Multi-source container

Abstract

A multi-source container for radioactive material is provided. The multi-source container can include a lid attachable to a housing. The housing can include a plurality of source vials and a plurality of transport vials. Each of the lid and the housing can be made from a radiation-shielding material, and the source vials and transport vials are adapted to store the radioactive material therein. The multi-source container can further include a plurality of ports, and each of the plurality of source vials and each of the plurality of transport vials can have a hole in the bottom, and each of the holes can be connected to one of the plurality of ports.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 431,413, "Multiple Source Container," filed December 9, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for containing source materials in a manufacturing process. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for containing multiple radioactive source materials in as small a footprint as possible. [Background technology]

[0003] The manufacture and production of radioisotopes, such as those used in medical applications, often utilize one or more radioactive source materials. Handling radioactive source materials typically involves shielding them from the external environment.

[0004] Some materials suitable for shielding radioactive materials can be lead, tungsten, or concrete. Having a shielding container for each radioactive source material can become unwieldy and occupy a significant amount of space within a manufacturing facility. Therefore, there is a need for devices and systems that can hold multiple radioactive source materials of the same or different types while minimizing the footprint of such devices.

[0005] Additionally, the vials may contain radioactive source material and may be delivered at different times, and the vials may contain different amounts of radioactivity, so rather than mixing everything together in a single large container, multiple vials must be kept so that each can be tracked separately. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multi-source container having a lid attachable to a housing, the housing being capable of containing a plurality of source vials and a plurality of transport vials.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the first aspect, wherein the lid and the housing are made of a radiation-shielding material.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multiple source container of the first aspect, wherein the multiple source vials and the multiple transport vials are adapted to store radioactive material therein.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multiple source container of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of ports, wherein each of the plurality of source vials and each of the plurality of transport vials has a hole in the bottom, each of the holes being connected to one of the plurality of ports.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the first aspect, wherein the lid further includes an external vent configured to vent air from the housing to an external environment when the lid is secured to the housing.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multiple source container of the first aspect, wherein the housing includes a plurality of partition walls, each of which separates two of the plurality of source vials from each other, separates two of the plurality of transport vials from each other, or separates one of the plurality of source vials from one of the plurality of transport vials.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the first aspect, wherein each of the partition walls further includes a balancing vent.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the first aspect, wherein the housing includes a fluid trap.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multiple source container of the first aspect, wherein the lid further includes a ventilation channel on a bottom surface of the lid, the ventilation channel being positioned to provide ventilation to at least one of the plurality of source vials or the plurality of transport vials.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the fourth aspect, wherein the housing further includes a base having a manifold, and the plurality of ports are provided in the manifold.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the tenth aspect, wherein the manifold further includes a mount for receiving one or more probes.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the fourth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of ports is a one-way valve or a two-way valve.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multi-source container of the first aspect, wherein the lid and the housing are each constructed of a radiation-shielding material.

[0019] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multiple source container of the first aspect, wherein each of the multiple source vials is disposed along a parameter of the housing, and each of the multiple transport vials is disposed near a center of the housing.

[0020] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the multiple source container of the first aspect, wherein the bottom of each of the plurality of source vials and the bottom of each of the plurality of transport vials are conical in shape.

[0021] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for handling multiple source material, comprising preparing a multiple source container, wherein a lid is attachable to a housing, the housing including a plurality of source vials and a plurality of transport vials, and the method includes supplying a first fluid to a first source vial, which is one of the plurality of source vials.

[0022] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, further comprising transferring fluid from the first source vial to one of a plurality of transfer vials.

[0023] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the seventeenth aspect, further comprising returning fluid from one of the plurality of transfer vials to the first source vial.

[0024] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, including supplying a second fluid to a second source vial, another one of the plurality of source vials, wherein the first fluid is different from the second fluid.

[0025] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method of the sixteenth aspect, wherein the fluid is a radioactive material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an isometric view of a multi-source container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 shows a perspective view of the multi-source container of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows a top perspective view of the multi-source container of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a side plan view of the multi-source container of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] As shown in Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of the multi-source container is shown taken down section line "A." DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular construction shown, as other embodiments are possible. Exemplary embodiments are shown in the referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein be considered illustrative and not restrictive. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

[0028] While the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, specific embodiments have been shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention. It is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific exemplified embodiments. The features of the invention disclosed in the specification, drawings, and claims may be important both individually and in any desired combination for the operation of the invention in its various embodiments. Features from one embodiment may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 through 5, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a multi-source container 100, which may be referred to as a "source farm."

[0030] 1 , the multi-source container 100 can include a lid 200 and a housing 300. The lid 200 can have a first outer shape that is the same as or substantially similar to a second outer shape of the housing 300, such that the lid 200 can cover the housing 300 when the lid 200 is placed over the housing 300. For example, both the first outer shape of the lid 200 and the second outer shape of the housing 300 can be substantially rectangular in shape. However, other shapes can also be used and are contemplated herein.

