Radioisotope production

Abstract

An irradiation station (100) for photonucleating radioisotopes from a target is described. The irradiation station (100) includes at least one beamline (110) for directing an electron beam and at least one irradiation pool (120). The irradiation station (100) further includes a beam converter component (130) immersed in the at least one irradiation pool (120) and positioned at the end of the at least one beamline (110) for converting the electron beam of the at least one beamline (110) into photons, and a target irradiation component (140) for holding the target and positioned relative to the beam converter component (130) to irradiate the target with photons during operation. Alternatively, a proton beam or deuterium beam can be introduced into the irradiation pool, and the protons or deuterium can be used directly to irradiate the target. Another alternative could be that a deuterium beam can be introduced into the irradiation pool, and neutrons converted therefrom can be used directly to irradiate the target.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radioisotope production. More specifically, the present invention relates to production facilities and components thereof for the production of radioisotopes, as well as their uses and corresponding methods. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, new and efficient radioisotope production facilities are needed to ensure large-scale production of radioisotopes such as 225Ac.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,115,491 (B2) describes an example of an apparatus for producing 99Mo from multiple 100Mo targets by photonuclear reactions on the 100Mo targets. The apparatus is based on an electron linear accelerator, a converter, target irradiation components, and two coolant systems: one for the converter and one for the target irradiation components. Problems with such isotope production facilities include the complex cooling configuration and substantial radiation damage occurring in the production facility, as well as significant downtime when targets or other components need to be replaced or maintained.

[0004] Whether large-scale production of radioisotopes can keep up with demand depends on the efficiency of the isotope production facilities.

[0005] Although many isotope production systems have been investigated over the past few decades, there is still a need for efficient isotope production facilities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a good system and method for producing radioisotopes. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that radioisotope production can be achieved with high yields. A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that a system and method for radioisotope production is provided that generates less radioactive waste.

[0007] The above objects are achieved by a method and apparatus according to the present invention.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an irradiation station for nucleating a radioisotope from a target, the irradiation station comprising: at least one beamline for directing an electron beam, a proton beam, or a deuterium beam; at least one irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production, wherein at least one beam line enters or is present in the at least one irradiation pool; The irradiation station further comprises a target station immersed in the at least one irradiation pool, the target station comprising a target irradiation component for holding a target and positioned relative to the beamline to irradiate the target during operation.

[0009] The at least one beamline may be configured to direct an electron beam. The target station may include a beam converter component positioned at the end of at least one beam line to convert the electron beam of the at least one beam line into photons, and a target illumination component for holding a target may be positioned relative to the beam converter component to illuminate the target with the photons during operation.

[0010] Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention is an irradiation station for photonucleating a radioisotope from a target, the irradiation station comprising: at least one beamline for directing the electron beam; at least one irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production; At least one beamline enters or is present in at least one irradiation pool; At least one beam line may be configured to direct a deuterium beam, and the target station may include a beam converter component positioned at an end of the at least one beam line to convert the deuterium beam of the at least one beam line into neutrons, and a target irradiation component for holding a target may be positioned relative to the beam converter component to irradiate the target with the neutrons during operation.

[0011] a beam converter component positioned at an end of the at least one beamline for converting the electron beam of the at least one beamline into photons; and a target illumination component for holding the target and positioned relative to the beam converter component to illuminate the target with said photons during operation;

[0012] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that cooling can be performed by pool liquid, that the cooling capacity is already high even based on non-forced convection, and that it allows for a significant reduction in the cooling configuration or its design.

[0013] Natural convection or boiling assisted convection can be used, which are the cooling methods that can be used essentially in pools. The advantage of such cooling is that it provides a large heat transfer, which can be particularly advantageous when the system operates at temperatures above 120°C, for example when using lead shielding blocks.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one beamline may be contained in at least one irradiation pool. In some embodiments, at least one beamline may be present in at least one irradiation pool. Components such as, for example, rastering magnet dipoles, quadrupoles, or other components may also be present in the pool. Accelerators may also be present in the pool.

[0015] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they provide an irradiation station that offers a great degree of flexibility.An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they allow easy access, for example in the case of maintenance.

