Separation and purification apparatus and separation and purification method

Abstract

To provide a separation refining device and a separation refining method effective for separation refining treatment of a high-dose radioactive material having a high risk of exposure and surface contamination, and capable of suppressing a generation amount of radioactive waste accompanying the treatment by reducing the number of devices and components used for the treatment.SOLUTION: The separation and purification apparatus 1 includes a liquid moving means 401 for driving movement of a liquid, a switching means 403 for switching a transfer path of the liquid, a piping panel 100 in which the liquid moving means 401 and the switching means 403 are arranged to form a pipeline, a drive unit 101 for driving the liquid moving means 101 and the switching means 102, a first container 105 for storing the liquid to be supplied to the pipeline, and a second container 106 for collecting the liquid supplied to the pipeline, and the drive unit 101, the first container 105, and the second container 106 are detachably provided with respect to the piping panel 100. The separation and purification method includes a step of preparing the piping panel 100, a step of mounting the piping panel 100, a step of connecting a container, and a step of performing treatment using the piping panel 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation and purification apparatus used in a process for separating and purifying radioactive substances, and a separation and purification method for performing a single or multiple processes for separating and purifying radioactive substances. [Background technology]

[0002] Radioisotopes (RI) are used as raw materials for radiopharmaceuticals. In nuclear medicine tests, the dynamics of radiopharmaceuticals are captured as images by detecting radioisotopes administered into the body. Diagnostic imaging using these images is used to examine the condition of organs, etc. In RI internal therapy, the radiation emitted by radioisotopes is used for direct treatment. By administering a radiopharmaceutical and allowing it to accumulate in the affected tissue, the radiation emitted by the radioisotope is directly irradiated onto the affected tissue. Tumor cells, etc. are destroyed by the irradiation of radiation.

[0003] Radionuclides used as raw materials for radiopharmaceuticals are mainly produced using nuclear facilities and accelerators. Radiopharmaceuticals for clinical use must be free of impurities as much as possible. In manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive materials containing various nuclides must be subjected to separation and purification processes to remove unnecessary impurities that pose safety concerns, and the required radionuclides must be purified to a high purity.

[0004] In general, the process of separating and purifying a specific radionuclide is a complicated process consisting of multiple steps. Ion exchange chromatography, reverse phase chromatography, etc. are used for the process of separating and purifying radionuclides. These processes use columns equipped with a stationary phase formed of an ion exchange resin, an extractant, etc. Radioactive materials containing various nuclides are dissolved in a solvent to prepare a solution, and then the solution is passed through a column.

[0005] In column chromatography, a specific nuclide is adsorbed onto a stationary phase to separate it from other nuclides. The adsorption strength of each substance depends on the type of stationary phase, pH, polarity, etc., so various columns and eluents with various compositions are used. Separation and purification processes require operations such as dissolving the radioactive substance in a solvent, passing the solution through the column, and adjusting the solution concentration. Because the materials subjected to separation and purification contain various nuclides and may undergo radioactive decay during processing, multi-stage processing is required to separate multiple nuclides from each other.

[0006] In recent years, the excellent therapeutic effects of RI internal therapy have been demonstrated, and the usefulness of radiopharmaceuticals has been attracting attention. In order to treat the many patients who wish to receive RI internal therapy, it is desirable to establish a process for mass production of radionuclides. Because the process of separating and purifying radioactive materials poses a high risk of worker exposure and the risk of surface contamination and activation of equipment, there is a demand for more efficient, automated, and remote-controlled processing.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a method and apparatus for automatically separating radionuclides using a chromatographic separation process. The apparatus is equipped with a separation module including a high-speed syringe pump, a multiport valve, and a chromatography column. The separation module is configured for remote control. The separation column can be selected for the purification of a wide range of radionuclides depending on the diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.

[0008] Patent Document 2 describes a method for separating a mixture by countercurrent chromatography. In this method, an eluent and the mixture to be separated are continuously supplied to a column circuit consisting of two or more chromatography columns connected in series. The separated components are continuously withdrawn from a point in the column circuit different from the point where they were supplied. The valve circuit used in this method is said to be modular in configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2005-500517 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-115832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In the separation and purification process for separating and purifying radioactive materials, it is important to take measures to reduce the radiation exposure of workers who handle high-dose radioactive materials and to prevent surface contamination caused by radioactive materials adhering to the surfaces of equipment and parts. It is also necessary to reduce the amount of radioactive waste generated during the process. From the perspective of reducing the amount of radioactive waste generated, it is desirable to minimize the number of equipment and parts, such as pumps, used in the process.

[0011] However, conventional separation and purification processes involve manual operations and the use of numerous pieces of equipment and parts for each operation. The equipment and parts required for each operation are carried into a glove box or similar, and the process is tedious and manual, creating challenges in terms of reducing worker exposure and the amount of radioactive waste generated. While processing modules have been developed, conventional modules have the drawback of being unable to handle the complex, multi-step process.

[0012] In Patent Document 1, a separation module is remotely controlled to automatically perform a chromatographic separation process. It is said that a separation column can be selected for purifying a wide range of radionuclides. However, because the separation module is an integrated unit of a pump, a multiport valve, and a column, the radionuclides that can be separated and purified in a single process are limited. Such a module is unlikely to be able to handle multi-stage processes for separating and purifying a specific radionuclide from radioactive materials containing various nuclides.

[0013] In Patent Document 2, a mixture is separated by countercurrent chromatography using up to four pumps. However, in a process for separating and purifying a specific radionuclide from a radioactive material containing various nuclides, it is usually necessary to use various columns and eluents with various compositions. If the circuit has a fixed configuration, it is difficult to accommodate a multi-stage process for separating and purifying a specific radionuclide from a radioactive material containing various nuclides.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a separation and purification device and a separation and purification method that are effective in the separation and purification process of high-dose radioactive materials that pose a high risk of exposure and surface contamination, and that can reduce the number of devices and parts used in the process and suppress the amount of radioactive waste generated during the process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the separation and purification apparatus of the present invention is a separation and purification apparatus used in a process for separating and purifying radioactive materials, and comprises a pipe for transporting a liquid, a liquid moving means for driving the movement of the liquid through the pipe, a switching means for switching the liquid transfer path through the pipe, a piping panel on which the pipe, the liquid moving means and the switching means are arranged to form a piping path through the pipe, a drive unit for driving the liquid moving means and the switching means arranged on the piping panel, a first container for storing liquid to be supplied to the piping path, and a second container for recovering liquid discharged from the piping path, and the drive unit, the first container and the second container are detachably mounted on the piping panel.

[0016] Furthermore, the separation and purification method of the present invention is a separation and purification method for performing single or multiple processes for separating and purifying radioactive materials, and includes the steps of: preparing a piping panel on which a piping path is formed by arranging, on a panel, piping for transporting a liquid, a liquid moving means for driving the movement of the liquid through the piping, and a switching means for switching the liquid transfer path through the piping; attaching the piping panel to a drive unit for driving the liquid moving means and the switching means; connecting the piping on the piping panel to a first container for storing liquid to be supplied to the piping path and a second container for recovering liquid discharged from the piping path; subjecting the liquid stored in the first container to processing using the piping panel; and recovering the liquid subjected to processing using the piping panel into the second container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a separation and purification device and a separation and purification method that are effective in the separation and purification process of high-dose radioactive materials that pose a high risk of exposure and surface contamination, and that can reduce the number of devices and parts used in the process and suppress the amount of radioactive waste generated during the process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a separation and purification apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a separation and purification process. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a master piping panel that serves as the basis for piping panels that constitute the separation and purification apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a piping panel that constitutes the separation and purification device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a piping panel constituting the separation and purification apparatus is attached to a drive unit. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the use of piping panels for each process of separating and purifying radioactive materials. [Figure 6B]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the use of piping panels for each process of separating and purifying radioactive materials. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the use of piping panels for each process of separating and purifying radioactive materials. [Figure 6D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the use of piping panels for each process of separating and purifying radioactive materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a separation and purification apparatus and a separation and purification method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a separation and purification apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the separation and purification apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a piping panel 100, a drive unit 101, a separation cell 102, a control unit 103, an input / output device 104, a first container 105, a second container 106, a temperature adjustment means 107, and an air supply and exhaust system 108.

[0021] The separation and purification apparatus 1 is an apparatus used in a separation and purification process for separating and purifying radioactive materials. The separation and purification apparatus 1 separates purified radioactive materials containing a high purity of a target radionuclide from radioactive materials containing a mixture of radioactive and non-radioactive nuclides. The separation and purification apparatus 1 can perform multi-stage processing for separating and purifying radioactive materials containing various nuclides in stages. In each stage of processing, a predetermined operation is performed to recover a processed material containing a predetermined radionuclide from a processed material, which is a radioactive material.

[0022] In the separation and purification apparatus 1, a removable piping panel 100 is used in which pumps, columns, and other equipment required for each process and piping paths in a predetermined pattern are modularized for each predetermined operation. A drive unit 101 that drives the equipment, and containers such as a first container 105 that contains input liquid and a second container 106 that contains output liquid are detachably mounted on the piping panel 100.

[0023] The material to be treated may be a solid or liquid radioactive material in an appropriate chemical form. As long as the material to be treated is dissolved in a predetermined solvent, solids such as powder, powder aggregates, powder compacts, bulk lumps, etc. may be treated. Furthermore, liquids such as solutions dissolved in a solvent may also be treated.