[0031] The lid 200 may include an exterior vent 210 (see FIG. 4 ). The exterior vent 210 may be vented to the atmosphere so that the multi-source container 100 can be maintained at atmospheric pressure when fluids are added to or removed from the multi-source container 100. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the exterior vent 210 may be connected to a vent bore 212. The vent bore 212 is connected to a vent opening 214, which may be in fluid communication with an external environment, such as the atmosphere, via the vent bore 212.

[0032] The lid 200 may also include one or more first fastener bores 220 for receiving one or more fasteners (not shown) that may secure the lid 200 to the housing 300 such that the lid 200 may be attached to or detached from the housing 300.

[0033] The housing 300 can include one or more source vials 310 and one or more transport vials 320. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, eight source vials 310 can be provided along the parameters of the housing 300, and two transport vials 320 can be provided in the center of the housing 300. However, fewer or more source vials 310 and / or transport vials 320 can be provided and are contemplated herein.

[0034] It should be understood that the location and arrangement of source vial 310 and transport vial 320 can vary. For example, in other embodiments, transport vial 310 can be located along the parameters of housing 300, or source vial 310 can be located in the center of housing 300. In additional embodiments, source vial 310 and transport vial 320 can be located alongside one another. Such and other variations and arrangements are within the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 5 , each of the source vial 310 and the transport vial 320 can be a cavity within a housing 300. The housing 300 can include a first side wall 302 and a second side wall 304 opposite the first side wall 302. The housing 300 can also include one or more partition walls 306, each shared by at least two vials. The housing 300 can further include a base 330, which can function as a bottom of the housing 300. The side wall 304, together with the partition wall 306 and the base 330, can define the shape or contour of the source vial 310 and / or the transport vial 320.

[0036] In some embodiments, the source vial 310 and / or the transfer vial 320 each include a bottom with holes 340 for filling and / or draining. The bottom of the vial can have a conical or other suitable shape that allows all or substantially all of the fluid to drain out the bottom of the vial through holes 340, which can increase efficiency by processing all of the fluid in each cycle while leaving minimal residue and can minimize carryover between subsequent batches of fluid. Fluid lines can be kept small so that surface tension can maintain and effectively draw down the fluid column, removing air while leaving minimal residue.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1 , the housing 300 may also include a fluid trap 350. The fluid trap 350 may work in conjunction with the external vent 210 to prevent any radioactive fluid in the form of droplets displaced by the gas flow from escaping the line. In some embodiments, the vent opening 214 may be located above the fluid trap 350 (see FIG. 3 ). The fluid trap 350 may include an overflow vial therein such that splashes, droplets, or condensate, which may contain radioactivity, fall into the overflow vial first rather than blowing out of the continuous tube.

[0038] Additionally, the housing 300 can include one or more balancing vents 308. In some embodiments, the balancing vents 308 can be located in a partition wall 306 between two or more vials. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the balancing vents 308 can be located in the top portion of the partition wall 306 and can be in the form of channels or gaps through which gas can vent from one vial to another.

[0039] Once fluid is withdrawn from source vial 310 for processing, it may be temporarily stored in transfer vial 320 and then returned to the original source vial 310. Balancing vent 308 may ensure that the total volume of liquid and gas within multi-source container 100 remains constant or substantially constant. Balancing vent 308 may also balance the volume of liquid removed with gas from adjacent vials to which liquid has been added, thus reducing the amount of external air entering multi-source container 100 while reducing the possibility of radioactivity unintentionally leaking through external vent 210.

[0040] Housing 300 may also include grooves 360 along the parameter surrounding source vials 310 and transport vials 320. Lid 200 may include seals (not shown), such as O-rings, that may fit into grooves 360 when lid 200 is coupled to housing 300, thus creating a sealed environment within multi-source container 100. The sealed environment may allow liquid that may be present in source vials 310 and / or transport vials 320 to be pressurized from above, thereby allowing liquid to be forced out of multi-source container 100 rather than being drawn under vacuum using a pump or other similar device.

[0041] The housing 300 may include one or more second fastening bores 370. Each of the second fastening bores 370 may correspond to one of the first fastening bores 220, allowing a fastener to secure the lid 200 to the housing 300.

[0042] 2, 3, and 5, the base 330 can include a manifold 380 having one or more ports 390. The ports 390 can be connected to external pumps and / or valves to move fluids to and / or from the source vial 310 and / or transfer vial 320. In some embodiments, the ports 390 can be in the form of valves, such as one-way or two-way valves.

[0043] Connecting bores 342 may be provided to allow fluid communication between holes 340 and ports 390. The number of ports 390 provided may depend on the number of vials in housing 300. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, a total of ten vials may be provided (including eight source vials 310 and two transport vials 320), in which case ten ports 390 may be provided, one for each vial.

