Target chamber module and composite shielding device

Abstract

The application discloses a target chamber module and a composite shielding device, wherein the target chamber module comprises a target assembly and a target chamber body provided with a containing cavity, the containing cavity accommodates the target assembly, the containing cavity extends along a beam direction, one end of the containing cavity is provided with an inlet window for the beam to enter, the other end is provided with an outlet window, the inlet window and the outlet window respectively block the containing cavity, and the inner surfaces of the inlet window and the outlet window are exposed to the containing cavity; the target chamber body is further provided with a liquid inlet communicating with the containing cavity, the liquid inlet is used for receiving a cooling liquid, the cooling liquid flows through the target assembly located in the containing cavity and the inlet window and the outlet window exposed to the containing cavity. The target chamber module and the composite shielding device are used for improving the heat dissipation effect of a target body, effectively reducing the temperature of the target body and the inlet window and the outlet window near the target body, can be applied to a use scene with a large strong radiation heat load, and the structure of the target chamber module is simple and the volume is small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical radioisotope preparation technology, and more particularly to target chamber modules and composite shielding devices. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as tumor treatment, one existing treatment method involves generating a corresponding radioactive isotope to treat the tumor. One current method for preparing radioactive isotopes is to bombard a target with a high-energy electron beam. The target, after being bombarded by the beam, produces the desired radioactive isotope. Specifically, the target is installed inside a target chamber module, and then the beam penetrates the interior of the target chamber module and bombards the target located within it.

[0003] When using a beam to bombard a target, it may be necessary to use a high-power electron beam of tens of kilowatts for continuous bombardment. The target will generate a lot of heat when bombarded. If the heat continues to accumulate, it will cause the target temperature to become too high, which may lead to the target melting. In addition, it may also cause the components in the target chamber module that are adjacent to the target to deform, crack, melt, etc. due to excessive temperature.

[0004] Chinese invention patent CN116583914A discloses an X-ray target in which the target material is installed within a target holder assembly. The target holder assembly has coolant channels, with the inlet and outlet of the coolant channels located at opposite ends of the assembly, and the coolant channels are separated from the target material by a solid portion of the target holder assembly. When coolant flows into the coolant channels, it absorbs heat from the target holder assembly, and the heat from the target material is conducted through the target holder assembly to the coolant, thus allowing the coolant to dissipate heat from the target material.

[0005] Another existing cooling method involves using coolant to flow into the target chamber through an inlet from one side of the target mounting space to wet the target. Heat is dissipated from the target through heat exchange between the target and the coolant. The coolant, after absorbing heat, is discharged through the other side of the target mounting space.

[0006] The two existing cooling methods only target the target body and are insufficient for effectively dissipating heat from other components within the target chamber. In conventional radiotherapy, the beam dose rate is relatively low, approximately 0.01~0.2 Gy / s, so dissipating heat from the target body within the chamber is sufficient to ensure normal operation. However, with the advent of flash radiotherapy, the beam dose rate increases significantly, reaching over 40 Gy / s. This higher dose rate exacerbates heat generation in the target body and also increases the heat of other materials within the target chamber. Existing cooling methods are insufficient to meet the cooling requirements, and adding a cooling module would increase the volume and complexity of the target chamber. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a target chamber module that is suitable for scenarios with high heat loads, such as flash radiotherapy, and is simple in structure and compact in size. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a target chamber module and a composite shielding device. The target chamber module is used to improve the heat dissipation effect of the target and simultaneously cool components such as the entrance window and exit window that are prone to heat accumulation. It is suitable for use scenarios with high heat loads. The target chamber module has a simple structure and small size. The composite shielding device is used to improve radiation shielding performance and is suitable for use scenarios with strong radiation.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] The target chamber module includes a target assembly and a target chamber body with a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity houses the target assembly and extends along the beam direction. One end of the receiving cavity is provided with an inlet window for the beam to enter, and the other end is provided with an outlet window. The inlet window and the outlet window respectively block the receiving cavity, and the inner surfaces of the inlet window and the outlet window are exposed to the receiving cavity.

[0010] The target chamber body is also provided with a liquid inlet communicating with the receiving cavity. The liquid inlet is used to receive coolant, which flows through the target assembly located in the receiving cavity and the inlet window and outlet window exposed to the receiving cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid inlet and the receiving cavity are located in the middle of the target chamber body, and the target chamber body is also provided with a liquid outlet located on at least one side of the receiving cavity. The liquid outlet is connected to the receiving cavity, and the liquid inlet, the receiving cavity and the liquid outlet form a flow channel with liquid inlet in the middle and liquid outlet on the side.