[0024] As the processed product, a solid or liquid radioactive material in an appropriate chemical form containing an appropriate radionuclide can be recovered. The processed product can be recovered, for example, as a salt such as a nitrate or hydrochloride, or as a solution dissolved in a predetermined solvent, depending on the type of radionuclide to be separated and purified and the details of the treatment. The radionuclide separated and purified in the treatment involving the predetermined operation may be either the radionuclide contained in the processed product, or a progeny nuclide generated by radioactive decay of the radionuclide contained in the processed product.

[0025] The separation and purification apparatus 1 can be incorporated, for example, into a radionuclide production system that executes a radionuclide production process. In the radionuclide production process, a source material containing source nuclides is irradiated with radiation to transmute the source nuclides into product nuclides through a nuclear reaction, thereby producing a predetermined radionuclide. Alternatively, the predetermined radionuclide may be obtained by radioactive decay of the source nuclides. The separation and purification apparatus 1 can be used for separating source materials from radioactive materials containing a mixture of radioactive and non-radioactive nuclides, purifying the source materials, separating target materials from product materials containing a mixture of radioactive and non-radioactive nuclides, purifying the target materials, etc.

[0026] In the radionuclide production process, the nuclear reaction that converts the source nuclide into the product nuclide can be any appropriate reaction depending on the type of radionuclide, the type of source nuclide, the required energy, etc., such as photonuclear reactions caused by bremsstrahlung (γ,n), (γ,p), (γ,2n), (γ,pn), etc., or nuclear reactions caused by particle beams such as charged particle beams and heavy particle beams.

[0027] As the nuclear reaction for nuclear transmuting the source nuclide, a photonuclear reaction due to bremsstrahlung is preferably used. As a means for generating bremsstrahlung, a converter for generating bremsstrahlung, which generates bremsstrahlung by bremsstrahlung due to the incidence of charged particles, can be used. As a radionuclide production system, a system including a charged particle source for generating charged particles, an accelerator for accelerating the charged particles, and a converter for generating bremsstrahlung can be used.

[0028] When using a photonuclear reaction caused by bremsstrahlung, incident particles with the energy required for nuclear transmutation can be generated using a smaller accelerator than synchrotrons, cyclotrons, etc. A linear accelerator or similar device can be used as the accelerator. Furthermore, when using a photonuclear reaction caused by bremsstrahlung, thick shielding is not required compared to nuclear reactions caused by neutrons or charged particles, so the system can be made smaller and lighter.

[0029] The radioactive nuclides separated and purified by the separation and purification apparatus 1 are preferably α-ray emitting nuclides, β-ray emitting nuclides, or γ-ray emitting nuclides, and particularly preferably α-ray emitting nuclides, because they are useful as raw materials for internal therapeutic drugs, raw materials for radioactively labeled reagents, etc. Examples of α-ray emitting nuclides include radium-223 (Ra-223), astatine-211 (At-211), and actinium-225 (Ac-225).

[0030] For example, when producing the alpha-emitting nuclide Actinium-225 (Ac-225), the Ra-226(γ,n)Ra-225 reaction due to irradiation with bremsstrahlung and the beta decay of Ra-225 can be used. The source material containing the source nuclide is radium chloride ( 226 RaCl2) can be used.

[0031] When an electron beam emitted from an electron linear accelerator is irradiated onto a converter for generating bremsstrahlung, bremsstrahlung radiation is emitted by bremsstrahlung. When using the Ra-226(γ,n)Ra-225 reaction, the bremsstrahlung radiation emitted from the converter is irradiated onto the raw nuclide Ra-226, causing a specific photonuclear reaction, thereby producing the product nuclide Ra-225.

[0032] Heavy metals such as platinum (Pt), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), lead (Pb), and bismuth (Bi) can be used as converters for generating bremsstrahlung radiation. The source nuclide Ra-226 can also function as a converter for generating bremsstrahlung radiation. Source materials containing Ra-226, which functions as a converter, can also be directly irradiated with an electron beam.

[0033] When Ra-226 is irradiated with bremsstrahlung radiation of a certain energy, it undergoes a photonuclear reaction of Ra-226(γ,n)Ra-225, emitting neutrons and being transformed into Ra-225. Ra-225 undergoes beta decay with a half-life of 14.9 days to become Ac-225. Ac-225 is an alpha-ray emitting nuclide useful as a raw material for radiopharmaceuticals.

[0034] Ac-225 becomes Fr-221 with a half-life of 9.92 days. Fr-221 becomes At-217 with a half-life of 4.9 minutes. At-217 becomes Bi-213 with a half-life of 32 milliseconds. These progeny nuclides are also alpha-particle emitting nuclides and can be used as raw materials for radiopharmaceuticals. Ac-225 and its progeny nuclides can be recovered by subjecting the raw material after irradiation to a separation and purification process. Ra-226 recovered by the separation and purification process can be reused as a raw material nuclide.

[0035] The piping panel 100 is a panel-shaped module used in separation and purification processes. The piping panel 100 has pipes such as tubes for transporting liquid, liquid transfer means such as pumps for driving the movement of liquid through the pipes, switching means such as valves for switching the liquid transfer path through the pipes, and separation and purification means such as columns for separating and purifying substances contained in the liquid, all arranged at predetermined positions depending on the type of process. In addition, depending on the type of process, piping paths in a predetermined pattern are formed so that each means is connected to each other.

[0036] A separation and purification process for separating and purifying radioactive materials is composed of one or more processes that perform a predetermined operation. A piping panel 100 in which the arrangement of the liquid transfer means, switching means, and separation and purification means and the piping pattern are changed for each process that performs the predetermined operation is used. In a series of separation and purification processes for separating and purifying predetermined radioactive materials, multiple piping panels 100 are used, each with a different arrangement of each means and a different piping pattern.

[0037] Piping panel 100 is used for processing predetermined operations that handle solid and liquid radioactive materials. A drive unit 101 that drives a liquid transfer means and a switching means is detachably attached to piping panel 100. Furthermore, containers such as a first container 105 and a second container 106 are connected to the piping paths formed on piping panel 100 via piping such as tubes. Driving the liquid transfer means and the switching means by drive unit 101 transfers the liquid through the piping and passes the liquid through a separation / purification means such as a column.

[0038] The drive unit 101 is a device that drives the liquid moving means and switching means arranged on the piping panel 100. The drive unit 101 has functional parts that drive the operation of the liquid moving means and switching means. Examples of functional parts include drive mechanisms such as motors and solenoids, and mechanical mechanisms that transmit and convert power. The drive unit 101 is connected to a control unit 103 via a wired or wireless control line.

[0039] The isolation cell 102 is a structure that forms a radiation-protected isolated space. The isolated space is sealed so that it can be opened and closed freely from the outside, preventing radiation from penetrating to the outside and isolating radioactive materials inside. The isolation cell 102 is formed from a shielding material that blocks radiation. The isolation cell 102 can be formed as a radiation-protected shielded glove box, a shielded safety cabinet, or a hot cell or hot lab that can accommodate a large number of devices and systems.

[0040] 1, the piping panel 100, drive unit 101, first container 105, second container 106, temperature adjustment means 107, and peripheral components such as wiring (not shown) connected to these components are installed inside the isolation cell 102. On the other hand, the control unit 103, input / output device 104, air supply / exhaust system 108, and peripheral components such as wiring (not shown) connected to these components are installed outside the isolation cell 102. Therefore, the piping panel 100, drive unit 101, etc. are used inside the isolation space during the separation and purification process.

[0041] In this way, by clearly separating the locations of the components that make up the separation and purification apparatus 1 into the inside of the isolated space with radiation protection and the outside of the isolated space without radiation protection, it is possible to minimize the extent of radioactive contamination. Even in the unlikely event of a leak of radioactive material, the extent to which surface contamination or activation occurs can be limited for the equipment and parts used in the separation and purification process. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of equipment and parts that become radioactive waste during the separation and purification process.

[0042] The installation and assembly of the separation and purification apparatus 1 inside the isolation cell 102 can be performed automatically by an automatic device that executes a predetermined sequence. Examples of automatic devices include a robot arm, an automatic connection machine that automatically connects and disconnects pipes, an automatic opening and closing machine that automatically opens and closes container stoppers and valves, a conveyor that automatically transports containers and equipment, a crane, etc. The installation and assembly of the separation and purification apparatus 1 inside the isolation cell 102 can also be performed by remote control from outside the isolation cell 102. For remote control, a manipulator, an automatic device operated by wire or wirelessly, etc. can be used.

[0043] The shielding material that forms the isolation cell 102 is designed so that its radiation protection ability to attenuate radiation meets predetermined conditions. The radiation protection ability of the shielding material can be designed depending on the type of radionuclide handled inside the isolation cell 102. For example, when the radioactivity of a radionuclide with an effective dose rate constant Γ is Q (MBq), the effective dose rate at a distance r (m) is expressed as E = Γ × Q / r 2 can be designed to be below the safety standard.

[0044] The shielding material that forms the isolation cell 102 can be a metal plate made of metal such as aluminum, iron, or lead, a wall material made of concrete such as cement, a container containing water, or a combination of these. If neutrons are generated inside the isolation cell 102, a combination of neutron absorbing materials such as water, polyethylene, boron, or graphite can be used.

[0045] The control unit 103 controls the drive unit 101 and the temperature adjustment means 107. The control unit 103 includes control devices such as a motor controller, a solenoid driver, a sensor driver, and a heater controller. The control unit 103 is connected to the drive unit 101 and the temperature adjustment means 107 via control lines and signal lines. The control unit 103 is connected to an input / output device 104 via an interface. The control unit 103 can be equipped with appropriate hardware and software that support the control devices and interfaces.

