A displacement solid target device for isotope production

Abstract

This invention discloses a displacement-type solid target device for isotope production, belonging to the field of isotope production equipment. It includes a housing and a beam channel disposed on the housing, as well as a target support frame disposed inside the housing and a drive assembly driven by the target support frame. The drive assembly can drive the support frame to reciprocate along a preset direction, so that the target material mounted on the support frame moves into or out of the beam region of the beam channel. This invention, by driving the target support frame to reciprocate within and outside the irradiation area of ​​the proton beam, allows for target replacement without shutting down the proton accelerator. This effectively solves the problem of excessive downtime and production interruption caused by target replacement operations in traditional detachable target support devices, significantly simplifying the target replacement process and significantly improving the continuity and overall operating efficiency of isotope production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of isotope production equipment technology, and more specifically to a displacement solid target device for isotope production. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, irradiating target materials with proton beams generated by high-energy proton accelerators is an efficient method for large-scale isotope production. It can not only significantly improve production efficiency but also significantly reduce overall costs. Specific nuclide products are produced by nuclear reactions occurring in the target material in the accelerator.

[0003] Existing target carriers mostly employ detachable connection structures installed inside the reaction vessel. When changing the target, the proton accelerator must be shut down first, and strict control and safety verification of the beam must be carried out. Only after the operating environment has been confirmed to be safe can the target carrier be disassembled and reassembled using tools such as robotic arms. The entire process is cumbersome, with long downtime, making continuous operation impossible and significantly reducing overall production and experimental efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A displacement solid target device for isotope production includes a housing with a beam channel for beam passage, a target support frame disposed inside the housing, and a drive assembly connected to the target support frame. The drive assembly can drive the target support frame to reciprocate so that the target on the target support frame enters or exits the beam region corresponding to the beam channel.

[0005] Through the above technical solution, the drive component can drive the target carrier to move back and forth within the shell. During target irradiation, the carrier accurately moves the target into the irradiation area corresponding to the beam channel to realize isotope production. When irradiation is completed or the target needs to be replaced, the carrier moves the target out of the irradiation area. The target replacement can be completed without shutting down the proton accelerator, which simplifies the operation and shortens the downtime, realizes continuous isotope production, and improves the efficiency of production and experimental operation.

[0006] Furthermore, the housing is connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, which are coaxially arranged opposite each other. A displacement space is formed between the opposing ends of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The target support frame moves back and forth within the displacement space. The beam channel is formed by sequentially connecting the inlet pipe, the displacement space, and the outlet pipe.

[0007] The above technical solution, with the inlet and outlet pipes arranged coaxially, ensures stable transmission of the proton beam, reduces beam scattering and energy loss, and improves irradiation accuracy.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes multiple transmission chains, each of which is fixedly connected to a target material support frame.

[0009] With the above technical solution, the transmission chain and the target support frame are set up in a one-to-one correspondence. This multi-target design is particularly suitable for high-dose irradiation scenarios that produce multiple isotopes, and meets the needs of large-scale production.

[0010] Furthermore, the housing is provided with a guide rail, and the target material support frame is slidably connected to the guide rail. The target material support frame moves back and forth along the guide rail under the drive of the transmission chain.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, the guide rail provides precise guidance for the reciprocating movement of the target carrier, restricts its lateral deviation, ensures that the target can accurately and stably enter and exit the beam region, avoids the irradiation effect due to shaking or position deviation, and improves the stability and reliability of the device operation.

[0012] Furthermore, the drive assembly also includes a sprocket meshing with the transmission chain and a drive component connected to the sprocket. The drive component drives the transmission chain to move back and forth along the guide rail through the meshing of the sprocket and the transmission chain.

[0013] Through the above technical solution, the drive component drives the sprocket to rotate in both directions. Through the meshing of the sprocket and the chain, the rotational motion is converted into linear reciprocating motion, thereby driving the target material support frame to move precisely along the guide rail.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a circulating cooling base, which has a cooling channel for the flow of cooling fluid inside. The target support frame has a cooling chamber for the flow of cooling fluid inside. One end of the cooling chamber is connected to the cooling channel through a guide tube, and the other end of the cooling chamber has a drain port for the discharge of cooling fluid.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, the cooling fluid in the circulating cooling base enters the cooling chamber of the target support frame through the cooling channel and the guide pipe, exchanges heat with the target, and is discharged from the drain port, forming a complete cooling cycle.