[0012] Among them, on one side of the target chamber body, the liquid inlet, the receiving cavity and the liquid outlet form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and liquid exiting on one side;

[0013] Alternatively, the liquid outlet is located on opposite sides of the target chamber body, and the liquid inlet, the receiving cavity, and the liquid outlet form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and liquid exiting on both sides.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet are located on the same side of the target chamber body; the liquid inlet is connected to the receiving cavity through a liquid inlet channel extending along a first direction, and the liquid outlet is connected to the receiving cavity through a bent liquid outlet channel, the liquid outlet channel including an outlet section extending along the first direction and a connecting section extending along a second direction; wherein, the first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0015] Preferably, the target assembly is mounted on a fixed bracket; one end of the fixed bracket abuts against the entrance window and the other end abuts against the exit window, and the fixed bracket is clamped and fixed by the entrance window and the exit window.

[0016] Preferably, one of the fixed bracket and the exit window is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the other is provided with a positioning groove; the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove cooperate to limit the relative position of the fixed bracket and the exit window.

[0017] A composite shielding device includes a target chamber module of any one of the above, and a first shielding component and a second shielding component forming a shielding cavity; the target chamber module is installed inside the shielding cavity;

[0018] The first shielding component and the second shielding component respectively include a neutron moderation absorption layer, a bremsstrahlung attenuation layer and a radiation shielding layer arranged sequentially from the inside out.

[0019] Preferably, the neutron moderation absorption layer is made of a material rich in hydrogen and doped with neutron poison;

[0020] And / or, the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer is made of low-manganese steel;

[0021] And / or, the radiation shielding layer is made of lead.

[0022] Preferably, an auxiliary shielding block is installed in the shielding chamber, and the auxiliary shielding block is located in front of the target chamber module along the beam inlet direction. The auxiliary shielding block is used to absorb radiation.

[0023] Preferably, the auxiliary shielding block is an aluminum block.

[0024] Preferably, it further includes a coolant docking module, the coolant docking module including a docking channel extending from the outside to the shielded chamber and a driving component drivingly connected to the docking channel; the driving component is used to drive the docking channel to move to connect or disconnect with the liquid inlet of the target chamber module.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following:

[0026] By connecting the inlet to the receiving cavity, coolant can flow into the cavity, where the target assembly is located. The inlet and outlet windows are exposed within the cavity. The coolant cools the target assembly and the exposed inlet and outlet windows, allowing direct contact and rapid heat transfer between the target assembly and the coolant. Simultaneously, the coolant contacts the inner surfaces of the inlet and outlet windows, rapidly removing heat and preventing heat buildup. This prevents deformation, cracking, and melting at the inlet and outlet windows, ensuring a tight seal. In other words, the cooling channel for the target assembly can simultaneously cool components prone to heat accumulation, such as the inlet and outlet windows, eliminating the need for separate cooling modules for these windows. This simplifies the target chamber module's structure and reduces its size while still providing cooling functionality.

[0027] By employing a composite shielding device, which combines a neutron moderation absorption layer, a bremsstrahlung attenuation layer, and a radiation shielding layer, the composite shielding device can be applied to high-radiation environments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the target chamber module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the target chamber module from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the target chamber module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the target chamber module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the target chamber module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the target chamber module along another cutting plane according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite shielding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the composite shielding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the composite shielding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 100, Target chamber module; 1, Target assembly; 2, Target chamber body; 21, Receiving cavity; 22, Liquid inlet; 23, Liquid outlet; 24, Liquid inlet channel; 25, Liquid outlet channel; 251, Outlet section; 252, Connecting section; 26, Grasping ear; 3, Inlet window; 4, Outlet window; 41, Positioning groove; 5, Fixing bracket; 51, Positioning protrusion; 200, First shielding assembly; 201, Neutron moderation absorption layer; 202, Bremsstrahlung attenuation layer; 203, X-ray shielding layer; 300, Second shielding assembly; 400, Shielding chamber; 401, Auxiliary shielding block; 402, Target frame; 500, Coolant docking module; 600, Beam window. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make the invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0039] The terms used to express position and direction in this invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a target chamber module 100, including a target assembly 1, a target chamber body 2, an entrance window 3 and an exit window 4, and may also include a fixing bracket 5.

[0041] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 The target assembly 1 may include one or more targets. The target is a component that needs to be bombarded by a high-energy electron beam to produce a desired radioactive isotope. The target assembly 1 may contain only one type of target, which produces a radioactive isotope upon bombardment; alternatively, the target assembly 1 may contain multiple different targets, which work together to produce the desired radioactive isotope after being bombarded by a high-energy electron beam. As a specific example, the target assembly 1 may include two different targets, and multiple instances of each target may be provided. The two different targets may be a conversion target and a radium target. The conversion target, after being bombarded by a high-energy electron beam, produces a high-flux of bremsstrahlung gamma photons. The gamma photons react with the radium target to produce the desired radioactive isotope, specifically... 225 Ra, 225 Ra decays to produce 225 Ac,225 Ac can be used for tumor treatment. Target assembly 1 may include three conversion targets and four radium targets. The conversion targets can be tantalum sheets, and the radium targets can be aluminum-encapsulated radium targets. The spacing between adjacent targets is on the order of millimeters.