[0046] The input / output device 104 inputs and outputs data related to the separation and purification process. The input / output device 104 can perform input for remotely operating the drive unit 101, etc., input for setting conditions for control by the control unit 103, output of the control status, etc. The input / output device 104 can be configured with a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, etc. The input / output device 104 can be equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and output devices such as a display, a touch screen, etc.

[0047] The first container 105 is a container that stores an input liquid to be supplied to the piping formed on the piping panel 100. In the first container 105, a solid radioactive material to be turned into a solution by adding a solvent, a solution in which a radioactive material is dissolved in a solvent, or the like is prepared before processing using the piping panel 100. The first container 105 is provided so as to be freely connectable to the piping on the piping panel 100 via an external pipe such as a tube, a joint, or the like.

[0048] The second container 106 is a container that stores the liquid on the output side that is discharged from the piping path formed on the piping panel 100. The second container 106 recovers a solution in which radioactive materials are dissolved in a solvent after processing using the piping panel 100. The second container 106 is provided so as to be freely connectable to the piping on the piping panel 100 via an external piping such as a tube, a joint, or the like.

[0049] The first container 105 and the second container 106 may each be a single container or a plurality of containers. The number of containers connected to the piping on the piping panel 100 is not particularly limited.

[0050] The first container 105 may be a supply container that contains a liquid to be used in a process that performs a predetermined operation constituting the separation and purification process, a cleaning liquid container that contains a cleaning liquid that is passed through the piping formed on the piping panel 100 to clean the piping and each means, or a solvent container that contains a solvent for preparing a solution.

[0051] The second container 106 may be a collection container for containing liquid used in a process for carrying out a predetermined operation constituting the separation and purification process, a waste liquid container for collecting unnecessary waste liquid, etc. Examples of unnecessary waste liquid include unnecessary fractions separated by the separation and purification means, and washing waste liquid used for washing the piping paths formed on the piping panel 100, the liquid transfer means 401, the separation and purification means 402, and the switching means 403.

[0052] The first container 105 and the second container 106 are provided as sealed containers that prevent leakage of radioactive gas. An air supply port for supplying air into the container and an exhaust port for exhausting air from the container are provided at the top of the sealed container. Gas pipes for transporting gas are connected to the air supply port and the exhaust port, respectively. The first container 105 and the second container 106 are connected to an air supply and exhaust system 108 via the gas pipes.

[0053] The temperature adjustment means 107 is a device that adjusts the temperature of the liquid contained in the first container 105 and the second container 106. As the temperature adjustment means 107, for example, a plate type temperature adjustment device on which a container is placed to adjust the temperature, or a jacket type temperature adjustment device that covers the periphery of the container to adjust the temperature, can be used. Temperature adjustment methods include resistance heating and Peltier element types. The temperature adjustment means 107 is connected to the control unit 103 via control lines and signal lines.

[0054] The temperature adjustment means 107 preferably has at least a heating function, and more preferably has both heating and cooling functions. By heating the liquid, it is possible to perform evaporation to dryness, in which the solvent is evaporated and a solid is precipitated, or to adjust the concentration of the solution. Furthermore, by cooling the liquid, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the heated liquid to a temperature at which the solvent does not evaporate when added, to the heat resistance temperature of various columns, or to a temperature suitable for various types of chromatography, etc.

[0055] The supply and exhaust system 108 supplies and exhausts air to and from the first container 105 and the second container 106. The supply and exhaust system 108 supplies and exhausts gas into the containers to replace or maintain a predetermined gas atmosphere inside the containers. Examples of gas include inert gases such as nitrogen gas and argon gas, and dry air. By supplying and exhausting gas, radioactive gases, acid gases formed by vaporizing acid solutions, and the like can be removed from the containers. The supply and exhaust system 108 is provided so as to be freely connectable to the first container 105 and the second container 106 via gas pipes, joints, and the like.

[0056] The air supply and exhaust system 108 may be equipped with a removal device that removes components contained in the gas. Examples of removal devices include a cold trap that captures moisture, and an exhaust gas treatment device (scrubber) that treats gaseous radioactive materials, minute liquid radioactive materials floating in the gas, and minute solid radioactive materials by washing with liquid, neutralizing with chemicals, adsorption, etc. The installation of a removal device can particularly prevent the spread of radioactive gases that are easily taken into the human body through breathing, such as radon-222, which is generated by the radioactive decay of radium-226 and remains in the human body, causing long-term internal exposure.

[0057] The first container 105 and the second container 106 can be made of an appropriate material that has heat resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, etc., depending on the temperature to which the container is heated and the type of treatment. Examples of materials for the container include glass such as quartz glass and borosilicate glass, resins such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), and PC (polycarbonate), and fluorine-based resins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane). The inner surface of the container may be lined with glass, fluorine-based resin, etc., to improve corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, etc.

[0058] The piping arranged on the piping panel 100, the external piping connecting the containers, and the gas piping connected to the containers can be made of appropriate materials with heat resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, etc., depending on the temperature to which the liquid in the containers is heated and the type of liquid in the containers. Examples of piping materials include PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), fluororesins such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), and silicone rubber.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows an example of a separation and purification process. Fig. 2 shows a separation and purification process incorporated into a radionuclide production process for producing Ac-225 using Ra-226 as a raw material nuclide. As shown in Fig. 2, the radionuclide production process for producing Ac-225 includes a raw material purification step 201, a product material liquefaction step 202, and multi-stage product material purification steps 203 and 204.

[0060] The source material refining step 201 is a step of refining a source material containing source nuclides. In the source material refining step 201, impurities such as metal ions contained in the source material are removed. As the source material, a material containing a predetermined source nuclide recovered from a nuclear reactor facility or a mining site, or a material containing a predetermined source nuclide produced by a predetermined chemical process can be used. As the source material, a material containing unreacted source nuclide recovered after irradiation treatment may be reused.

[0061] In the raw material purification step 201, first, a solution containing the raw material, including Ra-226 and the like, is evaporated to dryness. Then, acid 1, an acid, is added to the raw material containing Ra-226 and the like precipitated by evaporation to dryness to prepare an acid 1 solution containing Ra-226 and the like. Next, the acid 1 solution containing Ra-226 and the like is passed through an ion exchange chromatography column packed with an ion exchange resin. Ra-226 and some cations are captured by the ion exchange chromatography column. Meanwhile, the remaining impurities pass through the ion exchange chromatography column without being captured. Next, acid 2 solution, in which acid 2, an acid serving as an eluent, is dissolved, is passed through the ion exchange chromatography column. Ra-226 and the like are eluted from the column by passing an eluent with an adjusted acid concentration through the column and separated from the major impurity cations. Next, the eluted acid 2 solution containing Ra-226 and the like is evaporated to dryness. When hydrochloric acid is used as the acid 1 solution and nitric acid is used as the acid 2 solution, radium chloride ( 226 RaCl2) is obtained.

[0062] The refined source material is subjected to irradiation to induce a specific nuclear reaction. The target for irradiation can be created by enclosing the source material in an irradiation container. In irradiation, an electron linear accelerator is used to generate an electron beam with a specific energy, which is then irradiated onto a converter for generating bremsstrahlung radiation, generating bremsstrahlung radiation with an energy level above the threshold for nuclear reactions, which is then irradiated onto the target for irradiation. When a source material containing Ra-226, etc., is irradiated with bremsstrahlung radiation, 226 Ra(γ,n) 225 Photonuclear reactions, represented by Ra, produce products including Ra-225 and others.

[0063] The product material solution process 202 is a process for solutionizing the product material containing product nuclides generated by the irradiation process. In the product material solution process 202, acid is added to the product material containing the source materials Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. to prepare an acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. The acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. is left for a predetermined time. Ra-225 is converted to Ac-225 by beta decay with a half-life of approximately 15 days. After being left for a predetermined period, the acid solution containing Ac-225 or Ra-225, etc. can be subjected to a separation and purification process to purify Ac-225 when the radioactivity of Ac-225 is maximized. Alternatively, the product material containing product nuclides generated by the irradiation process may be left in solid form for a predetermined time before the product material solution process 202 is performed.

[0064] The product material purification steps 203 and 204 are steps for purifying the product material containing the product nuclides produced by the irradiation process. In the product material purification steps 203 and 204, impurities such as unreacted source nuclides contained in the product material, progeny nuclides produced by radioactive decay, and metal ions remaining in the product material are removed. The impurities include unreacted Ra-226, undecayed Ra-225, progeny nuclides such as Fr-221, Bi-213, Tl-209, and Pb-209, as well as impurities derived from the source material and peripheral equipment.

[0065] The first stage, product purification step 203, is a step in which the main radium, which shows high radiation levels, is removed by extraction chromatography. The second stage, product purification step 204, is a step in which remaining impurities, including progeny nuclides derived from actinium and non-radioactive nuclides, are removed by extraction chromatography and ion exchange chromatography.

[0066] In the first-stage product purification step 203, an acid solution containing Ac-225, Ra-225, Ra-226, etc. is first passed through an extraction chromatography column packed with an extraction chromatography resin. Ac-225 and some impurities are collected in the extraction chromatography column. Meanwhile, impurities such as Ra-225 and Ra-226 pass through the extraction chromatography column without being collected. Next, an acid solution is passed through the extraction chromatography column as an eluent. Ac-225, etc. are eluted from the column by passing the eluent with an adjusted acid concentration through it, and are separated from the main impurities such as Ra-225 and Ra-226, which exhibit high doses.

[0067] Next, the acid solution containing the eluted Ac-225 etc. is evaporated to dryness. When nitric acid is used as the acid, the evaporation of the acid solution containing Ac-225 etc. produces a purified product, which is high-purity actinium nitrate ( 225 If the removal of impurities such as Ra-225 and Ra-226 is insufficient, the product purification step 203 may be repeated.