[0016] Furthermore, the circulating cooling base is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the guide tube is inserted into the fluid outlet.

[0017] Through the above technical solution, the cooling fluid enters the cooling channel of the circulating cooling base through the fluid inlet, connects with the guide tube through the fluid outlet, and is introduced into the cooling cavity of the target support frame, so as to realize the continuous cooling of the target material during irradiation, avoid damage to the target material at high temperature, and ensure the stability of the target material performance and the smooth progress of isotope production.

[0018] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the known prior art: This invention uses a drive component to move the target carrier back and forth within the proton beam irradiation area, enabling target replacement without shutting down the proton accelerator. This effectively solves the problems of excessive downtime and production interruptions caused by target replacement in traditional detachable target carrier devices, significantly simplifying the target replacement process and greatly improving the continuity and overall efficiency of isotope production. Simultaneously, through the coordinated operation of the circulating cooling system and the target carrier, continuous and efficient forced cooling of the target during irradiation is achieved, promptly removing the large amount of heat generated by the irradiation and effectively preventing damage to the target due to high temperatures. This ensures the stable performance of the target under irradiation conditions and provides a reliable guarantee for isotope production. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the inlet and outlet pipes of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the inlet pipe of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the target support frame and circulating cooling base of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the target support frame of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the transmission chain and lifting ring of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sprocket of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side view of the sprocket of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the circulating cooling base of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the target support frame of the present invention.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1. Shell; 101. Mounting base; 102. Opening; 2. Beam channel; 201. Inlet pipe; 202. Outlet pipe; 203. Beam window; 204. Water cooling channel; 205. Inlet; 206. Outlet; 3. Target support frame; 301. Hinge; 302. Lifting ring; 303. Guide tube; 304. Box body; 305. Cooling chamber; 306. Drain port; 4. Drive assembly; 401. Drive chain; 402. Guide rail; 403. Sprocket; 404. Support frame side plate; 405. Connecting shaft; 406. Limiting plate; 407. Support base plate; 5. Circulating cooling base; 501. Fluid inlet; 502. Fluid outlet; 503. Main channel; 504. Base body; 505. Support column; 6. Overflow port. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a displacement solid target device for isotope production includes a housing 1 and a target support frame 3 located inside the housing 1 with a receiving cavity. The target support frame 3 is located between beam channels 2 arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the housing 1. A proton beam passes through the beam channels 2 and irradiates the target material installed on the target support frame 3 to achieve isotope production.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 preferably adopts a cylindrical structure with an internal cavity. The top of the housing 1 has an opening 102 for manipulators and other operating instruments to enter and exit, while the bottom is sealed. The beam channel 2 includes an inlet pipe 201 and an outlet pipe 202, both preferably cylindrical tubular structures, which are arranged opposite each other on the two side walls of the housing 1 and welded to the side walls of the housing 1 respectively. The axis lines of the inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202 are collinear. The end of the inlet pipe 201 facing the outside of the housing 1 is used to connect to the proton cyclotron accelerator. The accelerated proton beam enters the interior of the housing 1 through the inlet pipe 201, irradiates the target material installed on the target material carrier 3, and then exits through the outlet pipe 202 on the other side, finally entering the beam collector, thus forming a complete proton beam path.

[0026] The inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202 have the same structure. The specific structure of the inlet pipe 201 will be explained below as an example. Figure 4 As shown, the end of the inlet pipe 201 near the target support frame 3 is provided with a beam window 203, and the beam window 203 is made of Inconel 718 (GH4169) nickel-based high-temperature alloy.

[0027] The beam window 203 is a double-layer spherical sandwich structure, consisting of two alloy films with preset radii of curvature, forming a sealed liquid-permeable sandwich between the two films. This curved spherical design can offset the structural stress caused by the large amount of coolant inside the shell 1, allowing the beam window 203 to withstand more uniformly distributed film stress under pressure conditions, avoiding structural damage caused by stress concentration. Because the Inconel 718 alloy used in the beam window 203 has a relatively low thermal conductivity, to prevent long-term proton beam irradiation from damaging its structure, a water-cooling channel 204 matching the sandwich structure of the beam window 203 is installed in the inlet pipe 201.

[0028] The water-cooling channel 204 is a jacketed U-shaped reversible flow channel, located between the outer and inner walls of the inlet pipe 201. The inlet pipe 201 is a double-layer coaxial cylindrical structure, with its inner wall forming a central channel for proton beam transmission. The annular interlayer space between the outer and inner walls constitutes the main flow channel of the water-cooling channel 204. One end of the water-cooling channel 204 has an inlet 205 and an outlet 206 for the cooling medium, and the other end connects to the liquid-passing jacket of the beam window 203, together forming a complete cooling flow path.