[0042] The mounting bracket 5 can form an installation space for accommodating the target assembly 1. The target assembly 1 can be installed within this installation space and fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 5. After the target assembly 1 and the mounting bracket 5 form an integral structure, they can be installed inside the target chamber body 2. The mounting bracket 5 can be an open structure, meaning the installation space formed by the mounting bracket 5 is connected to the outside. When the target assembly 1 is fixed to the mounting bracket 5, the target assembly 1 can be exposed to the outside of the mounting bracket 5, allowing its heat to dissipate directly to the outside; alternatively, the mounting bracket 5 can seal the target assembly 1, allowing its heat to dissipate to the outside through the mounting bracket 5. The mounting bracket 5 is made of a material capable of allowing high-energy electron beams to pass through. Preferably, the target assembly 1 is exposed to the outside of the mounting bracket 5.

[0043] The target chamber body 2 can serve as the mounting body, and the aforementioned target assembly 1, inlet window 3, outlet window 4, and fixing bracket 5 can be respectively installed in the target chamber body 2. A receiving cavity 21 can be provided within the target chamber body 2, which can be used to install the target assembly 1. When the target assembly 1 is connected to the fixing bracket 5, the receiving cavity 21 can accommodate the integral structure formed by the target assembly 1 and the fixing bracket 5. The receiving cavity 21 can extend along the beam direction (high-energy electron beam irradiation direction), and the receiving cavity 21 can extend to both opposite ends penetrating the target chamber body 2.

[0044] The target chamber body 2 can be made of a low-activation metal material. This material ensures sufficient structural strength and prevents activation of the target chamber body 2 after radiation from the target. Specifically, aluminum can be used as the low-activation metal material. Furthermore, to facilitate the removal of the target chamber module 100, the target chamber body 2 can be provided with gripping ears 26. These ears can be located on opposite sides of the target chamber body 2 and can be protrusions. The gripping ears 26 can be fixed to the target chamber body 2 through a fixed connection, or they can be integrally formed with the target chamber body 2. When the target chamber module 100 needs to be removed, an automated gripping mechanism such as a robotic arm can grasp the gripping ears 26 to perform operations such as gripping, transferring, and installing the target chamber module 100.

[0045] When the target assembly 1 and the fixing bracket 5 are installed in the receiving cavity 21, the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4 can seal the opposite ends of the receiving cavity 21, so that the target assembly 1 is sealed and installed in the target chamber body 2. Specifically, the inlet window 3 can be located at the rear end of the receiving cavity 21 along the beam direction, that is, the inlet window 3 is located at the entrance of the receiving cavity 21 for receiving the beam; at this time, the beam formed by the high-energy electron beam will first propagate to the inlet window 3, and the beam can pass through the inlet window 3 and enter the receiving cavity 21, bombarding the target assembly 1 located in the receiving cavity 21. Specifically, the inlet window 3 can be sealed to the target chamber body 2 by welding, so that the inlet window 3 can seal the receiving cavity 21. In addition, in other embodiments, the inlet window 3 can also be sealed to the target chamber body 2 by bonding or other means. After the inlet window 3 seals the receiving cavity 21, the outer surface of the inlet window 3 facing away from the receiving cavity 21 is exposed to the outside, and the inner surface of the inlet window 3 can face the receiving cavity 21 and be exposed to the receiving cavity 21.

[0046] The inlet window 3 can be made of a low-activation metal, such as aluminum or titanium. Using a low-activation metal prevents the inlet window 3 from activating after radiation from the target. Specifically, when both the inlet window 3 and the target chamber body 2 are made of aluminum, the identical materials facilitate the manufacturing of each component, and also facilitate a sealed connection. When the inlet window 3 is made of titanium, titanium has a higher melting point than aluminum, giving the titanium inlet window 3 superior thermal stability under extreme high-temperature conditions.

[0047] The exit window 4 can be positioned at the front end of the receiving cavity 21 along the beam direction, meaning the exit window 4 can be located at the exit point of the receiving cavity 21 for the beam to exit. The exit window 4 can partially block the electron and photon beams after they pass through the target assembly 1; that is, a portion of the electron and photon beams after passing through the target assembly 1 passes through the exit window 4 and propagates towards the outside, while the other portion is blocked by the exit window 4. Specifically, the exit window 4 can be sealed to the target chamber body 2 by welding, thus sealing the receiving cavity 21. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the exit window 4 can be sealed to the target chamber body 2 by bonding or other methods. After the exit window 4 seals the receiving cavity 21, its outer surface facing away from the receiving cavity 21 is exposed to the outside, while its inner surface faces and is exposed to the receiving cavity 21.