[0068] In the second-stage product purification step 204, first, an acid is added to a product primarily composed of a substance containing Ac-225, from which impurities such as Ra-225, Ra-226, and progeny nuclides have been removed, to prepare an acid solution containing Ac-225 and other elements. The acid solution containing Ac-225 and other elements is then passed through an extraction chromatography column or an ion exchange chromatography column. The extraction chromatography column may be packed with a DGA (diglycolamide) resin or a Sr resin based on a crown ether extractant. The ion exchange chromatography column may be packed with a cation exchange resin. The extraction chromatography column or ion exchange chromatography column may be configured, for example, as two columns connected in series.

[0069] When an extraction chromatography column is used, an acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like is passed through an extraction chromatography column packed with an extraction chromatography resin. Impurities such as daughter nuclides of Ac-225 are captured in the extraction chromatography column. On the other hand, Ac-225 and the remaining impurities pass through the extraction chromatography column without being captured. When an ion exchange chromatography column is used, an acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like is passed through an ion exchange chromatography column packed with an ion exchange resin. When a cation exchange resin is used as the ion exchange resin, impurities such as Ac-225 and some daughter nuclides of Ac-225 are captured in the ion exchange chromatography column. On the other hand, the remaining impurities such as daughter nuclides of Ac-225 pass through the ion exchange chromatography column without being captured. The acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like is passed through an extraction chromatography column, and then the acid solution as an eluent is passed through an ion exchange chromatography column. Ac-225 and the like are eluted from the column by the passage of the eluent with an adjusted acid concentration, and are separated from the main impurity cations.

[0070] Next, the acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like that has passed through the extraction chromatography column and the acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like that has been eluted from the ion exchange chromatography column are evaporated to dryness. When hydrochloric acid is used as the acid solution passed through the column or as the eluent, the purified product obtained by evaporation to dryness is high-purity actinium hydrochloride ( 225 When nitric acid is used as the acid solution or eluent passed through the column, the purified product is high-purity actinium nitrate ( 225 Ac(NO3)3) is obtained.

[0071] 2, the separation and purification process for separating and purifying radioactive substances consists of a process of heating a solution to evaporate it to dryness, a process of adding a solvent to a radioactive substance to prepare a solution, a process of passing a solution through a column, etc. The separation and purification device 1 uses a piping panel 100 in which the equipment and piping required for each process are modularized for performing predetermined operations that make up such separation and purification processes.

[0072] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a master piping panel that serves as the basis for the piping panels that make up the separation and purification apparatus. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the piping panels that make up the separation and purification apparatus. As shown in Fig. 3, piping panel 100 is formed based on a panel-shaped master piping panel 300. As shown in Fig. 4, piping panel 100 is produced by arranging equipment and piping according to the process on master piping panel 300 and forming piping paths in a predetermined pattern required for the process.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the master piping panel 300 includes a liquid transfer means fixing portion 301 for fixing a liquid transfer means 401 such as a pump, a separation and purification means fixing portion 302 for fixing a separation and purification means 402 such as a column, a switching means fixing portion 303 for fixing a switching means 403 such as a valve, and a panel fixing portion 304 for fixing the panel body to the drive unit 101.

[0074] 4, piping panel 100 is formed by arranging liquid transfer means 401 such as a pump, separation and purification means 402 such as a column, switching means 403 such as a valve, and piping 404 for transporting liquid at predetermined positions on master piping panel 300. Piping 404 is connected so as to communicate with liquid transfer means 401, separation and purification means 402, first container 105, and second container 106. The types and numbers of separation and purification means 402, switching means 403, piping 404, first container 105, and second container 106 can be changed for each process.

[0075] The pipes 404 are connected to each other via branch joints 405 that form branches. By connecting the first container 105, the second container 106, and other containers, between the containers and the liquid transfer means 401, and between the containers and the separation and purification means 402 with the pipes 404 and branch joints 405, a piping path of a predetermined pattern according to the type of treatment is formed. Because the piping path has a branched structure, the number of pipes 404 housed in the isolated space and the number of connections are reduced, thereby suppressing the amount of radioactive waste generated.

[0076] The master piping panel 300 is formed, for example, by a panel body that is a plate-shaped structural material. Materials that can be used for this panel body include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy. The master piping panel 300 is flat, and each unit and pipe 404 can be arranged two-dimensionally. By using a structure that allows two-dimensional arrangement on the master piping panel 300, it becomes easier to access each unit of the drive unit of the drive unit 101 and to attach and detach each unit and pipe 404.

[0077] The liquid moving means fixing portion 301 is composed of a jig or fixing location that fixes the liquid moving means 401, such as a pump, to a predetermined position on the master piping panel 300. The liquid moving means fixing portion 301 is provided at a position that coincides with the position of the drive portion of the drive unit 101 that drives the liquid moving means 401 when the piping panel 100 is attached to the drive unit 101. The liquid moving means fixing portion 301 is provided near the upper end of the master piping panel 300, and is accessible from the rear side of the master piping panel 300.

[0078] Liquid moving means 401 is composed of a device that drives the movement of liquid through piping 404. Liquid moving means 401 is driven by a corresponding drive section of drive unit 101. In FIG. 4, a syringe pump is provided as liquid moving means 401. The syringe pump can be changed to any capacity, such as 10 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, or 500 mL, depending on the contents of the process. Liquid moving means 401 may also be, for example, a positive displacement pump such as a piston pump or a plunger pump.

[0079] The separation and purification means fixing section 302 is composed of a jig or fixing location for fixing a separation and purification means 402 such as a column at a predetermined position on the master piping panel 300. The separation and purification means fixing section 302 may be provided so that the position for fixing the separation and purification means 402 can be adjusted depending on the type and capacity of the separation and purification means 402. The position for fixing the separation and purification means 402 can be provided at any position on the master piping panel 300.

[0080] The separation and purification means fixing part 302 is preferably provided with a structure that elastically supports the separation and purification means 402. With an elastic support structure, separation and purification means 402 of any type and capacity can be fixed by a common separation and purification means fixing part 302. For example, a pair of support parts for clamping the separation and purification means 402 can be installed at a fixed position while being elastically supported by an elastic member such as a coil spring. The fixing positions for installing the support parts can be provided in multiple locations so that the positions of the support parts can be changed. An insertion hole for fixing or the like can be provided at the fixing positions for installing the support parts.

[0081] The separation and purification means 402 is composed of equipment that selectively separates and purifies a predetermined substance. A cylindrical, capillary, or other column filled with a predetermined packing material can be used as the separation and purification means 402. Examples of packing materials that can be used include ion exchange resins, extraction chromatography resins (extractants), and chelating resins. Specific examples of packing materials include cation exchange resins, anion exchange resins, DGA resins, and Pb and Sr resins based on crown ether extractants.

[0082] The separation and purification means 402 may be a single device or multiple devices arranged at any position on the pipeline. Multiple separation and purification means 402 may separate the same substances or different substances. Multiple separation and purification means 402 may be arranged in series or in parallel. The capacity of the separation and purification means 402 can be changed as desired depending on the contents of the treatment. In treatments that do not involve separation and purification, the separation and purification means 402 does not need to be installed.

[0083] The switching means fixing portion 303 is configured by a jig or fixing location that fixes the switching means 403, such as a valve, to a predetermined position on the master piping panel 300. The switching means fixing portion 303 is provided at a position that coincides with the position of the drive portion of the drive unit 101 that drives the switching means 403 when the piping panel 100 is attached to the drive unit 101. The switching means fixing portion 303 can be provided at a plurality of positions on the master piping panel 300 where the piping 404 is arranged, for example.

[0084] The switching means fixing portion 303 can be provided, for example, in a structure having a through-hole that penetrates the master piping panel 300. For example, a clip-shaped valve or the like that opens and closes a tubular pipe 404 by pressing it can be inserted as the switching means 403 into a through-hole formed at a predetermined position on the master piping panel 300. With a structure having a through-hole, the switching means 403 that opens and closes the pipe 404 can be disposed on the front side of the master piping panel 300, while the drive portion of the drive unit 101 that drives the switching means 403 can be accessed from the back side of the master piping panel 300 to the switching means 403.

[0085] The switching means 403 opens and closes a pipe line on the piping path to switch the liquid transfer path through the piping 404. The switching means 403 is driven by a corresponding drive section of the drive unit 101. The switching means 403 may be fixed to the master piping panel 300, may be fixed to the drive unit 101, or may be attached as a separate entity from the master piping panel 300 or the drive unit 101.

[0086] The clip-shaped valve can be provided with a structure in which the gripping portion closes when inserted into the through-hole and opens when withdrawn from the through-hole, or a structure in which the gripping portion closes when the base end is inserted into the through-hole and opens when the base end is withdrawn from the through-hole, etc. With such a structure, the conduit can be opened and closed using an actuator that drives the insertion and withdrawal of the switching means 403.

[0087] The panel fixing portion 304 is composed of a jig or fixing location that fixes the master piping panel 300 to the drive unit 101 side via a panel receiving member 502, which will be described later. The panel fixing portion 304 is provided at a position that coincides with the position of the engagement portion on the drive unit 101 side when the piping panel 100 is attached to the drive unit 101 via the panel receiving member 502. The panel fixing portion 304 can be provided as a rotary lock or the like at multiple positions on the master piping panel 300 so that it can be operated from the front side of the master piping panel 300, for example.