[0029] In operation, the cooling medium enters the water-cooling channel 204 from the inlet 205 and flows axially into the liquid-permeable jacket of the beam window 203, covering the entire proton irradiation core area of ​​the beam window 203. It directly removes the heat generated by the irradiation of the beam window 203 and finally discharges from the outlet 206 after completing the heat exchange, forming a continuous cooling loop. This can actively cool the beam window 203, effectively suppress the temperature rise of the beam window 203 during the proton beam irradiation process, and prevent it from melting and failing due to excessive temperature.

[0030] The outlet pipe 202, which corresponds to the inlet pipe 201, also has a beam window 203 with the same structure at the end near the target support frame 3. In the working state of the device, the inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202 are respectively sealed and connected to the corresponding supporting equipment to maintain the vacuum working environment required for beam transmission.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202 are spaced apart, and a displacement space is formed between their opposite ends. When the device is in production operation, the target support frame 3 will stop on the coaxial line between the inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202. The target material installed inside it coincides with the central axis of the proton beam and falls into the effective irradiation area of ​​the proton beam, ensuring that the proton beam can accurately irradiate the effective reaction surface of the target material, thus ensuring nuclear reaction efficiency and isotope yield.

[0032] Once the target irradiation reaches the preset reaction dose, there is no need to shut down the proton accelerator. Simply start the drive assembly 4 to move the target carrier 3 along the guide rail 402, thereby smoothly moving the irradiated target carrier 3 out of the irradiation area of ​​the proton beam. At this time, the irradiated target can be removed by a remotely controlled robotic arm through the opening 102 at the top of the housing 1, and a new target to be irradiated can be replaced. The entire target replacement process does not affect the continuous output of the proton beam.

[0033] Compared to the method of disassembling the entire target carrier device, the target carrier frame 3 can be moved directionally by the drive component 4, enabling a rapid and smooth switching of the target between the irradiated and non-irradiated areas. When changing the target, the carrier device is first moved out of the irradiated area, and then the operation is carried out remotely by a robotic arm. This simplifies the operation process in the hot chamber, shortens the system downtime caused by target replacement, and thus effectively improves production efficiency and the overall utilization rate of the equipment.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the target support frame 3 specifically includes a rectangular box 304. The box 304 has an internal cavity, which can be used to hold the target and also allows for the flow of cooling liquid, achieving simultaneous cooling of the target. A lifting ring 302 is fixedly connected to one side wall of the box 304. Figure 7 As shown, the drive chain 401 of the drive assembly 4 passes between the two side walls of the lifting ring 302, and the drive chain 401 is fixedly connected to the lifting ring 302. Through the reciprocating motion of the drive chain 401, the lifting ring 302 and its connected housing 304 can be driven to move back and forth along the guide rail 402, thereby realizing the position switching of the target material inside and outside the proton beam irradiation area.

[0035] On the opposite side of the lifting ring 302, the housing 304 is equipped with an openable hinge 301. One end of the hinge 301 is rotatably connected to the housing 304, and the other end is locked to the housing 304 by a fastening screw. When it is necessary to replace the target, simply loosen the fastening screw, and the housing 304 can be flipped open by the hinge 301 to remove the old target and load the new target. The operation is simple and quick.

[0036] like Figure 8As shown, the drive assembly 4 also includes sprockets 403 that mesh with each transmission chain 401, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the sprocket 403 preferably adopts a double-row tooth structure. Through this double-row tooth design, a single sprocket 403 can simultaneously mesh with two transmission chains 401 to drive the two target support frames 3 to move synchronously, effectively improving the efficiency of target replacement.

[0037] Each sprocket 403 has a connecting shaft 405 passing through its shaft center. Support frame side plates 404 are connected to both sides of the connecting shaft 405. Support base plates 407 are fixedly connected to the ends of the two support frame side plates 404. The support frame side plates 404 and support base plates 407 provide stable support for the connecting shaft 405 and sprocket 403, ensuring stable operation. The support base plates 407 secure the sprocket 403 assembly to the circulating cooling base 5 using fastening bolts.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the guide rail 402 has a side wall and a bottom wall connected to the bottom end of the side wall. A limiting plate 406 is fixedly connected between the two support frame side plates 404. The bottom wall of the guide rail 402 is fixed on the limiting plate 406. The side wall of the guide rail 402 is provided with a guide groove for each target material carrier 3 to move. The extension direction of the guide groove is the same as the extension direction of the chain, thereby ensuring that the movement direction of the target material carrier 3 is synchronized with the chain transmission direction. An auxiliary wheel that meshes with the chain is provided at the top of the guide groove. The auxiliary wheel can support and guide the chain to prevent the chain from deviating during movement, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the movement of the target material carrier 3.