[0048] The exit window 4 can be made of a low-activation metal, which prevents activation of the exit window 4 due to radiation from the target. To facilitate the fabrication of the inlet window 3 and exit window 4, they can be made of the same material. The thickness of the inlet window 3 can be less than that of the exit window 4. In this case, the thinner inlet window 3 allows a large amount of beam to pass through to bombard the target assembly 1, while the thicker exit window 4 increases the beam blocking effect and reduces the beam's impact on the external environment. The exit window 4 can be made of aluminum or titanium. When both the exit window 4 and the target chamber body 2 are made of aluminum, the identical material facilitates the manufacturing of each component, and the identical material also facilitates a sealed connection. When the exit window 4 is made of titanium, titanium has a higher melting point than aluminum, giving the titanium-made exit window 4 superior thermal stability under extreme high-temperature conditions.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 To cool the target assembly 1, the target chamber body 2 may be provided with a liquid inlet 22 and a liquid outlet 23. The liquid inlet 22 is connected to the receiving cavity 21, for example, through a liquid inlet channel 24. The liquid inlet 22 can also receive coolant, allowing external coolant to flow into the receiving cavity 21 through the liquid inlet 22 and the liquid inlet channel 24. This allows the coolant to cool the target assembly 1 located within the receiving cavity 21, as well as the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 exposed within the receiving cavity 21. Specifically, when the coolant flows into the receiving cavity 21, it fills the cavity to cool the target assembly 1. Furthermore, when the coolant fills the receiving cavity 21, the coolant will flow to the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 exposed in the receiving cavity 21. That is, the coolant will come into contact with the inner surface of the inlet window 3 and the inner surface of the outlet window 4 respectively, so that the coolant can quickly carry away the heat of the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4, which can prevent the heat from accumulating at the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4, thereby preventing deformation, cracking, melting and other phenomena caused by heat accumulation at the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4, and ensuring the sealing effect of the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 on the receiving cavity 21.

[0050] After the coolant flows into the receiving cavity 21 and absorbs heat from the target assembly 1, inlet window 3, and outlet window 4, the coolant can flow through the outlet channel 25 to the outlet 23, allowing the heat-absorbing coolant to be discharged from the outlet 23. Through the continuous flow of the coolant, it can continuously absorb heat from the target assembly 1, inlet window 3, and outlet window 4, thereby continuously cooling and dissipating heat from the target chamber module 100 when the target assembly 1 is bombarded by the beam. The coolant can be cooling water.

[0051] In scenarios with high heat loads, such as flash therapy, the beam passes through the entrance window 3 and exit window 4 while bombarding the target component 1. Some of the beam energy is blocked and absorbed by the entrance window 3 and exit window 4, which leads to the accumulation of energy in the entrance window 3 and exit window 4 due to the beam energy. Especially in scenarios with high beam dose rates, such as flash therapy, the heat accumulation in the entrance window 3 and exit window 4 will be more obvious. After prolonged exposure to the beam, deformation, cracking, melting and other phenomena are likely to occur.

[0052] In this application, by exposing the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 to the receiving cavity 21, the coolant can cool the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 simultaneously while cooling the target assembly 1, preventing deformation, cracking, melting, or other phenomena caused by heat accumulation in the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4. The target assembly 1, inlet window 3, and outlet window 4 are simultaneously cooled through the cooling channel between the inlet port 22 and outlet port 23. The cooling requirements of the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 do not require additional cooling modules, thus simplifying the structure of the target chamber module 100, making it suitable for scenarios with high heat loads, and facilitating the miniaturization design of the target chamber module 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the existing target chamber requires a sealed structure to house the target assembly 1, preventing coolant leakage and blocking radiation leakage. This sealing structure also complicates the target chamber's structure. In this application, by using inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 to seal the housing cavity 21, the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 achieve a seal on the target assembly 1 mounting space, reducing the need for a separate sealing structure. Furthermore, by sealing the housing cavity 21 with inlet window 3 and outlet window 4, the cooling flow channel between the inlet port 22 and outlet port 23 simultaneously cools the target assembly 1, inlet window 3, and outlet window 4, making the target chamber module 100 suitable for scenarios with high heat loads while further simplifying its structure.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 In some specific embodiments, the inlet 22 and the receiving cavity 21 can be located in the middle of the target chamber body 2, and the outlet 23 can be located on one side of the receiving cavity 21. In this case, the inlet 22, the receiving cavity 21, and the outlet 23 form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and exiting on one side. With the central liquid entry method, the inlet 22 and the receiving cavity 21 located in the middle of the target chamber module 100 can be directly opposite each other. At this time, the coolant can rapidly impact the receiving cavity 21 from the inlet 22 in a straight line. That is, the coolant can form an impact jet from the middle of the target chamber module 100 to scour the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1. When the coolant impacts the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1 at high speed, it can effectively remove heat, thereby improving the cooling effect of the coolant on the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1.