[0088] The piping 404 is preferably formed of a flexible tube. The piping 404 may or may not be fixed to the master piping panel 300. The master piping panel 300 may be provided with a jig such as a clip, or a fixing location such as a claw or groove as a fixing portion for fixing the piping 404 in a predetermined position.

[0089] The branch joint 405 connects the pipes 404 together to form a branched pipe path. A connector having three or more ports can be used as the branch joint 405. Examples of the branch joint 405 include a T-shaped, Y-shaped, and cross-shaped joint. The branch joint 405 may be fixed to the master piping panel 300, or may not be fixed to the master piping panel 300. Like the pipes 404, the branch joint 405 can be made of a material such as a resin that has heat resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, chemical resistance, and the like.

[0090] A plurality of master piping panels 300 can be prepared for a series of separation and purification processes for separating and purifying a predetermined radioactive substance. The plurality of master piping panels 300 are arranged so that the position of liquid moving means fixing portion 301 where liquid moving means 401 is arranged, the position of switching means fixing portion 303 where switching means 403 is arranged, and the position of panel fixing portion 304 fixed to drive unit 101 are all in the same position.

[0091] A plurality of piping panels 100 can be produced for each process that performs a predetermined operation based on a plurality of such master piping panels 300. Therefore, the plurality of piping panels 100 are structured such that the liquid transfer means 401 and the switching means 403 are arranged in the same positions on the master piping panel 300, and piping paths are formed by piping 404 that connect each means and container to the master piping panel 300.

[0092] With this structure, because it is based on a common master piping panel 300, each of the multiple piping panels 100 prepared for each process can be attached to a single drive unit 101, and the liquid moving means 401 and switching means 403 arranged on each piping panel 100 can be driven by the common drive unit 101. When performing separation and purification processing, the number of devices and parts to be housed in the isolated space can be reduced, thereby suppressing the amount of radioactive waste generated during the separation and purification processing.

[0093] Furthermore, multiple piping panels 100 can be provided in a structure in which different equipment arrangements correspond to multiple processes individually, or in which different piping patterns are formed to correspond to multiple processes individually. The separation and purification means 402 and switching means 403 are detachably provided on the master piping panel 300 and can be attached and detached depending on the type of process. Furthermore, the arrangement, connection destination, and branch position of the piping 404 on the master piping panel 300 can be changed depending on the type of process. The capacity of the liquid transfer means 401 and the type and capacity of the separation and purification means 402 can be changed depending on the type of process.

[0094] This structure allows the use of common types of equipment and parts for various operations that handle radioactive materials. Furthermore, the transfer paths for the liquids required for the various operations can be formed in an appropriate pattern for each process using common types of piping. This minimizes the number of equipment and parts used in the separation and purification process, making it possible to minimize the amount of radioactive waste generated during the separation and purification process.

[0095] 4, a branch joint 405 is connected to the outlet side of liquid transfer means 401, and pipes 404a and 404b are connected to branch joint 405 so as to branch off. These pipes 404a and 404b are equipped with switching means 403. Connecting means 406, which can connect any container, is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404a, and when no container is connected, the conduit is closed by connecting means 406.

[0096] A branch joint 405 is connected to the downstream side of the pipe 404b, and pipes 404c and 404d are connected to the branch joint 405 so as to branch off therefrom. These pipes 404c and 404d are equipped with switching means 403. The first container 105 is connected to the downstream side of the pipe 404c via connecting means 406.

[0097] A branch joint 405 is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404d, and pipes 404e and 404f are connected to branch joint 405 so as to branch off from each other. These pipes 404e and 404f are equipped with switching means 403. The inlet side of separation and purification means 402 is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404e. The outlet side of separation and purification means 402 is connected to pipe 404g.

[0098] A branch joint 405 is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404g, and pipes 404h and 404i are connected to branch joint 405 so as to branch off therefrom. These pipes 404h and 404i are equipped with switching means 403. A connection means 406 such as a connector to which any container can be connected is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404h, and the conduit is closed by the connection means 406. A second container 106 is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404i via the connection means 406.

[0099] A branch joint 405 is connected to the downstream side of pipe 404f, and pipes 404j and 404k are connected to branch joint 405 so as to branch off. These pipes 404j and 404k are equipped with switching means 403. Connecting means 406 to which any container can be connected is connected to the downstream side of these pipes 404j and 404k, and when no container is connected, the conduit is closed by connecting means 406.

[0100] In this piping panel 100, the liquid contained in the first container 105 can be sucked into the liquid transfer means 401 by closing the pipes 404a and 404d and opening the pipes 404b and 404c. The liquid sucked into the liquid transfer means 401 can be passed through the separation and purification means 402 by closing the pipes 404a, 404c, and 404f and opening the pipes 404b, 404d, and 404e. The liquid passed through the separation and purification means 402 can be collected in the second container 106 by closing the pipe 404h and opening the pipe 404i.

[0101] The first container 105, the second container 106, and the separation and purification means 402 can be connected to the pipe 404 via connecting means 406 such as a connector. The connecting means 406 is preferably of a detachable type that detachably connects the pipeline between the pipe 404 and the first container 105, the pipeline between the pipe 404 and the second container 106, and the pipeline between the pipe 404 and the separation and purification means 402 to one another. The connecting means 406 is preferably of an open / close type that connects the pipelines when the pipe 404 is connected and airtightly seals the pipelines when the pipe 404 is removed.

[0102] Similarly, the first container 105 and the second container 106 can be connected to gas piping (not shown) connected to the supply and exhaust system 108 via connecting means 406 such as a connector. The connecting means 406 is preferably of a detachable type that detachably connects the gas piping line between the supply and exhaust system 108 and the first container 105 and the gas piping line between the supply and exhaust system 108 and the second container 106. The connecting means 406 is preferably of an open / close type that connects the lines when the gas piping is connected and seals the lines when the gas piping is removed.

[0103] By using such connecting means 406, each container and each means can be connected to the piping 404 with a simple operation. Also, each container can be connected to a gas piping connected to the supply and exhaust system 108 with a simple operation. This makes it possible to easily connect and disconnect piping inside the isolated space, and ensures the airtightness of the pipeline through which radioactive materials flow, thereby providing a separation and purification apparatus 1 that is suitable for improving the efficiency of the separation and purification process and for automation and remote operation.

[0104] The temperature adjustment means 107 is preferably attached to at least one of the first container 105 and the second container 106. During a predetermined operation, it is preferable to adjust the temperature of the liquid contained in at least one of the first container 105 and the second container 106. By heating the liquid, it is possible to evaporate and dry the solution containing the material to be treated, or to adjust the concentration of the solution containing the material to be treated. Furthermore, by cooling the liquid, it is possible to cool the solution containing the material to a temperature suitable for passing it through the separation and purification means 402.

[0105] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a piping panel constituting the separation and purification apparatus is attached to a drive unit. As shown in Figure 5, drive unit 101 can be supported on a panel support member 502 supported on a base 501. Panel support member 502 is provided in a plate shape and supported upright on base 501. After being carried into the isolated space, piping panel 100 is aligned with and attached to drive unit 101 supported on panel support member 502.

[0106] The drive unit 101, first container 105, and second container 106 are detachably mounted on the piping panel 100. Being detachable from the drive unit 101 allows the piping panel 100 to be replaced for each process that performs a predetermined operation. Even if the piping panel 100 is replaced, the liquid moving means 401 and switching means 403 arranged on the piping panel 100 can be driven using the common drive unit 101. Furthermore, being detachable from the first container 105 and the second container 106 allows the use of a common container housed in the isolated space. Since the number of devices and parts used in the isolated space is reduced, it becomes possible to minimize the amount of radioactive waste generated during processing.

[0107] The base 501 is installed in the isolated space and supports the panel receiving member 502 and the like. The panel receiving member 502 has a panel receiving surface extending in a direction parallel to the vertical direction at a predetermined height on the front side. The piping panel 100 is detachably fixed to the panel receiving surface of the panel receiving member 502. The drive unit 101 is installed integrally on the rear side of the panel receiving surface of the panel receiving member 502. By using the base 501 that supports the panel receiving member 502, it is possible to appropriately transfer liquid between the piping panel 100 and the first container 105 or the second container 106, and to appropriately perform processing by the separation and purification means 402.

[0108] The panel receiving member 502 is formed with a drive unit opening through which the drive unit 503 on the drive unit 101 enters and exits in order to drive the switching means 403, and an engagement unit 504 with which the panel fixing unit 304 can engage. The drive unit opening through which the drive unit 503 enters and exits is provided at a position that coincides with the position of the switching means fixing unit 303 of the piping panel 100. The engagement unit 504 is provided at a position that coincides with the position of the panel fixing unit 304 of the piping panel 100.

[0109] The drive unit 101 includes a drive unit 505 that drives the liquid movement by the liquid movement means 401, and a plurality of drive units 503 that drive the opening and closing of the pipeline by the switching means 403. The drive unit 505 that drives the liquid movement means 401 is provided near the upper end of the panel receiving surface of the panel receiving member 502 that is accessible from the front side of the piping panel 100. The drive unit 503 that drives the switching means 403 is built into the drive unit opening of the panel receiving member 502.

[0110] Driving unit 505 that drives liquid moving means 401 is composed of, for example, a motor, a mechanical mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor into translational motion, and a member that transmits the translational motion to liquid moving means 401. By converting the rotational motion of the motor into translational motion and transmitting the translational motion to liquid moving means 401 arranged on the front side of piping panel 100, it is possible to drive a piston of a syringe pump or the like. Driving the piston of a syringe pump or the like allows for the suction and discharge of liquid.