[0039] The drive assembly 4 also includes a drive component that is connected to each sprocket 403. The drive component provides driving force for the rotation of each sprocket 403. The drive mode of the sprocket 403 is a synchronous linkage drive mode. Specifically, each sprocket 403 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 405. The connecting shaft 405 drives multiple sprockets 403 to rotate synchronously in the same direction, thereby driving multiple target support frames 3 to perform synchronous reciprocating movement, so as to realize the synchronous entry and exit of multi-station targets into and out of the beam irradiation area corresponding to the beam channel 2.

[0040] The drive unit includes a drive motor and a transmission structure. The transmission structure is used to transmit the power of the drive motor to the connecting shaft 405. The transmission structure includes a drive gear, a driven gear and a drive chain. The drive gear is coaxially fixed to the output end of the drive motor, and the driven gear is coaxially fixed to the end of the connecting shaft 405. The drive chain is sleeved on the drive gear and the driven gear. The drive chain extends into the interior of the housing 1 through the opening 102 at the top of the housing 1 to realize the transmission connection between the drive motor and the connecting shaft 405.

[0041] Under the high energy and high flux conditions of the proton beam irradiation range, the target support 3 will experience a rapid increase in target temperature due to the high radiation dose and energy deposition generated after the proton beam strikes the target. If effective cooling measures are not taken in time, it may cause problems such as target melting, structural deformation, or even breakage. Therefore, if... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a circulating cooling base 5 is also installed at the bottom of the target support frame 3 to cool down the target support frame 3 and the target on it.

[0042] The aforementioned circulating cooling base 5 consists of a base body 504 and a support column 505 disposed at its bottom. The support column 505 is fixedly connected to the housing 1 by a mounting seat 101 inserted into the bottom of the housing 1. The base body 504 preferably adopts a support structure with a U-shaped cross-section, and its top end is in contact with the bottom of the box 304 of the target material carrier 3, thereby providing it with stable support.

[0043] The circulating cooling base 5 has a flow channel for the flow of cooling fluid inside, specifically including a main channel 503 opened inside the base body 504. One end of the main channel 503 extends to a side wall of the base body 504, and a fluid inlet 501 is formed at this side wall. The fluid inlet 501 is connected to an external coolant circulation pump via a connecting pipe. The other end of the main channel 503 is connected to a fluid outlet 502 opened on the base body 504. The fluid outlet 502 cooperates with a flow guide tube 303 provided at the bottom of the target support frame 3 box 304. The flow guide tube 303 has a hollow tubular structure. One end of it is connected to the cooling cavity 305 inside the box 304, and the other end extends downward and is inserted into the fluid outlet 502. The number of fluid outlets 502 matches the number of target support frames 3.

[0044] When the target support frame 3 moves to the irradiation position under the drive of the drive assembly 4, the guide tube 303 is precisely inserted into the fluid outlet 502 of the circulating cooling base 5, forming a passage for the cooling fluid. At this time, external cooling fluid (such as deionized water or special coolant) enters the main channel 503 of the circulating cooling base 5 through the fluid inlet 501 under the drive of the circulating pump, and then enters the cooling chamber 305 inside the target support frame 3 housing 304 through the fluid outlet 502 and the guide tube 303. The cooling fluid flows fully in the cooling chamber 305, exchanging heat with the housing 304 and the target inside, absorbing a large amount of heat generated by the proton beam irradiation of the target. Then, the cooling fluid carrying heat is discharged from the drain port 306 provided at the top of the housing 304.

[0045] It is worth noting that during operation, the cavity inside the housing 1 is always filled with cooling fluid, thus creating a continuous immersion cooling environment. This cooling fluid not only assists in cooling the target support frame 3, but also effectively absorbs secondary radiation particles generated by the interaction between the proton beam and the target, reducing the radiation dose level inside the device and providing dual protection for the safe and stable operation of the equipment.