[0016] An advantage of at least some embodiments is that at least part of the handling and / or maintenance of the system can be performed by performing handling steps from an area located above the irradiation position while the system is in operation or shortly thereafter.

[0017] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they provide options for easy removal, storage, and dismantling of activated components underwater and reduced handling of casks for waste transport.A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they provide systems and methods for radioisotope production that generate reduced amounts of radioactive waste.

[0018] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they provide for relatively easy modification and optimization of the illumination system.

[0019] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they combine aspects of cooling with aspects of localized shielding without requiring complex integration of cooling elements into the shielding elements.

[0020] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that it enables wide-angle, direct visual feedback of the entire installation, in contrast to at least some prior art systems where, for example, the illumination location is surrounded by concrete structure. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that it provides direct visibility of the target station, and therefore enables wide-angle visual feedback of the entire installation, particularly while moving components underwater through hands-on remote handling.

[0021] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the amount of local shielding and ambient radioactive activation is limited, resulting in lower environmental costs when dismantling the infrastructure.

[0022] It is an advantage that transducer replacement or target replacement can be performed efficiently. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that it provides high accessibility to the transducer and irradiation area, allowing for less downtime if a problem occurs and less difficulty replacing the transducer, target holder, or entire target station.

[0023] It should be noted that although the beam converter component and the target illumination component are both referred to as separate components, the present invention also relates to a single component that performs both functions. The beam converter component may be omitted in some embodiments, for example, if an external component performs the electron beam to photon beam conversion operation.

[0024] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that the required size of the illumination pool can be limited in size due to the use of one or more shielding elements on one or more sides of the target illumination component.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the irradiation station may comprise components for preventing short-lived isotopes from mixing into the liquid of the irradiation pool. The latter may be established, for example, near one or more shielding elements, for example near one or more local shielding elements, for example by means of a suction line. Such a suction line may be established, for example, inside the shielding element. Such a component, for example a suction line, may be connected to a damping tank or a damping loop. An advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the required flow rate is low, so the size of the damping tank or the damping loop can be reduced. Advantageously, embodiments according to the invention result in a significant reduction in potential short-lived isotopes in the pool and their resulting release.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the irradiation pool may be filled with water, although embodiments are not limited thereto, for example, a mixture of water and boron, or another combination resulting in a water-based liquid, may also be used.

[0027] The irradiation station may include at least one shielding element immersed in at least a first irradiation pool and positioned between the target irradiation component and at least one wall of the at least one irradiation pool. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that, since neutrons are absorbed by water, there is only limited, preferably as small as possible, activation of the pool walls by neutrons. The latter can be obtained, for example, by appropriately adjusting the size of the pool. Activation of the pool walls can be stopped by introducing one or more shielding elements between the target station and at least one wall of the at least one irradiation pool. These shielding elements may be equipped with their own independent cooling circuit. Alternatively, or in addition, cooling can be performed by natural convection in the liquid or by boiling-assisted convection. The shielding elements can be positioned in their position with the highest or highest radiation field in order to reduce their energy using an objective lens so that, at the exit of the shielding, the radiation falls below a threshold, e.g., an activation threshold.

[0028] The illumination station may include one or more shielding components that can be handled separately from each other and from the target illumination components.

[0029] The one or more shielding elements may comprise one shielding element positioned between the target illumination component and a wall positioned on an opposite side of the target illumination component from the beam converter component.

[0030] The irradiation station may further include at least one hot cell connected to the target irradiation component for handling targets that may be loaded into the target irradiation component.

[0031] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that it allows for easy handling, such as target preparation, and efficient introduction of the target into the target illumination components for accurate positioning of the target within the illumination beam.

[0032] When embodiments of the present invention refer to at least one hot cell connected to a target irradiation component, such a connection may be a fluid connection. The connection between the hot cell and the target irradiation component may be a piping system, such as a small pipe inside a stainless steel hose or inside another hose, for example, to obtain a double-container encapsulation. The hot cell may include one or more valves or may be connected to the target irradiation component via one or more valves to control the transfer of the target material or target capsule. The target capsule may be, for example, a container filled with water. While in some embodiments, one or more hot cells are used, the present invention also relates to a system in which targets are at least partially handled and / or prepared in an irradiation pool.