[0111] The drive unit 503 that drives the switching means 403 is configured, for example, by a solenoid. The solenoid is installed so that a movable part driven by electromagnetic force protrudes from the front side of the panel receiving surface of the panel receiving member 502. When a clip-shaped valve arranged on the front side of the panel receiving member 502 is moved in and out of a through-hole that penetrates the master piping panel 300 by the solenoid, the gripping part of the clip-shaped valve can be opened and closed. This operation can open and close the piping 404 arranged on the front side of the piping panel 100.

[0112] The engaging portion 504 that engages with the panel fixing portion 304 can be provided, for example, in the form of a claw or a square hole. For example, a dial pin equipped with a plate latch can be provided rotatably so as to pass through the master piping panel 300. The piping panel 100 is aligned with the panel receiving surface of the panel receiving member 502, and the dial pin is rotated to engage the plate latch with the engaging portion 504. Rotating the dial pin in the opposite direction releases the engagement of the plate latch. With this structure, the piping panel 100 can be attached to and detached from the panel receiving member 502.

[0113] Next, a separation and purification method using the separation and purification apparatus 1 equipped with the piping panel 100 will be described.

[0114] A separation and purification method using a separation and purification apparatus 1 equipped with a piping panel 100 includes the steps of: arranging piping 404, a liquid transfer means 401, and a switching means 403 on a master piping panel 300 to prepare a piping panel 100 having a piping path formed by piping 404; attaching the piping panel 100 to a drive unit 101 via a panel support member 502; connecting the piping 404 on the piping panel 100 to a first container 105 and a second container 106; subjecting the liquid contained in the first container 105 to processing using the piping panel 100; and recovering the liquid subjected to processing using the piping panel 100 into the second container 106.

[0115] In the process of mounting the piping panel 100 to the drive unit 101 via the panel support member 502, multiple piping panels 100 can be attached to and detached from the drive unit 101 via the panel support member 502 for each process for which a predetermined operation is to be performed. By attaching and detaching the piping panel 100, the equipment and piping 404 arranged on the piping panel 100 can be replaced. Therefore, a common drive unit 101 can be used to perform various operations using piping paths in a pattern appropriate for the process. Furthermore, contamination of the equipment and piping 404 can be prevented, preventing impurities from being mixed into the processed material.

[0116] In the process of connecting the piping 404 on the piping panel 100, the piping 404 on the piping panel 100 can be connected to the first container 105 and the second container 106 for each process that performs a predetermined operation. If the configuration allows the piping 404 to be connected to each container for each process, the piping can be connected to each container while each container is housed in an isolated space. This makes it possible to use a common container in the isolated space. Furthermore, by changing the container, multi-stage continuous processing can be performed.

[0117] The processes that can be performed using the piping panel 100 include a process of preparing a solution by adding a solvent to a solid contained in the first container 105, a process of passing the liquid contained in the first container 105 through the separation and purification means 402, and a process of adjusting the concentration of the liquid contained in the first container 105 or the second container 106. The processes that can be performed using the piping panel 100 preferably include at least one of a process of preparing a solution and a process of passing a liquid through the separation and purification means 402. These processes enable separation and purification by column chromatography.

[0118] The piping panel 100 can be replaced after each process that performs a predetermined operation. It can also be replaced as needed during the process of performing a predetermined operation. For example, if the equipment or piping 404 becomes contaminated or malfunctions in the equipment or piping 404, the entire piping panel 100 can be replaced during the process. If the equipment or piping 404 becomes contaminated with radioactive materials or the like, there is a possibility that impurities may be mixed into the processed material, so the piping panel 100 can be replaced with a new one equipped with new equipment or piping 404.

[0119] The separation and purification method using the separation and purification apparatus 1 equipped with the piping panel 100 can be carried out in the following procedure.

[0120] First, the base 501 supporting the panel receiving member 502 on which the drive unit 101 is supported, the first container 105, and the second container 106 are carried into the isolation cell 102. A material to be treated that is the target of the separation and purification process is prepared in the first container 105. Containers containing a solvent, an eluent, and the like are also prepared as needed. Each of the carried-in containers is set in the temperature adjustment means 107 as needed, and is connected to the supply and exhaust system 108 via a gas pipe. The carrying-in of the base 501 and the containers and the connection of the gas pipes may be performed manually by an operator, automatically by an automatic device, or remotely.

[0121] Furthermore, a piping panel 100 appropriate for the type of treatment is carried into the isolation cell 102. Liquid transfer means 401 such as a pump, separation and purification means 402 such as a column, switching means 403 such as a valve, and piping 404 can be fixed in advance on the piping panel 100 outside the isolation cell 102. A predetermined pattern of piping paths appropriate for the type of treatment can be formed in advance on the piping panel 100. The piping panel 100 can be carried in manually by an operator, or it can be carried in automatically or remotely by an automatic device.

[0122] Next, the piping panel 100 carried into the isolation cell 102 is aligned with and attached to the drive unit 101 via the panel receiving member 502. In addition, the pipes 404 forming the piping paths on the piping panel 100 are connected to the first container 105 and the second container 106 via external pipes. The external pipes can be connected using connecting means 406 such as a detachable and openable connector. The attachment of the piping panel 100 and the connection of the external pipes may be performed manually by an operator, or may be performed automatically or remotely by an automatic device.

[0123] When the piping panel 100 is attached, the panel fixing portion 304 is engaged with the engaging portion 504 on the panel receiving member 502. By such fixing, the position where the liquid moving means 401 is fixed and the position where the switching means 403 is fixed coincide with the position of the drive portion 505 that drives the liquid moving means 401 of the drive unit 101 and the position of the drive portion opening that houses the drive portion 503 that drives the switching means 403 of the drive unit 101. The liquid moving means 401 and the switching means 403 are ready to perform the specified operation.

[0124] Next, a piping panel 100 having piping paths formed in a predetermined pattern is used to carry out predetermined operations constituting the separation and purification process. The piping panel 100 can perform operations such as adding a solvent to a solid contained in the first container 105 to form a solution, passing the liquid contained in the first container 105 through the separation and purification means 402, and adjusting the concentration of the liquid contained in the first container 105 and the second container 106. The processed product that has undergone the predetermined operations is recovered in the second container 106.

[0125] Next, the external piping is removed from the piping 404 forming the piping path on the piping panel 100, and the containers such as the first container 105 and the second container 106 are removed from the piping panel 100 side. The engagement of the panel fixing portion 304 with the engagement portion 504 is released, and the piping panel 100 used for processing is removed from the panel receiving member 502. Removal of the piping panel 100 and the external piping may be performed manually by an operator, automatically by an automatic device, or remotely.

[0126] Next, the piping panel 100 for the next-stage processing, which will perform a predetermined operation, is aligned and attached to the drive unit 101 via the panel receiving member 502. In addition, the piping 404 forming the piping path on the piping panel 100 for the next-stage processing is connected to the first container 105 and the second container 106 via external piping. The external piping can be connected using connecting means 406 such as a detachable and openable connector. For example, the second container 106 from which the processed material was collected in the previous processing can be connected as the first container 105 for the next-stage processing. For example, a new container can be connected as the second container 106 for the next-stage processing.

[0127] Next, the next-stage process is carried out using a piping panel 100 for the next-stage process, which has piping paths formed in a predetermined pattern, to perform predetermined operations constituting the separation and purification process. The piping panel 100 for the next-stage process can perform operations such as adding a solvent to the solid contained in the first container 105 to form a solution, passing the liquid contained in the first container 105 through the separation and purification means 402, and adjusting the concentration of the liquid contained in the first container 105 and the second container 106. The processed product that has undergone the predetermined operations is recovered in the second container 106.

[0128] The treatment using the piping panel 100 can be repeated in any number of stages, two or more, depending on the contents of the separation and purification treatment. The treatment for performing a predetermined operation can be performed continuously after being carried into the isolation space, while replacing the piping panel 100 as necessary. The piping panel 100 used for the treatment may be carried out from inside the isolation cell 102 after each treatment for performing a predetermined operation, or may be stored inside the isolation cell 102 until all treatments are completed without being carried out from inside the isolation cell 102.

[0129] Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are diagrams showing examples of the use of piping panels for each process of separating and purifying radioactive materials. Figures 6A to 6D show piping panels 100 corresponding to each of the four steps constituting the radionuclide production process shown in Figure 2.

[0130] Fig. 6A shows a piping panel 100 corresponding to the raw material purification step 201. Fig. 6B shows a piping panel 100 corresponding to the product material liquefaction step 202. Fig. 6C shows a piping panel 100 corresponding to the product material purification step 203. Fig. 6D shows a piping panel 100 corresponding to the product material purification step 204.

[0131] As shown in Figure 6A, in the raw material purification step 201, an ion exchange chromatography column 402A filled with ion exchange resin is fixed to a piping panel 100. Pipes 404a to 404k form a predetermined piping path in the piping panel 100. A container containing a raw material solution in which raw materials containing Ra-226 and the like are dissolved is prepared as the first container 105. A container for collecting the raw material solution in which the separated and purified raw materials containing Ra-226 and the like are dissolved is prepared as the second container 106.

[0132] The first container 105 is connected to a pipe 404c, and the second container 106 is connected to a pipe 404i. In addition, a waste liquid container (not shown) for collecting waste liquid is connected to a pipe 404a, an impurity collection container (not shown) for collecting impurities is connected to a pipe 404h, an acid 1 solution container (not shown) containing an acid 1 solution in which acid 1 has been dissolved is connected to a pipe 404j, and an acid 2 solution container (not shown) containing an acid 2 solution in which acid 2 has been dissolved is connected to a pipe 404k.

