Target assembly for producing medical isotopes

Abstract

The invention relates to a target assembly for producing medical isotopes, the target assembly comprises a support tube, a first end plate, a plurality of target pieces, a second end plate and a first nut, the support tube is arranged on the first end plate in a penetrating manner, the support tube is fixedly connected with the first end plate, the target pieces are provided with cavities, the cavities are used for placing target cores, and the second end plate is fixedly connected with the first nut. One end of the target piece is connected with the first end plate, the second end plate is arranged on the supporting pipe in a penetrating mode, the second end plate is connected with the other end of the target piece, the first nut is in threaded connection with the supporting pipe, and the first nut abuts against the second end plate. According to the target assembly for producing the medical isotope, the loading and unloading operation of the target piece is simplified, so that the loading and unloading time is shortened, the personnel operation risk in a high-radiation environment is further reduced, the number of target cores can be flexibly controlled, neutron flux distribution is optimized, and the isotope yield stability is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of isotope production technology, and more specifically to a target assembly for producing medical isotopes. Background Technology

[0002] Medical isotopes, such as iodine-131 and lutetium-177, are mainly produced by irradiating targets with nuclear reactors or accelerators. Target components require manual assembly and disassembly, but related technologies often employ complex connection structures (such as multi-bolt fastening), resulting in low assembly and disassembly efficiency and high risks. The fixed number of target elements makes it difficult to flexibly adjust according to production needs, leading to fluctuations in isotope yield and insufficient reactivity control. Sharp edges of connecting parts are prone to scratches during assembly and disassembly, causing frictional damage and shortening service life. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a target assembly for producing medical isotopes, comprising a support tube, a first end plate, multiple target components, a second end plate, and a first nut. The support tube passes through the first end plate and is fixedly connected to it. Each target component has a cavity for placing a target core. One end of the target component is connected to the first end plate. The second end plate passes through the support tube and is connected to the other end of the target component. The first nut is threadedly connected to the support tube and abuts against the second end plate.

[0005] The target assembly for producing medical isotopes in this invention simplifies the loading and unloading of targets, thereby shortening the loading and unloading time, reducing the risk of personnel operation in high-radiation environments, and allowing for flexible control of the number of target cores, optimization of neutron flux distribution, and improvement of isotope yield stability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the target assembly for producing medical isotopes includes a first connecting boss and a second nut. The first connecting boss is located at one end of the target, and a plurality of mounting holes are provided on the first end plate. The first connecting boss is disposed within the mounting holes, and the second nut is threadedly connected to the first connecting boss, abutting against the first end plate. The cooperation between the first connecting boss and the first end plate positions the target for installation, allowing a single target to be fixed relative to the first end plate, thereby improving the convenience of installing the second end plate and increasing the overall strength and stability of the target assembly of the present invention.

[0007] In some embodiments, the target assembly for producing medical isotopes includes a second connecting boss. The other end of the target is provided with the second connecting boss, and a plurality of limiting holes are provided on the second end plate. The second connecting boss is disposed within the limiting holes. The cooperation between the second connecting boss and the limiting holes of the second end plate increases the positional limitation of the second end plate on the plurality of target components, thereby further increasing the structural stability of the target assembly in this embodiment of the invention.

[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting hole is a countersunk hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first nut is a round-headed nut; and / or, the first nut is located inside the end of the support tube in its axial direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the target assembly for producing medical isotopes includes a third nut, a guide plate, and a fourth nut. The third nut, guide plate, and fourth nut are sequentially fitted onto one end of the support tube adjacent to the first end plate. Both the third nut and the fourth nut are threadedly connected to the support tube. The third nut is adjacent to the first end plate. The projection surfaces of the plurality of target elements on the guide plate along the axial direction of the support tube are located within the contour range of the guide plate. The guide plate guides the movement of the upper side of the target assembly, preventing frictional damage between the target element and other equipment or target components during movement, thereby further extending the service life of the target assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fourth nut is a round-headed nut; and / or, the fourth nut is located inside the end of the support tube in its axial direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the projection surfaces of the plurality of targets on the second end plate along the axial direction of the support tube are located within the contour range of the second end plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the target includes an outer shell, a first end plug, a second end plug, and an inner shell. The outer shell has the first end plug and the second end plug at its two ends, respectively. The outer shell, the first end plug, and the second end plug define a cavity. The inner shell is used to enclose the target core and is disposed within the cavity. The inner and outer shells form a double-shell structure, providing a double sealing barrier for the target core and effectively preventing radioactive leakage.