[0055] After the coolant impacts the receiving cavity 21 at high speed, it flows to one side and is discharged through the outlet 23. Compared with the conventional unidirectional laminar flow from top to bottom along the gap of the target plates, the coolant is made to impact the receiving cavity 21 at high speed, forming an impact jet and forcibly changing the flow direction to lateral flow, which will generate turbulence in the coolant flow. Turbulence can improve heat exchange efficiency, and the flow path of the coolant in the receiving cavity 21 becomes longer. The flowing coolant can carry away the heat of the target assembly 1, the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4 more quickly than the static coolant. Furthermore, by extending the flow path of the coolant, the heat dissipation effect on the target assembly 1, the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4 can be further increased.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 In some specific embodiments, the inlet 22 and the receiving cavity 21 can be located in the middle of the target chamber body 2, and the outlet 23 can be located on opposite sides of the receiving cavity 21. In this case, the inlet 22, the receiving cavity 21, and the outlet 23 form a flow channel with liquid entering from the middle and exiting from both sides. By adopting the central liquid entry method, the coolant can flush the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1 to improve the cooling effect of the coolant on the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1.

[0057] By adopting a dual-sided liquid outlet method, the coolant in the receiving cavity 21 can flow out from the liquid outlet channels 25 on both sides. The coolant adjacent to one side of the liquid outlet channel 25 flows out through that side of the liquid outlet channel 25, and the coolant adjacent to the other side of the liquid outlet channel 25 flows out through that other side of the liquid outlet channel 25. This allows the coolant to generate turbulence in the receiving cavity 21 and then flow out of the receiving cavity 21 quickly from one side, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the coolant. The rapidly flowing coolant can quickly remove the heat from the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1, further improving the cooling effect of the coolant on the inlet window 3, the outlet window 4, and the target assembly 1.

[0058] The inlet 22 can be located at the center of one edge of the target chamber body 2, and the receiving cavity 21 can be located at the center of the target chamber body 2. The inlet 22 is connected to the receiving cavity 21 through the inlet channel 24. Specifically, the inlet 22 can be located on one side edge of the target chamber body 2 along a first direction, or it can be located at the center of the target chamber body 2 along a second direction. The inlet channel 24 extends along the first direction to connect the inlet 22 and the receiving cavity 21. The first and second directions intersect. Preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. For example, one of the first and second directions is the length direction of the target chamber body 2, and the other is the width direction of the target chamber body 2.

[0059] The inlet channel 24 extends along the first direction. When the coolant flows into the receiving cavity 21 from the inlet 22, the coolant flows in a single direction. At this time, the coolant can flow quickly so that the coolant can quickly flush the target assembly 1, the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4, thereby increasing the heat dissipation effect of the coolant on the target assembly 1, the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4.

[0060] The outlet 23 and the inlet 22 can be located on the same side of the target chamber body 2, for example, the outlet 23 and the inlet 22 are located on the same edge of the target chamber body 2 along the first direction. By making the outlet 23 and the inlet 22 located on the same side of the target chamber body 2, the equipment for supplying and receiving coolant (coolant docking module 500 as described below) can be provided on one side of the target chamber body 2 to facilitate the connection of the equipment for supplying and receiving coolant with the outlet 23 and the inlet 22.

[0061] When one outlet 23 is provided, the outlet 23 can be located on one side of the receiving cavity 21 along the second direction; when two outlets 23 are provided, the two outlets 23 can be located on opposite sides of the receiving cavity 21 along the second direction. Preferably, the two outlets 23 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the inlet 22. When the outlet 23 is located on the side of the receiving cavity 21, the outlet channel 25 can be configured as a bent extension so that the outlet channel 25 can connect the receiving cavity 21 located in the middle and the outlet 23 located on the side. Specifically, the outlet channel 25 can include an outlet section 251 extending along the first direction and a connecting section 252 extending along the second direction. One end of the outlet section 251 is connected to the outlet 23, and the other end is connected to the connecting section 252; one end of the connecting section 252 is connected to the outlet section 251, and the other end is connected to the receiving cavity 21. The outlet section 251 and the connecting section 252 cooperate to form a bent outlet channel 25.

[0062] By having the receiving cavity 21, the liquid inlet 22, and the liquid outlet 23 respectively disposed on the target chamber body 2, the cooling channels (liquid inlet channel 24 and liquid outlet channel 25) formed between the receiving cavity 21 and the liquid inlet 22 and the liquid outlet 23 can be excavated on the target chamber body 2; the target chamber body 2 is an integral structure. By disposing the receiving cavity 21 and the cooling channels respectively on the target chamber body 2, there are fewer positions where the receiving cavity 21 and the cooling channels need to be sealed, which can simplify the sealing structure and thus simplify the structure of the target chamber module 100.