[0033] The hot cell, or in other embodiments, the irradiation station may also include, for example, one or more of a pressure control system, a rinse system, a fill system, a drain system, a water level control system, a radiolysis product control and / or evacuation system, a target integrity monitoring system, a hot cell integrity monitoring system, etc.

[0034] The connection between the hot cell and the target irradiation component can be adapted to transfer gaseous target material, gaseous target capsules, liquid target material, liquid target capsules, and / or solid target capsules between the hot cell (160) and the target irradiation component. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that efficient transfer of target material can be obtained between the target irradiation component at the irradiation position and the hot cell for handling the target material.

[0035] In some embodiments where the target capsule is transferred, the system may include a mechanism for locking the capsule in place. Transfer of the capsule may be achieved, for example, by handling the capsule from above the pool, for example, by using a tool that is handled from above the pool.

[0036] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they can efficiently handle gases as well as liquid and solid target materials.

[0037] The connection between the target irradiation component and the simple cell may comprise a capillary tube for connecting the target irradiation component with the hot cell and for transferring liquid target material between the target irradiation component and the hot cell.

[0038] The capillary may be configured to allow capillary transport of the target.

[0039] The beam converter component and the target illumination component may also be integrated into a single component, and the target illumination component may double as the beam converter component.

[0040] A handling means may be positioned above the at least one irradiation pool for handling irradiation station components inside and / or outside the at least one irradiation pool. The handling means may, for example, comprise a pool tool for performing actions within or on the pool. The handling means may, for example, comprise a crane or a bridge for lifting and / or moving irradiation station components within and / or outside the at least one irradiation pool. It should be noted that one possible action may be to remotely remove some or all activated components, for example all activated components, from the beamline, converter, and / or target station underwater, after which lowering the water level may allow access to the beamline for a new component hand-on facility.

[0041] The volume of the first irradiation pool can be at least 50,000 liters, e.g., at least 75,000 liters, e.g., at least 100,000 liters. The first irradiation pool can be fluidly coupled to an auxiliary pool for storage, decommissioning, maintenance, or performance of operations of activated components, the auxiliary pool adapted to be emptied independently of the first irradiation pool.

[0042] Each side wall of the pool can be at least 1 m, e.g., at least 1.5 m, e.g., at least 2 m, away from the target illumination component. When referring to a side wall of the pool, the reference refers to the wall on the side of the target illumination component that is different from the bottom side, the bottom side being defined by the side that is below the target illumination component relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the target illumination component can be at least 1 m, e.g., at least 1.5 m, e.g., at least 2 m, away from the target illumination component.

[0043] During irradiation of the target, at least a portion of the water in the irradiation pool may not be subjected to forced cooling circulation. Reference to at least a portion of the water refers to at least 30%, e.g., at least 50%, of the water in the pool. Reference to forced circulation of water refers to circulation of water caused by pumping of water.

[0044] At least one irradiation beamline may be part of an accelerator. According to an embodiment, the beamline may be adapted to generate an electron beam.

[0045] The irradiation station further comprises at least one second irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production, at least one beam line entering the at least second irradiation pool, the irradiation station further comprising a second target station immersed in the at least second irradiation pool, the second target station comprising a second beam converter component positioned at an end of the at least one beam line entering the second irradiation pool to convert the electron beam into photons, and a second target irradiation component positioned relative to the second beam converter component to hold a target and to irradiate the target with the photons during operation. The irradiation station can be configured to provide redundancy and ensure a high ratio of production to downtime by alternating between enabling radiation at target irradiation components in different irradiation pools.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the system may also be equipped to simultaneously irradiate targets in different irradiation pools.

[0047] In some embodiments, additional beamlines may be introduced into at least one pool, with the additional beamlines converging onto a single converter component or each having their own converter component so that the resulting gamma rays are directed to a single target station or each having their own target station.

[0048] In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a radioisotope from a target, the method comprising: directing at least one electron beam and allowing the electron beam to enter at least one irradiation pool; The method comprises: converting the electron beam into a photon beam; and irradiating a target with the photons.

[0049] Further steps of the method may correspond to functions performed by standard or optional components of an irradiation station as described in the first aspect.