[0044] The housing 300 may further include one or more mounting points 382 for attaching to a bracket (not shown) that may hold the housing 300 within the shielded cavity. Additionally, the manifold 380 may also include mounts 384 for one or more conductivity probes to detect if there is a leak or spill and to warn of the presence of potentially radioactive fluid in the spill tray of the bracket.

[0045] 2 and 3, the lid 200 can further include a vent channel 216 on the underside (i.e., bottom) of the lid 200. The vent channel 216 can allow fluid communication from one or more vials to the external vent port 210. By way of example, the vent channel 216 can be provided between one of the transfer vials 320 and the vent opening 214. However, other configurations are possible and contemplated herein. The vent channel 216, in conjunction with the external vent port 210, can ensure that the multiple-source container 100 maintains atmospheric pressure even when fluid is added to or removed from the multiple-source container 100.

[0046] The multi-source container 100 can be constructed of a radiation-shielding material. For example, the lid 200 and / or the housing 300 can be constructed of lead, tungsten, tin, antimony, bismuth, concrete, or other suitable materials. In further embodiments, the multi-source container 100 or its components can be constructed of a non-shielding material, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plastic.

[0047] As can be appreciated, the multiple-source container 100 can be used with many different fluid types. For example, if the multiple-source container 100 includes eight source vials 310, the multiple-source container 100 can store up to eight different types of source material. In some embodiments, the source fluid to be placed in the source vials 310 can include a radioactive material such as molybdenum-98 or molybdenum-100.

[0048] Specific embodiments of a multi-source container according to the present disclosure are described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention can be implemented and used. It is understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its different aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Features described in one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments. The subject disclosure is understood to encompass any modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 100 Multi-Source Container 200 lids 300 cabinets 310 Source Vial 320 Transfer Vials

Claims

1. A multi-source container having a lid that can be attached to the housing, The housing comprises a plurality of source vials and a plurality of transfer vials, The aforementioned enclosure defines multiple ports, Each of the plurality of source vials and each of the transfer vials is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports. The housing includes a mount for receiving one or more probes. Each of the plurality of source vials and the plurality of transfer vials has a hole at its bottom. Each hole is connected to one of the aforementioned multiple ports, The housing further comprises a base having a manifold, The aforementioned plurality of ports are provided on the manifold, The manifold further comprises a multi-source container with mounts for receiving one or more probes.

2. The multiple source container according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the housing are made of a radiation shielding material.

3. The plurality of source vials and the plurality of transfer vials are configured to store radioactive material inside, according to claim 1.

4. The plurality source container according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises an external vent configured to allow ventilation from the housing to the external environment when the lid is attached to the housing.

5. The enclosure comprises multiple partition walls, The multiple source container according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple partition walls separates two of the multiple source vials from each other, separates two of the multiple transport vials from each other, or separates one of the multiple source vials from one of the multiple transport vials.

6. The plurality of radiation source container according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of partition walls further comprises a vent for balancing.

7. The aforementioned housing is a multi-source container according to claim 1, comprising a fluid trap.

8. The lid is further provided with a ventilation channel on its bottom surface. The multiple source container according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation channel is arranged to provide ventilation to at least one of the multiple source vials or the multiple transfer vials.

9. The plurality of source container according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of ports is a one-way valve or a two-way valve.

10. The multiple radiation source container according to claim 1, wherein each of the lid and the housing is made of a radiation shielding material.

11. Each of the plurality of radiation source vials is provided along the outer circumference of the housing, The plurality of source container according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transfer vials is located near the center of the housing.

12. A multi-source container having a lid that can be attached to the housing, The housing includes a plurality of source vials and a plurality of transfer vials, Equipped with multiple ports, Each of the plurality of source vials and each of the plurality of transfer vials has a hole at its bottom, and each of the holes is connected to one of the plurality of ports. The housing further comprises a base having a manifold, The aforementioned multiple ports are provided on the manifold, A multi-source container in which the bottom of each of the multi-source vials and the bottom of each of the multi-transfer vials are conical in shape.

13. A method for handling multiple radiation source materials, To prepare a multiple source container comprising a housing and a lid attachable to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of source vials, a plurality of transfer vials and a plurality of ports, each of the plurality of source vials and each of the plurality of transfer vials being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports, and the multiple source container comprising a mount for receiving one or more probes, The first fluid is supplied to a first source vial, which is one of the plurality of source vials. Transferring the fluid from the first source vial to one of a plurality of transfer vials, A method comprising returning the fluid from one of the plurality of transfer vials to the first source vial.

14. The method of supplying a second fluid to a second source vial, which is another of the plurality of source vials, wherein the first fluid is different from the second fluid. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fluid is a radioactive material.

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