[0014] In some embodiments, the target assembly for producing medical isotopes includes a series of cords threaded through the support tube. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a target component for producing medical isotopes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA; Figure label: 100. Target assembly; 1. Support tube, 2. First end plate, 3. Target, 31. Outer shell, 32. First end plug, 33. Second end plug, 34. Inner shell, 4. Second end plate, 5. First nut, 6. First connecting boss, 7. Second nut, 8. Second connecting boss, 9. Third nut, 10. Guide plate, 11. Fourth nut, 12. Connecting rope; 200. Target core. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0017] The target assembly 100 and target system for producing medical isotopes according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the target assembly 100 for producing medical isotopes according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a support tube 1, a first end plate 2, multiple target pieces 3, a second end plate 4, and a first nut 5. The support tube 1 passes through the first end plate 2, and the support tube 1 and the first end plate 2 are fixedly connected. The target piece 3 has a cavity for placing a target core 200, and one end of the target piece 3 is connected to the first end plate 2. The second end plate 4 passes through the support tube 1, and the second end plate 4 is connected to the other end of the target piece 3. The first nut 5 is threadedly connected to the support tube 1, and the first nut 5 abuts against the second end plate 4.

[0019] In this embodiment of the target assembly 100, a support tube 1 is fixedly connected to a first end plate 2, and a second end plate 4 is fixed to the support tube 1 by a first nut 5. This allows the second end plate 4 and the first end plate 2 to fix multiple target components 3. When it is necessary to disassemble the target components 3, the first nut 5 is unscrewed, causing the second end plate 4 to detach from the support tube 1, allowing the target components 3 to be removed. This target assembly 100 simplifies the loading and unloading operations of the target components 3, thereby shortening the loading and unloading time and reducing the operational risks for personnel in high-radiation environments.

[0020] Meanwhile, the cavity of the target 3 is used to load the target core 200. The number of target 3 loaded with the target core 200 can be adjusted according to the production needs. The target 3 without the target core can still be installed between the first end plate 2 and the second end plate 4, thereby flexibly controlling the number of target cores, optimizing the neutron flux distribution, and improving the stability of isotope yield.

[0021] Specifically, the support tube 1 and the first end plate 2 are welded together, eliminating the need for intermediate connecting parts and improving structural strength.

[0022] In some other embodiments, the support tube 1 and the first end plate 2 are connected by nuts. Specifically, the support tube 1 is provided with nuts at both ends of the first end plate 2, and the two nuts are threadedly connected to the support tube 1 to fix the first end plate 2 on the support tube 1.

[0023] In some embodiments, the target assembly 100 includes a first connecting boss 6 and a second nut 7. One end (upper end) of the target 3 has the first connecting boss 6, and the first end plate 2 has multiple mounting holes. The first connecting boss 6 is disposed within the mounting holes, and the second nut 7 is threadedly connected to the first connecting boss 6, abutting against the first end plate 2. The cooperation between the first connecting boss 6 and the first end plate 2 positions the target 3 for installation, allowing a single target 3 to be fixed relative to the first end plate 2, thereby improving the convenience of installing the second end plate 4 and increasing the overall strength and stability of the target assembly 100 of the present invention. When disassembling the target 3, first remove the first nut 5, and then unscrew the corresponding second nut 7 of the target 3.

[0024] Compared with the disassembly method of the target assembly 100 in related technologies, the target assembly 100 in this embodiment of the invention only requires the removal of two nuts (i.e., the first nut 5 and the second nut 7), that is, the corresponding single target 3 is removed, which shortens the loading and unloading time by more than 50%.

[0025] In some embodiments, the target assembly 100 includes a second connecting boss 8. The other end (lower end) of the target 3 is provided with the second connecting boss 8, and the second end plate 4 is provided with a plurality of limiting holes, in which the second connecting boss 8 is disposed. The cooperation between the second connecting boss 8 and the limiting holes of the second end plate 4 increases the limitation of the position of the plurality of target 3 by the second end plate 4, which is beneficial to further increase the structural stability of the target assembly 100 of the present invention.