[0050] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an irradiation station according to the first aspect.

[0051] While there have been certain improvements, changes, and evolutions of devices in this field, it is believed that the present concepts represent substantially new and novel improvements, involving departures from conventional practice, which result in the provision of more efficient, stable, and reliable devices of this nature.

[0052] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. This description is given for the purposes of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an irradiation station for photonucleating radioisotopes from a target, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an irradiation station having two irradiation pools, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In the different figures, the same reference signs refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The present invention will be described with respect to certain embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, but only by the claims. The drawings described are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practicing the invention. For example, the size of the auxiliary pool compared to the sizes of the first and second irradiation pools is not proportional. Furthermore, the relative positions of different components in the schematic drawings do not represent their actual positions.

[0056] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, third, etc. in the description and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe an order in time, space, ranking, or in any other way. Terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in orders other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0057] Furthermore, terms such as top, bottom, above, below, etc. in the description and claims are used for purposes of description and not necessarily to describe relative positions. Terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it is understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0058] It should be noted that the term "comprising" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter, nor as excluding other elements or steps. It should therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of a stated feature, integer, step, or component, but not as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. The term "comprising" therefore encompasses situations where only the stated features are present, as well as situations where these features and one or more other features are present. The term "comprising" according to the present invention therefore also encompasses, as an embodiment, the absence of additional components. Therefore, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be interpreted as being limited to a device consisting only of components A and B. This means that, in the context of the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0059] Similarly, it should be noted that the term "coupled," also used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to only a direct connection. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the phrase "device A coupled to device B" should not be limited to devices or systems in which the output of device A is directly connected to the input of device B. This means that there is a path between the output of A and the input of B, which may be a path that includes other devices or means. "Coupled" can mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0060] Throughout this specification, a reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0061] Similarly, in describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that various features of the invention may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and facilitating understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0062] Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some features but not other features included in other embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the art that combinations of features from different embodiments are within the scope of the present invention and are meant to form different embodiments. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0063] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0064] The present invention will now be described by detailed descriptions of several embodiments of the present invention. It is apparent that other embodiments of the present invention can be constructed according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the technical teachings of the present invention, and the present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0065] Generally, the present invention relates to an irradiation station for producing isotopes from a target, the irradiation station comprising: at least one beamline for directing an electron beam, a proton beam, or a deuterium beam; at least one irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during isotope production; at least one beamline enters or is positioned in at least one irradiation pool; The irradiation station further comprises a target station immersed in the at least one irradiation pool, the target station comprising: A target illumination component is provided for holding the target and positioned to illuminate the target during operation.

[0066] In some embodiments, the station is for producing radioisotopes and the beamline is for directing an electron beam. In that case, the target station includes a beam converter component positioned at the end of at least one beamline to convert the electron beam into photons, and a target irradiation component for holding a target is positioned to position the target within the generated photons. In other embodiments, a proton beam and a deuterium beam are introduced into the irradiation pool in this manner, and the protons or deuterium are used directly to irradiate the target.

[0067] Thus, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the present invention relates to an irradiation station for photonucleating radioisotopes from a target. According to embodiments, the irradiation station includes at least one beam line for guiding an electron beam and at least one irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production, whereby the at least one beam line enters or is positioned within the at least one irradiation pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may thereby enter the at least one irradiation pool through a wall or floor of the pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may thereby enter through an upper surface of the liquid in the pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may finally be bent within a pool room in which the irradiation pool is positioned. The irradiation station further includes a target station immersed in the at least one irradiation pool, the target station including a beam converter component positioned at an end of the at least one beam line for converting the electron beam into photons and a target illumination component positioned relative to the beam converter component for holding a target and illuminating the target with the photons during operation.

[0068] Thus, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the present invention relates to an irradiation station for producing radioisotopes from a target, the irradiation station comprising at least one beam line for directing a deuterium beam and at least one irradiation pool filled with an aqueous liquid during production, whereby the at least one beam line enters or is positioned within the at least one irradiation pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may thereby enter the at least one irradiation pool through a wall or floor of the pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may thereby enter through a top surface of the liquid in the pool. In some embodiments, the beam line may ultimately be bent within a pool room in which the irradiation pool is positioned. The irradiation station further comprises a target station immersed in the at least one irradiation pool, the target station comprising a beam converter component positioned at an end of the at least one beam line for converting the deuterium beam into neutrons, and a target irradiation component positioned relative to the beam converter component for holding a target and for irradiating the target with the neutrons during operation.