[0133] First, the raw material solution contained in the first container 105 is heated and evaporated to dryness by the temperature adjusting means 107. By evaporating and drying the raw material solution, raw materials containing Ra-226 and the like are precipitated.

[0134] Next, with pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j open, the acid 1 solution is sucked from the acid 1 solution container by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, the pipes 404a and 404d are switched to a closed state and the pipes 404b and 404c are switched to an open state, and the acid 1 solution sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is supplied to the first container 105. By adding acid 1 to the raw material containing Ra-226 and the like, the acid 1 solution containing Ra-226 and the like is prepared.

[0135] Next, the acid 1 solution containing Ra-226 and the like is sucked from the first container 105 by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, the pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404i are switched to a closed state and the pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, and 404h are switched to an open state, and the acid 1 solution containing Ra-226 and the like sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is passed through the ion exchange chromatography column 402A. When a cation exchange resin is used as the ion exchange resin, the cations of Ra-226 and some of the impurities are captured in the ion exchange chromatography column 402A. On the other hand, the remaining impurities pass through the ion exchange chromatography column 402A without being captured and are collected in the impurity collection container.

[0136] Next, the liquid transfer means 401 and the pipe 404 are cleaned. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404j are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404k are switched to an open state, and the acid 2 solution is sucked from the acid 2 solution container by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipe 404b is switched to a closed state and pipe 404a is switched to an open state, and the acid 2 solution sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is discharged into the waste liquid container. By using the acid 2 solution to be used in the next step as the cleaning liquid, radioactive materials, acid 1, etc. adhering to the inner surfaces of the liquid transfer means 401 and the pipe 404 are cleaned and removed.

[0137] Next, Ra-226 and the like are eluted from ion exchange chromatography column 402A. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404j are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404k are switched to an open state, and acid 2 solution is sucked from the acid 2 solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404h are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, and 404i are switched to an open state, and acid 2 solution sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is passed through ion exchange chromatography column 402A. Ra-226 and the like are eluted into acid 2 solution and collected in second container 106.

[0138] Subsequently, the acid 2 solution containing Ra-226 and the like recovered in the second container 106 is heated by the temperature adjusting means 107 to evaporate and dry up. When hydrochloric acid is used as the acid 1 solution and nitric acid is used as the acid 2 solution, radium chloride ( 226 RaCl2) can be obtained. Note that instead of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, etc. can also be selected as acid 1 and acid 2. The type of ion exchange resin can be selected appropriately.

[0139] Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j are switched to an open state, and acid 1 solution is sucked from the acid 1 solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404h are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, and 404i are switched to an open state, and acid 1 solution sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is supplied to second container 106. Acid 1 is added to the raw material containing Ra-226 and the like, and an acid 1 solution containing purified Ra-226 and the like is obtained.

[0140] As shown in Figure 6B, in the product substance liquefaction step 202, a predetermined piping path is formed by pipes 404a-404f and 404j without providing a column in the piping panel 100. As the first container 105, a container is prepared that contains the product substance including the raw material Ra-226 and Ra-225 generated by a photonuclear reaction due to irradiation with radiation. As the second container 106, a container is prepared that collects the solution containing the liquefied raw material Ra-226, Ra-225, etc.

[0141] The first container 105 is connected to a pipe 404c, and the second container 106 is connected to a pipe 404e. An acid solution container (not shown) containing an acid solution is connected to a pipe 404j.

[0142] First, with pipes 404a, 404c, and 404e closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j open, the acid solution is sucked from the acid solution container by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, with pipes 404a and 404d closed and pipes 404b and 404c open, the acid solution sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is supplied to the first container 105. An acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. is prepared by adding acid to the source material Ra-226 and the product material Ra-225.

[0143] Subsequently, the acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. is sucked from the first container 105 by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, the pipes 404a, 404c, and 404f are switched to a closed state and the pipes 404b, 404d, and 404e are switched to an open state, and the acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is recovered into the second container 106.

[0144] Next, the acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. recovered in the second container 106 is heated by the temperature control means 107, and the volume and concentration of the acid solution are adjusted to be suitable for extraction chromatography. By moving the acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. from the first container 105 to the second container 106 in this way, it is possible to promote dissolution of Ra-226, Ra-225, etc., and also to check whether any Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. remain undissolved.

[0145] In the product substance solution process 202, the product substance remaining in the liquid transfer means 401 or the piping 404 may be recovered by passing a solvent through the liquid, as needed. By repeating the steps of aspirating the acid solution from the acid solution container, supplying the acid solution to the first container 105, aspirating the acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. from the first container 105, and recovering the aspirated acid solution containing Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. into the second container 106, the inner surfaces of the liquid transfer means 401 and the piping 404 can be cleaned and the remaining Ra-226, Ra-225, etc. can be recovered. Alternatively, by adding a sufficiently large amount of acid to the first container 105 relative to the amount of Ra-226, Ra-225, etc., the product substance can be heated by the temperature control means 107 without being transferred from the first container 105 to the second container 106.

[0146] As shown in Figure 6C, in the first-stage product purification step 203, an extraction chromatography column 402B filled with an extraction chromatography resin is fixed to a piping panel 100. Pipes 404a to 404k form a predetermined piping path in the piping panel 100. A container containing an acid solution containing Ac-225, Ra-225, Ra-226, etc. is prepared as the first container 105. A container for collecting a solution containing the separated and purified Ac-225, etc. is prepared as the second container 106.

[0147] The first container 105 is connected to a pipe 404c, and the second container 106 is connected to a pipe 404i. In addition, a waste liquid container (not shown) for collecting waste liquid is connected to a pipe 404a, an impurity collection container (not shown) for collecting impurities such as high-concentration radium is connected to a pipe 404h, an acid solution container (not shown) containing an acid solution is connected to a pipe 404j, and a low-concentration acid solution container (not shown) containing a low-concentration acid solution is connected to a pipe 404k.

[0148] First, with pipes 404a, 404c, and 404e closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j open, an acid solution containing Ac-225, Ra-225, Ra-226, and the like is aspirated from first container 105 by liquid transfer means 401. Next, with pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404i closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404h open, the acid solution aspirated by liquid transfer means 401 and containing Ac-225, Ra-225, Ra-226, and the like is passed through extraction chromatography column 402B. Ac-225 and some impurities are collected in extraction chromatography column 402B. On the other hand, impurities such as Ra-225 and Ra-226 pass through the extraction chromatography column 402B without being trapped, and are collected in the impurity collection container.

[0149] Next, extraction chromatography column 402B is washed. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k are closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j are open, and the acid solution is sucked from the acid solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404i are closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404h are open, and the acid solution sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is passed through extraction chromatography column 402B. The acid solution from which impurities such as Ra-225 and Ra-226 remaining in extraction chromatography column 402B have been eluted is collected in an impurity collection container.

[0150] Next, Ac-225 is eluted from extraction chromatography column 402B. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404j are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404k are open. The low-concentration acid solution is aspirated from the low-concentration acid solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404h are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404i are open. The low-concentration acid solution aspirated by liquid transfer means 401 is passed through extraction chromatography column 402B. Ac-225 and other compounds are eluted into the low-concentration acid solution, which is the eluent, and collected in second container 106.

[0151] Subsequently, the acid solution containing Ac-225 and the like recovered in the second container 106 is heated by the temperature control means 107 to evaporate and dry up. When nitric acid is used as the acid, the actinium nitrate ( 225 A high-purity product consisting mainly of Ac(NO3)3 is precipitated.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 6D, in the second-stage product purification step 204, an ion exchange chromatography column 402C filled with an ion exchange resin and an extraction chromatography column 402D filled with an extraction chromatography resin are newly fixed to the piping panel 100. The ion exchange chromatography column 402C and the extraction chromatography column 402D are configured, for example, as two-stage columns connected in series. The piping panel 100 is provided with pipes 404a to 404k to form a predetermined piping path. The first container 105 is prepared as a container containing a product mainly composed of a substance containing Ac-225 from which impurities such as Ra-225, Ra-226, and daughter nuclides have been removed. The second container 106 is prepared as a container for collecting a solution containing the separated and purified Ac-225.

[0153] The first container 105 is connected to a pipe 404c, and the second container 106 is connected to a pipe 404i. In addition, a waste liquid container (not shown) for collecting waste liquid is connected to a pipe 404a, an impurity collection container (not shown) for collecting impurities including non-radioactive nuclides is connected to a pipe 404h, an acid 3 solution container (not shown) containing an acid 3 solution in which acid 3 has been dissolved is connected to a pipe 404j, and an acid 4 solution container (not shown) containing an acid 4 solution in which acid 4 has been dissolved is connected to a pipe 404k.

[0154] First, with pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k closed and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j open, acid 3 solution is sucked from the acid 3 solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a and 404d are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b and 404c are switched to an open state, and the acid 3 solution sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is supplied to first container 105. Acid 3 is added to a product substance whose main component is a substance containing Ac-225, thereby preparing an acid 3 solution containing Ac-225 and the like.

[0155] Next, the acid 3 solution containing Ac-225 and the like is sucked from the first container 105 by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, the pipes 404a, 404c, and 404f are switched to a closed state and the pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404h are switched to an open state, and the acid 3 solution containing Ac-225 and the like sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is passed through the extraction chromatography column 402C. Impurities such as daughter nuclides are collected in the extraction chromatography column 402C. On the other hand, Ac-225 passes through the extraction chromatography column 402C without being collected and is recovered in the second container 106.