[0063] When target assembly 1 is subjected to high-speed impact from the coolant, if target assembly 1 is displaced due to the impact, it may cause target assembly 1 to deviate from the beam, thereby affecting the yield and quality of radioactive isotopes produced by target assembly 1. (Refer to...) Figure 6To prevent the target assembly 1 from shifting due to coolant impact, the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 clamp and fix the target assembly 1. Specifically, the inner surface of the inlet window 3 abuts against the end of the fixing bracket 5, and the inner surface of the outlet window 4 abuts against the other end of the fixing bracket 5. The inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 abut against the opposite ends of the fixing bracket 5 and clamp and fix the fixing bracket 5. After the target assembly 1 is fixedly installed on the fixing bracket 5, the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4 can indirectly clamp and fix the target assembly 1 through the fixing bracket 5. Through the clamping and fixing effect of the inlet window 3 and outlet window 4, the target assembly 1 can be prevented from shifting due to coolant impact, ensuring the positional stability of the target assembly 1. This allows the coolant to rapidly dissipate heat from the target assembly 1 at high speed without affecting the yield and quality of radioactive isotopes produced by the target assembly 1.

[0064] In some specific embodiments, to further restrict the position of the target assembly 1, one of the fixing bracket 5 and the outlet window 4 is provided with a positioning protrusion 51, and the other is provided with a positioning groove 41. As a specific example, the fixing bracket 5 may be provided with a positioning protrusion 51 protruding towards the outlet window 4, and the outlet window 4 may be provided with a positioning groove 41 that mates with the positioning protrusion 51. The positioning protrusion 51 may be installed in the positioning groove 41 to mate with the positioning groove 41. When the positioning protrusion 51 is installed in the positioning groove 41, the wall surrounding the positioning groove 41 can limit the positioning protrusion 51, thereby limiting the relative position of the fixing bracket 5 and the outlet window 4, and thus limiting the position of the target assembly 1 in the receiving cavity 21. The clamping and fixing by the inlet window 3 and the outlet window 4 can mainly achieve the axial direction limitation of the target assembly 1, and the mate between the positioning protrusion 51 and the positioning groove 41 can mainly achieve the radial direction limitation of the target assembly 1.

[0065] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The present invention also provides a composite shielding device, including a first shielding component 200, a second shielding component 300 and the aforementioned target chamber module 100, and may further include a coolant docking module 500.

[0066] Reference Figure 9 The first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 can be made of shielding materials, and the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 can be connected to form a shielding chamber 400. The shielding chamber 400 can be used to house the target chamber module 100. When the target chamber module 100 is bombarded and generates radiation, the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 can shield and absorb the radiation to reduce the impact of the radiation on the outside world and the interior of the shielding chamber 400.

[0067] At least one of the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 may be connected to a driving component, which is used to drive the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 to move closer to or further away from each other. Specifically, when it is necessary to seal the shielding chamber 400, the driving component can drive the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 to move closer to each other and abut against each other. A sealing structure can be provided at the abutment of the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300, and the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 form a sealed shielding chamber 400. When it is necessary to replace or repair the target chamber module 100, the driving component can drive the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 to move further away from each other. At this time, the shielding chamber 400 opens to facilitate the replacement or repair of the target chamber module 100, specifically for target replacement and repair operations. The drive assembly can be a structure in which the drive component and the slider and slide rail cooperate. The drive component such as the motor or cylinder slides relative to the slider and the slide rail. The slider drives the first shielding component 200 or the second shielding component 300 to move, so that the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 close or separate.

[0068] To facilitate the installation and replacement of the target chamber module 100, a target frame 402 and a drive device can be installed within the shielded chamber 400. The target frame 402 can be fixedly installed inside the first shielding component 200 or the second shielding component 300, ensuring its stability within the shielded chamber 400. The target frame 402 corresponds to the beam window 600 from which the emitted beam is emitted. The target frame 402 serves as a mounting bracket for the target chamber module 100. Once installed on the target frame 402, the target chamber module 100 is fixed within the shielded chamber 400, and the target component 1 within the target chamber module 100 faces the beam window 600, allowing the beam to bombard the target component 1. The drive device can be a robotic arm or similar component, used to grasp and move the target chamber module 100 to perform installation and replacement operations.

[0069] To achieve serialized gradient shielding, the first shielding component 200 and the second shielding component 300 may respectively include a neutron moderation absorption layer 201, a bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202, and a radiation shielding layer 203 arranged sequentially from the inside out.