[0069] To further illustrate, and not limiting, embodiments of the present invention, standard and optional features of an irradiation station are further described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an irradiation station 100 for producing isotopes from a target. While the system or corresponding method for producing radioisotopes may be illustrated, for example, for producing actinium isotopes from a radium target, embodiments are not limited by the particular isotope produced. The system and method may be suitable for producing, for example, but not limited to, Sc-47, Cu-67, Cs-131, Tb-155, Ra-225, or Ac-225, preferably Ac-225. The system may be particularly suitable for producing radioisotopes by photonuclear generation.

[0070] In the schematic example shown in FIG. 1 , a beamline 110 is provided for guiding the electron beam. The beamline 110 may also include a beam shaper. The beamline 110 may be an accelerator or part of an accelerator. Specific details of the beamline may be known to those skilled in the art. In the irradiation station 100, the beamline 110 enters at least one irradiation pool 120 filled with an aqueous substance. The at least one irradiation pool 120 may be filled with, for example, water or water containing one or more additive substances. In some examples, for example, boron may be added to the pool water. The irradiation pool 120 may have, for example, concrete walls, although embodiments are not limited thereto. The size of the pool may generally be large enough to encompass the target station. The volume of the first irradiation pool 120 may be at least 50,000 liters, for example, at least 75,000 liters, for example, at least 100,000 liters. The first irradiation pool 120 may be fluidly coupled to an auxiliary pool 180 for storage, dismantling, maintenance, or performing operations on activated components, and the auxiliary pool 180 is adapted to be able to be emptied independently of the first irradiation pool 120.

[0071] Such an auxiliary pool 180 may be adapted to perform waste handling, container handling, cutting, and the like.

[0072] Each side wall of the first illumination pool 120 may be at least 1 m, e.g., at least 1.5 m, e.g., at least 2 m, away from the target illumination component. When referring to a side wall of the pool, it refers to the wall on the side of the target illumination component that is different from the bottom side, the bottom side being defined by the side that is below the target illumination component relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the target illumination component may be at least 1 m, e.g., at least 1.5 m, e.g., at least 2 m, away from the target illumination component. In one embodiment, the pool is 2 x 2 x 3 m 3 ~7×7×12m 3 , e.g., 2 x 2 x 4 m 3 ~6×6×10m 3, for example, 4x4x4m 3 However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0073] During irradiation of the target, at least a portion of the water in the irradiation pool may not be subjected to forced cooling circulation. Reference to at least a portion of the water refers to at least 30%, e.g., at least 50%, of the water in the pool. Reference to forced circulation of water refers to water circulation caused by pumping of water. In some embodiments, pool water may be used, at least in part, to cool the transducer or irradiated target material, although a dedicated cooling system may also be present and immersed in the irradiation pool.

[0074] The irradiation station 100 may also include, in some embodiments, a water conditioning pool, one or more filters, or a water conditioning converter. In one particular embodiment, the system may also include a Ra recovery system, a dump tank, a distillation column, or similar components.

[0075] The irradiation station 100 may also include a handling means 170 positioned above the at least one irradiation pool 120 for handling components of the irradiation station 100 inside and / or outside the at least one irradiation pool 120. The handling means 170 may, for example, include a pool tool for performing actions within or on the pool. The handling means 170 may also, for example, include a crane or bridge for lifting and / or moving components of the irradiation station within and / or outside the at least one irradiation pool. Note that one possible action may be to remotely remove some or all activated components, e.g., all activated components, from the beamline, converter, and / or target station underwater, after which lowering the water level may allow access to the beamline for hand-on installation of new components. The handling means 170 may, for example, be positioned in a pool room located above the irradiation pool 120. Such a room may also be coordinated, for example, using a coordination system. The pool room may be a room from which handling may be performed. According to at least some embodiments, the illumination station 100 may be adapted to allow for visual inspection.