[0046] When the target carrier 3 is moved out of the proton beam area and the target replacement operation is performed, it is still immersed in the cooling fluid inside the shell 1. Based on the above structural design, the target and carrier are continuously cooled during the target replacement process, which effectively avoids various safety risks caused by the accumulation of residual heat in the target and ensures the structural stability of the target assembly. In addition, the cooling fluid continuously provides additional radiation shielding protection throughout the target replacement process, effectively attenuating the radiation dose of the target and providing additional safety protection for the operators.

[0047] During operation, as the cooling fluid is continuously injected, the cooling fluid level inside the shell 1 will gradually rise. When the level reaches the preset safe height, the excess cooling fluid will be discharged through the overflow port 6 opened on the side wall of the shell 1, thereby accurately maintaining the dynamic balance of the cooling fluid level inside the shell 1 and avoiding the risk of cooling fluid overflow caused by excessively high level.

[0048] Working Principle: When the proton accelerator is started, the proton beam enters the housing 1 through the inlet pipe 201. At this time, the drive assembly 4 drives the target support frame 3 to move along the guide rail 402 to the coaxial line between the inlet pipe 201 and the outlet pipe 202, so that the target on the target support frame 3 falls precisely into the effective irradiation area of ​​the proton beam. Meanwhile, the cooling fluid, driven by the circulating pump, enters the main channel 503 through the fluid inlet 501, and then enters the cooling chamber 305 inside the housing 304 of the target support frame 3 through the fluid outlet 502 and the guide tube 303, continuously cooling the target. The proton beam undergoes a nuclear reaction with the target to produce isotopes, and the reacted beam is ejected from the outlet pipe 202 to the beam collector. Once the target material reaches the preset reaction dose, the drive assembly 4 restarts, moving the target material carrier 3 along the guide rail 402 out of the irradiation area. The target material carrier 3, after being removed from the irradiation area, remains immersed in the cooling fluid within the housing 1. The operator, through the opening 102 at the top of the housing 1, uses a remotely controlled robotic arm to loosen the fastening screws on the hinge 301, flipping open the box 304 to remove the irradiated target and load in a new target, ready for the next irradiation. During this process, excess cooling fluid inside the housing 1 is discharged through the overflow port 6, maintaining liquid level balance. This entire workflow repeats continuously, ensuring high efficiency in isotope production.

[0049] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A displacement solid target device for isotope production, comprising a housing (1), wherein a beam channel (2) for beam passage is provided on the housing (1), characterized in that, It also includes a target carrier (3) disposed inside the housing (1) and a drive assembly (4) connected to the target carrier (3) in a transmission manner. The drive assembly (4) can drive the target carrier (3) to reciprocate so that the target on the target carrier (3) enters or exits the beam region corresponding to the beam channel (2).

2. The displacement solid target device for isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is connected to an inlet pipe (201) and an outlet pipe (202). The inlet pipe (201) and the outlet pipe (202) are coaxially opposite each other. A displacement space is formed between the opposite ends of the inlet pipe (201) and the outlet pipe (202). The target support frame (3) moves back and forth in the displacement space. The beam channel (2) is formed by the inlet pipe (201), the displacement space and the outlet pipe (202) connected in sequence.

3. The displacement-type solid target device for isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (4) includes multiple transmission chains (401), and each transmission chain (401) is fixedly connected to a target support frame (3).

4. The displacement solid target device for isotope production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (1) is provided with a guide rail (402), and the target material support frame (3) is slidably connected to the guide rail (402). The target material support frame (3) moves back and forth along the guide rail (402) under the drive of the transmission chain (401).

5. The displacement solid target device for isotope production according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive assembly (4) further includes a sprocket (403) meshing with the transmission chain (401) and a drive member connected to the sprocket (403). The drive member drives the transmission chain (401) to move back and forth along the guide rail (402) through the meshing of the sprocket (403) and the transmission chain (401).

6. The displacement solid target device for isotope production according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a circulating cooling base (5), which has a cooling channel for the flow of cooling fluid. The target support frame (3) has a cooling chamber (305) for the flow of cooling fluid. One end of the cooling chamber (305) is connected to the cooling channel through a guide tube (303), and the other end of the cooling chamber (305) has a drain port (306) for the discharge of cooling fluid.

7. The displacement solid target device for isotope production according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circulating cooling base (5) is provided with a fluid inlet (501) and a fluid outlet (502), and the flow guide tube (303) is inserted into the fluid outlet (502).

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