPa. This ambient temperature operation ensures that the radionuclides in the waste do not undergo property changes due to temperature increases during the separation process, such as volatilization or decomposition, thereby effectively maintaining the stability of the nuclides and ensuring the safety of the treatment process. Simultaneously, precisely controlling the filtration pressure within the appropriate range of 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa provides sufficient compaction for efficient liquid extrusion while avoiding potential equipment damage or filter cloth clogging due to excessive pressure. Through this refined pressure control, combined with ambient temperature conditions, it can be ensured that the residual liquid leaching rate in the solid waste is not less than 90%. A high leaching rate means that moisture in solid waste is removed to the maximum extent, significantly reducing the volume and weight of the solid waste. This provides a drier starting material for the subsequent drying and volume reduction step S3, greatly improving drying efficiency and reducing energy consumption and processing time. Therefore, this scheme, through strict control of temperature and pressure in the solid-liquid separation process, not only improves the volume reduction effect and processing efficiency of waste, but more importantly, ensures the stability of radionuclides and the safety of the processing process from the source, effectively solving the problems of low efficiency and radioactive risks that may exist in traditional solid-liquid separation.

[0045] Optionally, in step S4, the transfer unit g uses at least one of channel pushing, track transmission and intelligent transfer vehicle for transfer, and monitors the radiation level in the transfer channel in real time during the transfer process. If the radiation level is abnormal, the transfer is immediately suspended and an early warning is issued.

[0046] In this embodiment, the transfer unit g employs at least one of channel pushing, track transmission, and intelligent transfer trolleys for transfer, aiming to achieve automation and controllability in waste transfer. Track transmission can be understood as a fixed-path automated transportation system; for example, an electric railcar or chain-driven system can be used to enable waste containers to move stably and efficiently on a preset track. The intelligent transfer trolley can be an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), possessing autonomous navigation, path planning, and obstacle avoidance capabilities, enabling it to flexibly complete waste transfer tasks in complex environments. Real-time monitoring of radiation levels within the transfer channel during the transfer process refers to the continuous or periodic measurement of radiation dose rate or particle count within the transfer channel by deploying radiation detection equipment, such as Geiger counters or scintillation detectors, along the entire waste transfer path. These detectors transmit the real-time collected radiation data to a central monitoring system for analysis. If the radiation level is abnormal, transfer is immediately suspended and an early warning is issued. "Abnormal radiation level" typically refers to a detected radiation level exceeding a pre-set safety threshold, which may indicate damage to waste packaging, leakage of radioactive materials, or malfunction of transfer equipment. Once the monitoring system detects an abnormal radiation level, it will immediately send a stop command to the transfer unit g, causing the track transport system or intelligent transfer trolley to stop operating immediately and prevent the abnormality from escalating. Simultaneously, the system will issue warnings to operators or managers through various means, such as audible and visual alarms, SMS notifications, or email alerts, so that they can take timely emergency measures.

[0047] Optionally, the method for treating nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste further includes: Step S5: Waste temporary storage and monitoring. After the sealed packaged waste is transferred to the radioactive waste disposal repository h, the radioactivity level of the waste in the repository is monitored in real time. Once the radioactivity level of the waste drops to the exemption limit, it is treated as ordinary medical waste or transferred to the city repository for unified treatment.

[0048] In this embodiment, waste temporary storage monitoring refers to the temporary storage and continuous observation of packaged waste transported to the radioactive waste storage facility h to ensure the safety of the waste within the facility and to provide data support for its subsequent processing. This monitoring can be achieved, for example, by setting up a fixed radiation detector array within the facility h to monitor waste in different areas; or, by using a mobile radiation inspection robot to periodically patrol the facility h and scan the waste. Real-time monitoring of the radioactivity level of the waste within the facility refers to continuously acquiring data on the intensity of radioactivity released by the waste to accurately understand its decay and determine whether it meets exemption limits. This can be achieved, for example, by using radiation detection equipment such as a gamma spectrometer or Geiger counter, combined with a data acquisition system, to transmit the monitoring data to a central control room in real time; or, by using miniature radiation sensors integrated on the storage container to directly measure the radiation level inside or on the surface of the container and upload the data via a wireless network. Once the radioactivity level of the waste drops to the exemption limit (a threshold stipulated by national or international regulations that allows radioactive materials below this limit to be treated as ordinary waste instead of managed as radioactive materials), it serves as a basis for determining the final disposal of the waste. This can be achieved by comparing real-time monitoring data with the preset exemption limit; if the monitored value remains below the exemption limit for a period of time, the condition can be determined to have been met. Disposing of the waste as ordinary medical waste or transferring it to a municipal waste disposal site for unified treatment means disposing of the waste that has reached the exemption limit according to the regulations for non-radioactive waste, thereby optimizing waste disposal resources and saving costs. This could, for example, involve removing the waste from a radioactive waste disposal site and sending it to an ordinary medical waste incineration plant or landfill for treatment; or, alternatively, transferring the waste to a municipal solid waste treatment system for sorting, recycling, or landfill disposal together with ordinary household waste.