[0076] The irradiation pool 120 is typically large enough to allow immersion of the target station 101. In some embodiments, the target station 101 includes a beam converter component 130 for converting the electron beam of the beamline into photons. The beam converter component 130 is typically positioned at the end of the beamline 110. The beam converter component 130 may have dedicated cooling circuits and / or shielding elements. Further features and advantages of the beam converter component 130 may be as known to those skilled in the art. The beam converter may be an electron-to-gamma converter as known in the prior art.

[0077] The target station 101 is also provided with a target illumination component 140. The target illumination component 140 is configured to receive a target material. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the target material may be a gas, liquid, or solid target material positioned directly in the target illumination component 140 or in a local holder, or may be a gas, liquid, or solid target capsule. For example, in the case of a capsule, handling of the target capsule may be performed using dedicated or general-purpose handling means provided in the illumination station 100.

[0078] In one embodiment, the system is adapted to use a fluid, e.g., a liquid, target. A dedicated liquid target module may be present in the target irradiation component 140. Such a liquid target module in the target irradiation component 140 may be connected to a preparation stage, which may be positioned outside the irradiation pool 120, by tubing, such as a capillary tube. The fluid target, e.g., a liquid target, may be loaded through the tubing. The preparation stage may be a hot cell 160. In some embodiments, the hot cell 160 may include one or more of the following features: features for pressure control, features for filling, draining, or rinsing, features for water level control, features for controlling and / or draining radiolysis products, features for capillary transport, features for capsule transport, features for checking and / or monitoring capsule integrity. A system for radon control, and more generally for radiochemistry control, may also be present in the hot cell 160. The system may also include a capillary collection device.

[0079] The connection between the target irradiation component 140 and a preparation stage, such as a hot cell, may be through the pool, over the pool, etc.

[0080] According to embodiments of the present invention, the submerged target station may also include one or more local shielding elements 150. In this way, for example, the walls of the irradiation pool may be less or not subject to activation. The local shielding may be made of lead or any other suitable material for absorbing radiation.

[0081] As indicated above, the system can alternatively be adapted to use a deuterium beam incident on a deuterium-neutron converter to generate a neutron beam. In this way, a forward-directed beam of fast neutrons can be obtained, which allows for efficient generation of neutron-induced reactions.

[0082] In another example, the irradiation station includes two or more irradiation pools with submerged components, as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In such an irradiation station, a second target station resides submerged in the second irradiation pool 1020. In the illustrated example, the second target station includes a second beam converter component 1030 positioned at the end of at least one beam line entering the second irradiation pool 1020 to convert the electron beam into photons, and a second target illumination component 1040 positioned relative to the second beam converter component to hold a target and illuminate the target with the photons during operation. The irradiation station can be configured to provide redundancy and ensure a high ratio of production to downtime by allowing alternating radiation at target illumination components in different irradiation pools. Alternatively or additionally, the system can also be equipped to simultaneously illuminate targets in different irradiation pools.

[0083] In some embodiments, additional beamlines may be introduced into at least one pool, with the additional beamlines converging onto a single converter component or each having their own converter component so that the resulting gamma rays are directed to a single target station or each having their own target station.

[0084] In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for producing radioisotopes from a target, the method comprising directing at least one electron beam, proton beam, or deuterium beam and allowing the electron beam to enter at least one irradiation pool. In some embodiments, the method further comprises converting the electron beam to a photon beam in the irradiation pool. In other embodiments, a proton beam or a deuterium beam is used directly. The method also comprises: and irradiating the target with said photons, protons, deuterium or neutrons resulting directly or after conversion from the at least one beam. Further steps of the method may correspond to functions performed by standard or optional components of an irradiation station as described in the first aspect.

[0085] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an irradiation station according to the first aspect.

[0086] While preferred embodiments, specific structures and configurations, and materials for the devices according to the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood that various changes or modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Steps may be added or deleted to the methods described within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An irradiation station (100) for nucleating radioisotopes from a target, said irradiation station (100) comprising: at least one beamline (110) for directing an electron beam, a proton beam or a deuterium beam; at least one irradiation pool (120) filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production, the at least one beamline (110) enters or is present in the at least one irradiation pool (120); The irradiation station (100) further comprises a target station (101) immersed in the at least one irradiation pool (120), the target station comprising: An irradiation station (100) comprising a target irradiation component (140) for holding said target and positioned relative to said beam line to irradiate said target during operation.