[0070] The neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 is located in the innermost layer of the shielding assembly. The neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 of the first shielding assembly 200 and the neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 of the second shielding assembly 300 are adjacent to the target chamber module 100 and form a shielding chamber 400. The neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 can be used to moderate and absorb neutrons. Specifically, the neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 can be made of a material rich in hydrogen and doped with neutron poison, such as an aqueous solution containing about 5% boric acid or paraffin containing about 2.5% boron carbide. The neutron moderation and absorption layer 201 can moderate fast neutrons by utilizing the elastic scattering of hydrogen nuclei and by... 10 B(n, α) 7 The Li reaction efficiently captures thermal neutrons, thereby achieving neutron moderation and absorption.

[0071] The bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202 can be used to attenuate high-energy bremsstrahlung gamma photons that penetrate the neutron moderation absorption layer 201. The bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202 is made of low-manganese steel; for example, it can be made of low-manganese steel with a thickness of approximately 30 cm. Low-manganese steel can attenuate high-energy bremsstrahlung gamma photons that penetrate the neutron moderation absorption layer 201, and it can also minimize the induced radionuclides. 56 The formation of Mn (with a half-life of 2.58 hours) reduces the radiation dose during maintenance. Specifically, low-manganese steel can be an alloy steel with a manganese content of approximately 1% to 3%.

[0072] The radiation shielding layer 203 serves as the outer layer of the shielding assembly and can be made of lead. Lead can provide final attenuation for residual gamma rays after passing through the neutron moderation absorption layer 201 and the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202.

[0073] When target assembly 1 is bombarded with a high-energy electron beam, it generates a large number of fast neutrons and high-energy bremsstrahlung gamma rays. The hydrogen in the neutron moderation absorption layer 201 moderates the fast neutrons into thermal neutrons, which are then instantly captured by boron. The bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202, with its high density and high Z-value, significantly attenuates the high-energy gamma rays while preventing the activation of manganese in conventional steel, which would produce long-lasting radioactivity. The radiation shielding layer 203 absorbs the remaining low-energy gamma rays. The combination of the neutron moderation absorption layer 201, the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202, and the radiation shielding layer 203 forms a specific sequence that efficiently and stepwise processes neutrons and gamma rays, effectively suppressing induced radioactivity.

[0074] With the cooperation of the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202 and the X-ray shielding layer 203, the main gamma attenuation function is concentrated in the middle layer of the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer 202, and the outer layer of the X-ray shielding layer 203 further shields the residual and secondary gamma rays, forming a gradient attenuation path from neutrons to transient gamma rays and then to secondary gamma rays, which helps to improve the overall shielding efficiency.

[0075] In some specific embodiments, an auxiliary shielding block 401 may be installed inside the shielding chamber 400. The auxiliary shielding block 401 is located in front of the target chamber module 100 along the beam inrush direction, and the auxiliary shielding block 401 is used to absorb radiation. Specifically, the radiation shielding block may be an aluminum block.

[0076] A radiation shielding block is placed in front of the target chamber module 100, and the high-energy γ photons radiated forward by the target chamber module 100 can be absorbed by the radiation shielding block. When the radiation shielding block is an aluminum block, aluminum can effectively absorb forward high-energy γ photons and prevent forward leakage. At the same time, due to the low (γ, n) reaction cross section, it can avoid the generation of multiple neutrons.

[0077] The coolant docking module 500 may include a docking channel extending from the outside to the shielded chamber 400 and a driving component driven to the docking channel. The docking channel can pass through the first shielding component 200 or the second shielding component 300 to extend from the outside into the shielded chamber 400. The docking channel can serve as a coolant supply and recovery channel, allowing the coolant supply and recovery path to penetrate the shielding structure without compromising the integrity of the shielded chamber 400. The docking channel can be sealed to the first shielding component 200 or the second shielding component 300 through an elastic sealing structure, ensuring the airtightness of the coolant delivery and preventing radiation leakage along the gap between the docking channel and the shielding component. One end of the docking channel located inside the shielded chamber 400 can be connected to or separated from the target chamber module 100, specifically, the docking channel can be connected to or separated from the inlet 22 and outlet 23 of the target chamber module 100. The connection or separation of the docking channel from the target chamber module 100 can be achieved through the driving component, i.e., the driving component can drive the docking channel to move to connect or separate from the inlet 22 of the target chamber module 100. The driving mechanism can be an existing pneumatic actuator or other driving mechanism.

[0078] When target assembly 1 needs to be bombarded, target chamber module 100 is mounted on target frame 402. A drive unit can connect the docking channel to the liquid inlet 22 and outlet 23 of target chamber module 100, allowing coolant in the docking channel to flow into target chamber module 100 from inlet 22, and coolant in target chamber module 100 after heat absorption to the docking channel from outlet 23. When target chamber module 100 needs to be replaced or repaired, the drive unit drives the docking channel to separate from target chamber module 100.

[0079] When the target chamber module 100 is installed on the target frame 402, the liquid inlet 22 and the liquid outlet 23 of the target chamber module 100 are located on the same side, for example, both the liquid inlet 22 and the liquid outlet 23 are located on the target chamber module 100; the docking channel is located on the same side of the target chamber module 100 as the liquid inlet 22 and the liquid outlet 23, that is, the docking channel can be located above the target chamber module 100, and the driving component drives the docking channel to move up and down to connect or separate from the target chamber module 100.