[0049] Optionally, the drying module e uses either drum drying or freeze drying.

[0050] In this embodiment, when using drum drying, the solid waste is heated and tumbled inside the rotating drum, causing rapid evaporation of moisture and achieving efficient dehydration. This process also helps form a loose, flocculent structure, facilitating subsequent packaging. When using freeze drying, the solid waste is first frozen and then the moisture is removed through sublimation. This low-temperature drying process avoids the potential impact of high temperatures on the properties of radionuclides and effectively reduces the moisture content, forming easily handleable residue. The choice between these two drying methods allows the drying module e to flexibly and safely reduce the volume of solid waste according to actual needs, providing a suitable waste form for subsequent packaging and transportation, thereby optimizing the efficiency and safety of the entire nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment process.

[0051] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0052] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system, characterized in that, include: Source classification and collection module (1), the source classification and collection module (1) includes a first collection unit (a) and a second collection unit (b), the first collection unit (a) is used to collect the patient's excrement, and the second collection unit (b) is used to collect solid medical waste contaminated with radioactive nuclides; Solid-liquid separation module (2), the solid-liquid separation module (2) includes a physical pressure filtration unit (c) and a solid collection tray (d), the physical pressure filtration unit (c) is used to separate the excrement collected from the first collection unit (a) into solid excrement and liquid excrement, and the solid collection tray (d) is used to accumulate the separated solid excrement; The drying module (e) includes a drying unit and a residue collection tray. The drying unit is used to dehydrate the solid excrement so that the moisture content of the solid excrement is reduced to a preset value and a loose, flocculent excrement residue is formed. The residue collection tray is used to accumulate the excrement residue formed after the dehydration treatment. The packaging and transfer module (3) includes a packaging unit (f) and a transfer unit (g). The packaging unit (f) is used to independently seal the excrement residue and the solid medical waste. The transfer unit (g) is used to transfer the sealed excrement residue and the solid medical waste to the radioactive waste disposal repository (h).

2. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The packaging unit (f) includes a first storage container and a second storage container with a shielding layer, wherein the first storage container is used to store the excrement residue and the second storage container is used to store the solid medical waste.

3. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a press, wherein the second storage container is a compaction container, and the press is used to compress the second storage container into a cake.

4. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first collection unit (a) is a solid-liquid separation vacuum toilet.

5. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second collection unit (b) is a solid waste collection bin, which is used to collect the solid medical waste, including glass waste, metal waste, plastic waste and textile waste.

6. A method for treating nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste, characterized in that, The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to any one of claims 1-5 is characterized in that the nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment method comprises: S1: Source classification collection, the patient's excrement is collected in a directional manner through the first collection unit (a) of the source classification collection module (1), and solid medical waste contaminated with radionuclides is collected through the second collection unit (b) of the source classification collection module (1); S2: Solid-liquid separation process, the excrement collected by the first collection unit (a) is transported to the solid-liquid separation module (2), and the excrement is separated into solid and liquid by the physical pressure filter unit (c) of the solid-liquid separation module (2). The separated liquid excrement is introduced into the liquid waste treatment branch, and the separated solid excrement is stored in the solid collection tray (d) of the solid-liquid separation module (2) for accumulation. S3: Drying and volume reduction treatment. When the accumulated amount of solid excrement in the solid collection tray (d) reaches a preset value, it is transferred to the drying module (e). The solid excrement is dehydrated by the drying module (e) until the moisture content of the solid excrement drops to a preset value and forms loose flocculent excrement residue. S4: Packaging and transfer processing: The flocculent excrement residue and solid medical waste are separately sealed and packaged by the packaging unit (f) of the packaging and transfer module (3), and then the sealed waste is transferred to the radioactive waste disposal repository (h) by the transfer unit (g) of the packaging and transfer module (3) to complete the treatment of nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment waste.

7. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S2, the physical pressure filtration unit (c) performs solid-liquid separation using a room temperature pressure filtration method.

8. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S4, the transfer unit (g) uses at least one of channel pushing, track transmission and intelligent transfer vehicle for transfer, and monitors the radiation level in the transfer channel in real time during the transfer process. If the radiation level is abnormal, the transfer is immediately suspended and an early warning is issued.

9. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method for handling nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic waste also includes: Step S5: Waste temporary storage and monitoring. After the sealed packaged waste is transferred to the radioactive waste disposal repository (h), the radioactivity level of the waste in the repository is monitored in real time. Once the radioactivity level of the waste drops to the exemption limit, it is treated as ordinary medical waste or transferred to the city repository for unified treatment.

10. The nuclear medicine diagnostic waste treatment system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drying module (e) uses either drum drying or freeze drying methods for drying.

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