2. the at least one beamline (110) is configured to direct an electron beam; 2. The irradiation station (100) of claim 1, wherein the target station comprises a beam converter component (130) positioned at an end of the at least one beam line (110) to convert the electron beam of the at least one beam line (110) into photons, and the target illumination component (140) for holding the target is positioned relative to the beam converter component (130) so as to illuminate the target with the photons during operation.

3. the at least one beamline (110) is configured to direct a deuterium beam; 2. The irradiation station (100) of claim 1, wherein the target station comprises a beam converter component (130) positioned at an end of the at least one beam line (110) for converting the deuterium beam of the at least one beam line (110) into neutrons, and the target irradiation component (140) for holding the target is positioned relative to the beam converter component (130) so as to irradiate the target with the neutrons during operation.

4. 10. The irradiation station of claim 9, wherein the irradiation station is immersed in at least a first irradiation pool and comprises at least one shielding element (150) positioned between the target irradiation component (140) and at least one wall of the at least one irradiation pool (120).

5. 10. The irradiation station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shielding element (150) comprises one or more shielding components that can be handled separately from each other and from the target irradiation component (140).

6. The irradiation station (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one hot cell (160) connected to the target irradiation component (140) for handling targets that can be loaded into the target irradiation component (140).

7. 7. The irradiation station (100) of claim 6, wherein the connection between the hot cell (160) and the target irradiation component (140) is adapted to transfer gaseous target material, gaseous target capsules, liquid target material, liquid target capsules, and / or solid target capsules between the hot cell (160) and the target irradiation component (140).

8. 8. The irradiation station (100) of claim 7, wherein the connection between the target irradiation component (140) and the hot cell (160) comprises a capillary (162) connecting the target irradiation component (140) with the hot cell (160) and for transporting liquid target material between the target irradiation component (140) and the hot cell (160).

9. An irradiation station (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein handling means (170) for handling components of the irradiation station (100) inside and / or outside the at least one irradiation pool (120) are positioned above the at least one irradiation pool (120).

10. 10. The irradiation station (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the pool is at least 50,000 litres, such as at least 75,000 litres, such as at least 100,000 litres.

11. 10. The irradiation station (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first irradiation pool (120) is fluidly coupled to an auxiliary pool (180) for storage, dismantling, maintenance or performance of operations of activated components, the auxiliary pool being adapted to be emptied independently of the first irradiation pool.

12. 10. The illumination station (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each side wall of the pool is at least 1 m, such as at least 1.5 m, such as at least 2 m, away from the target illumination component (140).

13. 10. The irradiation station (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one irradiation beam line (110) is part of an accelerator.

14. the irradiation station (100) comprises at least one second irradiation pool (1020) filled with an aqueous liquid during radioisotope production; the at least one beam line enters the at least second irradiation pool (1020); The irradiation station (100) further comprises a second target station immersed in the at least second irradiation pool (1020), the second target station comprising: a second beam converter component (1030) positioned at the end of said at least one beam line (1010) entering said second irradiation pool (1020) for converting said electron beam into photons; - a second target illumination component (1040) for holding the target and positioned relative to the second beam converter component (1030) so as to illuminate the target with the photons during operation.

15. 10. An irradiation station (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein additional beam lines are introduced into the at least one pool, said additional beam lines converging on a single converter element or each having their own converter element, so that the resulting gamma rays are directed to a single target station or each having their own target station.

16. 1. A method of producing a radioisotope from a target, the method comprising: directing at least one electron beam, proton beam, or deuterium beam; and allowing the electron beam, proton beam, or deuterium beam to enter at least one irradiation pool; The method includes, in the irradiation pool: - The method further comprising irradiating the target with photons induced by electrons of the electron beam, protons from the proton beam, deuterium from the deuterium beam, or neutrons derived from the deuterium beam.

17. Use of an irradiation station according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for producing radioisotopes.

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