[0026] Specifically, the limiting hole is a countersunk hole.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first nut 5 is a round-headed nut. Specifically, the first nut 5 has an arc-shaped edge, which can reduce frictional damage between the lower side of the target assembly 100 and the upper side of the adjacent target assembly 100, thereby extending the service life of the target assembly 100 in this embodiment of the invention.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first nut 5 is located inside the axial end of the support tube 1. For example... Figure 1As shown, the first nut 5 is located inside the lower end of the support tube 1. In other words, the first nut 5 does not protrude from the lower end of the support tube 1, thereby further reducing frictional damage between the lower side of the first nut 5 and the upper side of the adjacent target assembly 100, and further extending the service life of the target assembly 100 in this embodiment of the invention.

[0029] In some embodiments, the projection surfaces of the plurality of target elements 3 on the second end plate 4 along the axial direction of the support tube 1 are located within the contour range of the second end plate 4. Therefore, the second end plate 4 can provide protection for the plurality of target elements 3 and guide the movement of the lower side of the target assembly 100, preventing frictional damage between the target elements 3 and other equipment or other target assemblies 100 during movement, thereby further improving the service life of the target assembly 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the target assembly 100 includes a third nut 9, a guide plate 10, and a fourth nut 11. The third nut 9, the guide plate 10, and the fourth nut 11 are sequentially sleeved on one end of the support tube 1 adjacent to the first end plate 2. The third nut 9 and the fourth nut 11 are both threadedly connected to the support tube 1. The third nut 9 is adjacent to the first end plate 2. The projection surface of the plurality of target elements 3 on the guide plate 10 along the axial direction of the support tube 1 is located within the contour range of the guide plate 10.

[0031] The third nut 9 and the fourth nut 11 fix the guide plate 10 to the support tube 1. The guide plate 10 guides the movement of the upper side of the target assembly 100, avoiding friction damage between the target 3 and other equipment or other target assemblies 100 during the movement of the target assembly 100, and further improving the service life of the target assembly 100.

[0032] Furthermore, the fourth nut 11 is a round-headed nut. Specifically, the fourth nut 11 has an arc-shaped edge, which can reduce frictional damage between the upper side of the target assembly 100 and the lower side of the adjacent target assembly 100, thereby extending the service life of the target assembly 100 in this embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the fourth nut 11 is located inside the axial end of the support tube 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the fourth nut 11 is located inside the upper end of the support tube 1. In other words, the fourth nut 11 does not protrude from the upper end of the support tube 1, thereby further reducing frictional damage between the lower side of the fourth nut 11 and the lower side of the adjacent target assembly 100, and further extending the service life of the target assembly 100 in this embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In some embodiments, the target 3 includes an outer shell 31, a first end plug 32, a second end plug 33 and an inner shell 34. The outer shell 31 has a first end plug 32 and a second end plug 33 at its two ends, and the outer shell 31, the first end plug 32 and the second end plug 33 define a cavity. The inner shell 34 is used to cover the target core and is disposed in the cavity.

[0035] During target core installation, the target core (e.g., uranium-enriched or lutetium-enriched target) is first inserted into the inner cladding 34, and then sealed by laser welding. Next, the inner cladding 34 is placed inside the outer cladding 31, and the first end plug 32 and the outer cladding 31 are welded together. Then, the second end plug 33 and the outer cladding 31 are welded together, completing the target core installation within the target component 3. Simultaneously, the target component 3 forms a double-cladding structure for the target core, providing a double sealing barrier and effectively preventing radioactive leakage.

[0036] Specifically, the outer shell 31 is made of corrosion-resistant metal, such as 316L stainless steel or Inconel 600 (nickel-chromium-iron based solid solution strengthened alloy), and the inner shell 34 is made of high-purity quartz glass. The outer shell 31 and the end plug are electron beam welded to ensure sealing under irradiation.

[0037] The first nut 5, the second nut 7, the third nut 9, and the fourth nut 11 are made of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), which has both high strength and radiation resistance.

[0038] The target assembly 100 of this embodiment includes a series rope 12, which is threaded inside the support tube 1. The series rope 12 connects multiple target assemblies 100 end to end to form a long rod bundle structure.