[0080] The target chamber module 100 and the docking channel can be connected using a dry-type disconnect joint. This dry-type disconnect joint ensures a sealed connection when the target chamber module 100 and the docking channel are connected, and virtually no liquid leakage occurs when they are separated. The mechanical thrust of the drive component causes the dry-type disconnect joint to form a sealed connection between the target chamber module 100 and the docking channel, requiring no manual intervention and eliminating the need for personnel to contact the high-radiation area. This coordinated design organically integrates shielding, cooling, and remote maintenance functions, ensuring both the radiation protection effect of the composite shielding device and the cooling requirements and operational continuity of the target chamber module 100, significantly improving the system's safety, reliability, and ease of operation. The dry-type disconnect joint is an existing joint structure and will not be described in detail here. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that these embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and all such changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A target chamber module, characterized in that, The device includes a target assembly (1) and a target chamber body (2) with a receiving cavity (21) that houses the target assembly (1). The receiving cavity (21) extends along the beam direction. One end of the receiving cavity (21) is provided with an inlet window (3) for the beam to pass through, and the other end is provided with an outlet window (4). The inlet window (3) and the outlet window (4) respectively block the receiving cavity (21), and the inner surfaces of the inlet window (3) and the outlet window (4) are exposed to the receiving cavity (21). The target chamber body (2) is also provided with a liquid inlet (22) communicating with the receiving cavity (21). The liquid inlet (22) is used to receive coolant. The coolant flows through the target assembly (1) located in the receiving cavity (21) and the inlet window (3) and outlet window (4) exposed to the receiving cavity (21).

2. The target chamber module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet (22) and the receiving cavity (21) are located in the middle of the target chamber body (2). The target chamber body (2) is also provided with an outlet (23) located on at least one side of the receiving cavity (21). The outlet (23) is connected to the receiving cavity (21). The inlet (22), the receiving cavity (21) and the outlet (23) form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and liquid exiting on the side. Among them, on one side of the target chamber body (2), the liquid inlet (22), the receiving cavity (21) and the liquid outlet (23) form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and liquid exiting on one side; Alternatively, the outlet (23) is located on opposite sides of the target chamber body (2), and the inlet (22), the receiving cavity (21) and the outlet (23) form a flow channel with liquid entering in the middle and liquid exiting on both sides.

3. The target chamber module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid outlet (23) and the liquid inlet (22) are located on the same side of the target chamber body (2); the liquid inlet (22) is connected to the receiving cavity (21) through a liquid inlet channel (24) extending in a first direction, and the liquid outlet (23) is connected to the receiving cavity (21) through a bent liquid outlet channel (25). The liquid outlet channel (25) includes an outlet section (251) extending in a first direction and a connecting section (252) extending in a second direction; wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect.

4. The target chamber module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target assembly (1) is mounted on a fixed bracket (5); one end of the fixed bracket (5) abuts against the entrance window (3) and the other end abuts against the exit window (4), and the fixed bracket (5) is clamped and fixed by the entrance window (3) and the exit window (4).

5. The target chamber module according to claim 4, characterized in that, One of the fixed bracket (5) and the outlet window (4) is provided with a positioning protrusion (51), and the other is provided with a positioning groove (41); the positioning protrusion (51) and the positioning groove (41) cooperate to limit the relative position of the fixed bracket (5) and the outlet window (4).

6. A composite shielding device, characterized in that, Includes a target chamber module (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and a first shielding assembly (200) and a second shielding assembly (300) forming a shielded chamber (400); the target chamber module (100) is installed within the shielded chamber (400); The first shielding component (200) and the second shielding component (300) respectively include a neutron moderation absorption layer (201), a bremsstrahlung attenuation layer (202) and a radiation shielding layer (203) arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside.

7. The composite shielding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The neutron moderation absorption layer (201) is made of a material rich in hydrogen and doped with neutron poison; And / or, the bremsstrahlung attenuation layer (202) is made of low-manganese steel; And / or, the radiation shielding layer (203) is made of lead.

8. The composite shielding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, An auxiliary shielding block (401) is installed inside the shielding chamber (400). The auxiliary shielding block (401) is located in front of the target chamber module (100) along the beam inlet direction. The auxiliary shielding block (401) is used to absorb radiation.

9. The composite shielding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The auxiliary shielding block (401) is an aluminum block.

10. The composite shielding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a coolant docking module (500), which includes a docking channel extending from the outside to the shielded chamber (400) and a drive component drivenly connected to the docking channel; The drive unit is used to drive the docking channel to move to connect with or separate from the liquid inlet (22) of the target chamber module (100).

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