[0039] Specifically, the connecting ropes are made of steel wire rope.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, a single target assembly 100 is 80 mm long and has an outer diameter of 40 mm, and has six target elements 3. The support tube 1 has a diameter of 7 mm, which can enhance the deformation resistance of the target assembly 100 and meet the stability requirements under irradiation.

[0041] The target component of this invention can be adapted to different production modes: High-yield mode: all target sites are loaded with target cores, that is, all target parts are loaded with target cores, which is suitable for large-scale isotope production; Low reactivity mode: Some target elements 3 are loaded with target core 200, and the target elements 3 without target core and the target elements 3 with target core are arranged alternately to adjust the neutron absorption cross section and control the reactivity peak.

[0042] The number of target cores can be adjusted as needed to control reactivity. The target assembly of this invention significantly improves the assembly and disassembly efficiency, reactivity control accuracy, and structural safety in the isotope production process through modular design, rapid assembly and disassembly, double-shell protection of the target core, and friction-reducing and damage-resistant design. It is suitable for nuclear reactor or accelerator irradiation environments and provides a highly reliable core component for the preparation of medical isotopes.

[0043] Material and process verification of the target component in this embodiment of the invention: (1) Sealing test: Ammonia mass spectrometry was used to detect leaks in the double-shell structure of the target component, with a leakage rate ≤1*10 -9 Pa*m 3 / s; (2) Radiation resistance test: Simulated reactor neutron flux (1*10 14 n / cm 2 / s) Irradiation for 1000 hours, the cladding showed no obvious swelling or embrittlement; (3) Mechanical performance test: When the target assembly was subjected to an axial load of 500N, the deformation was <0.1mm, which met the requirements of the reactor operating conditions.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0045] Furthermore, 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. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0049] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes, characterized in that, include: A support tube (1) and a first end plate (2), wherein the support tube (1) passes through the first end plate (2) and the support tube (1) and the first end plate (2) are fixedly connected; Multiple target components (3), each target component (3) having a cavity for placing a target core, and one end of each target component (3) being connected to the first end plate (2); and The second end plate (4) and the first nut (5) are connected. The second end plate (4) is inserted through the support tube (1) and connected to the other end of the target (3). The first nut (5) is threadedly connected to the support tube (1) and abuts against the second end plate (4).

2. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target (3) includes a first connecting boss (6) and a second nut (7). The first connecting boss (6) is provided at one end of the target (3). The first end plate (2) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes. The first connecting boss (6) is provided in the mounting holes. The second nut (7) is threadedly connected to the first connecting boss (6) and abuts against the first end plate (2).

3. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target (3) includes a second connecting boss (8), and the other end of the target (3) is provided with a second connecting boss (8). The second end plate (4) is provided with a plurality of limiting holes, and the second connecting boss (8) is provided in the limiting holes.

4. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting hole is a countersunk hole.

5. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first nut (5) is a round-headed nut; and / or, the first nut (5) is located inside the end of the support tube (1) in its axial direction.

6. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support tube (1) includes a third nut (9), a guide plate (10), and a fourth nut (11). The third nut (9), the guide plate (10), and the fourth nut (11) are sequentially sleeved on one end of the support tube (1) adjacent to the first end plate (2). The third nut (9) and the fourth nut (11) are both threadedly connected to the support tube (1). The third nut (9) is adjacent to the first end plate (2). The projection surface of the multiple target pieces (3) on the guide plate (10) along the axial direction of the support tube (1) is located within the contour range of the guide plate (10).

7. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fourth nut (11) is a round-headed nut; and / or, the fourth nut (11) is located inside the end of the support tube (1) in its axial direction.

8. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection plane of the plurality of target elements (3) on the second end plate (4) along the axial direction of the support tube (1) is located within the contour range of the second end plate (4).

9. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target (3) includes an outer shell (31), a first end plug (32), a second end plug (33) and an inner shell (34). The outer shell (31) has the first end plug (32) and the second end plug (33) at its two ends respectively. The outer shell (31), the first end plug (32) and the second end plug (33) define a cavity. The inner shell (34) is used to cover the target core and is disposed in the cavity.

10. The target assembly (100) for producing medical isotopes according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a series rope (12), which is threaded inside the support tube (1).

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