[0156] Alternatively, the acid 3 solution containing Ac-225 and the like is aspirated from the first container 105 by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, the pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404i are switched to a closed state and the pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404h are switched to an open state, and the acid 3 solution containing Ac-225 and the like aspirated by the liquid transfer means 401 is passed through the ion exchange chromatography column 402D. Impurities such as Ac-225 and some of the progeny nuclides of Ac-225 are collected in the ion exchange chromatography column 402D. Meanwhile, the remaining impurities pass through the ion exchange chromatography column 402D without being collected and are collected in the impurity collection container.

[0157] Next, the liquid transfer means 401 and the pipe 404 are cleaned. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404j are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404k are switched to an open state, and the acid 4 solution is sucked from the acid 4 solution container by the liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipe 404b is switched to a closed state and pipe 404a is switched to an open state, and the acid 4 solution sucked by the liquid transfer means 401 is discharged into the waste liquid container. By using the acid 4 solution as a cleaning liquid, radioactive materials, acid 3, etc. adhering to the inner surfaces of the liquid transfer means 401 and the pipe 404 are cleaned and removed.

[0158] Next, ion exchange chromatography column 402D is cleaned. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j are open, and acid 3 solution is sucked from the acid 3 solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404i are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404h are open, and acid 3 solution sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is passed through ion exchange chromatography column 402D. Acid 3 solution from which impurities remaining in ion exchange chromatography column 402D have been eluted is collected in an impurity collection container.

[0159] Next, Ac-225 is eluted from ion exchange chromatography column 402D. Pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404j are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404k are open, and acid 4 solution is aspirated from the acid 4 solution container by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a, 404c, 404f, and 404h are closed, and pipes 404b, 404d, 404e, 404g, and 404i are open, and acid 4 solution aspirated by liquid transfer means 401 is passed through ion exchange chromatography column 402D. Ac-225 is eluted into acid 4 solution and collected in second container 106.

[0160] Subsequently, the acid 4 solution containing Ac-225 recovered in the second container 106 is heated by the temperature control means 107 and evaporated to dryness. When the extraction chromatography column 402C is used and hydrochloric acid is used as the acid 3 solution, high-purity actinium hydrochloride ( 225 When ion exchange chromatography column 402D is used and nitric acid is used as the acid 4 solution, high-purity actinium nitrate (AcCl3) containing Ac-225 etc. is obtained by evaporation to dryness after elution from ion exchange chromatography column 402D. 225 Ac(NO3)3) is obtained. Note that instead of hydrochloric acid or nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, etc. can also be selected as acid 3 or acid 4. The type of ion exchange resin can be selected appropriately.

[0161] In the separation and purification apparatus 1, depending on the operating speed of the liquid transfer means 401, such as a syringe pump, there is a possibility that gas may be mixed into the inside of the pipe 404. If gas enters the separation and purification means 402, such as a resin column, the liquid will pass through, avoiding the area where the gas is present, and therefore the liquid will not pass evenly through the packing, leading to a decrease in the purity of the purified product and adverse effects on the separation and purification results. In addition, from the perspective of flow rate accuracy, it is necessary to remove air bubbles from inside the pipe 404 when sending the liquid through the pipe 404.

[0162] Therefore, it is preferable that the liquid transfer means 401 transfers only liquid that does not contain gas such as bubbles to the separation and purification means 402. The liquid transfer means 401 may also be used for introducing gas into the inside of the pipe 404 in order to remove bubbles inside the pipe 404, or for discharging the liquid or gas remaining inside the pipe 404.

[0163] For example, in the piping panel 100 of FIG. 6A, suppose that the liquid sucked into the liquid transfer means 401 is discharged into the first container 105 with the pipes 404a and 404d closed and the pipes 404b and 404c open. When the sucked liquid is discharged to the end, the piston of the syringe pump returns to its origin, making further discharge impossible. As a result, the liquid to be transferred remains inside the pipe 404. In such a case, gas can be introduced into the pipe 404 where the liquid remains by using an empty container.

[0164] For example, when the container of acid 1 solution is empty, when introducing gas, pipes 404a, 404c, 404e, and 404k are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b, 404d, 404f, and 404j are switched to an open state, and gas is sucked from the container of acid 1 solution by liquid transfer means 401. Next, pipes 404a and 404d are switched to a closed state and pipes 404b and 404c are switched to an open state, and the gas sucked by liquid transfer means 401 is discharged into a container such as first container 105. By this method, residual liquid remaining inside the piping can be discharged.

[0165] Furthermore, if there is no empty container on the piping path, the waste liquid container can be used in place of the empty container as long as the tip of pipe 404 in the waste liquid container does not touch the waste liquid. Alternatively, by connecting branch joint 405 to branch joint 405 connected to the outlet side of liquid transfer means 401 via pipe 404, and connecting pipe 404b and a gas pipe to this branch joint 405 so as to branch off, and introducing gas from this gas pipe, it is possible to suck up the liquid remaining inside the piping path and discharge it together with the gas.

[0166] During processing using piping panel 100, the amount of gas that has entered the piping can be determined by comparing a suction setting value, which is set as a target value for the amount of liquid to be sucked by liquid moving means 401, with the actual measured value of the amount of liquid actually sucked by liquid moving means 401. Based on the calculation result of the amount of gas that has entered the piping, the operation of introducing gas into the piping and the operation of discharging liquid or gas from the piping can be controlled.

[0167] It is preferable that switching means 403 controls so that only liquid is transferred from liquid transfer means 401 to separation and purification means 402, and gas is transferred from liquid transfer means 401 to the container. Switching means 403 can control the timing of transferring gas from liquid transfer means 401 to the container according to the calculation result of the amount of gas mixed in the piping. By removing gas from inside piping 404, branch joint 405, and connecting means 406, it is possible to improve the purity of the substance purified by separation and purification means 402 and the accuracy of the flow rate of the liquid being sent.

[0168] According to the separation and purification apparatus 1 and separation and purification method using the above-described piping panel 100, the drive unit 101 that drives the equipment, the first container 105 that contains the input liquid, and the second container 106 that contains the output liquid are detachably mounted on the piping panel 100, so that different piping panels 100 can be used for each process that performs a predetermined operation constituting the separation and purification process. Therefore, the liquid transfer means and switching means arranged in each of the multiple piping panels 100 can be driven by a common drive unit 101. In a series of separation and purification processes, it is also possible to carry out use of only a single drive unit 101 in the isolated space. Furthermore, because the container can be replaced inside the isolated space for each process that performs a predetermined operation, continuous multi-stage processing and sequential recovery of the processed product can be performed.

[0169] In particular, because the piping panel 100 is a detachable module, it can be carried into the isolated space after the piping paths and various means have been formed outside the isolated space and then used. This reduces the amount of work and time required inside the isolated space, thereby reducing the risk of worker exposure. This allows for the handling of higher doses of radioactive material. Furthermore, because the piping panel 100 is manufactured based on the master piping panel 300 and allows for detachable attachment and detachment of equipment and piping, the equipment and piping used for each process that performs a specific operation can be standardized. This reduces not only the drive unit 101 but also the quantity of equipment and parts that need to be carried into the isolated space.

[0170] Therefore, it is effective in the separation and purification process of high-dose radioactive materials, which poses a high risk of worker exposure and surface contamination of equipment and parts, and can reduce the number of equipment and parts used in the process, thereby suppressing the amount of radioactive waste generated during the process. The separation and purification device 1 and separation and purification method using the piping panel 100 can be incorporated into radionuclide production systems and radionuclide production processes, enabling the production of high-purity radionuclides useful as raw materials for radiopharmaceuticals. It achieves measures to prevent worker exposure and surface contamination and activation of equipment, which were issues when mass-producing radionuclides, and can build systems and processes that are suitable for improving the efficiency of operations on the treated materials and for automation and remote operation.

[0171] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations of the above-described embodiments. It is possible to replace part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration, add part of the configuration of an embodiment to another form, or omit part of the configuration of an embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1...separation and purification apparatus, 100...piping panel, 101...drive unit, 102...isolation cell, 103...control unit, 104...input / output device, 105...first container, 106...second container, 107...temperature adjustment means, 108...air supply and exhaust system, 201...raw material purification process, 202...product material liquefaction process, 203...product material purification process, 204...product material purification process, 300...master piping panel, 301...liquid transfer means fixing section, 302...separation and purification means fixing section, 303...switching means fixing section, 304...panel fixing section, 401...liquid transfer means, 402...separation and purification means, 403...switching means, 404...piping, 405...branch joint, 406...connection means, 501...base, 502...panel receiving member, 503...drive section, 504...engagement section, 505...drive section

Claims

1. A separation and purification apparatus used in a process for separating and purifying radioactive materials, A pipe for transporting a liquid; a liquid moving means for driving the movement of the liquid through the piping; a switching means for switching the liquid transfer path through the piping; a piping panel in which the piping, the liquid moving means, and the switching means are arranged to form a piping path by the piping; a drive unit that drives the liquid moving means and the switching means, which are disposed on the piping panel; a first container for containing a liquid to be supplied to the pipeline; a second container for collecting the liquid discharged from the piping, The drive unit, the first container, and the second container are detachably mounted on the piping panel.

2. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, A plurality of the piping panels are provided, The separation and purification apparatus has a structure in which the plurality of piping panels have the piping paths formed on a master piping panel in which the liquid transfer means and the switching means are arranged at the same positions.

3. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 2, The separation and purification apparatus has a structure in which the plurality of piping panels are formed with the piping paths individually corresponding to the plurality of processes.

4. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, An air supply and exhaust system is provided to remove gas containing radioactive materials by supplying and exhausting air into the container, The separation and purification apparatus is configured such that the supply and exhaust system is connectable to the first container and the second container via gas piping.

5. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, a control unit for controlling driving by the drive unit; an air supply and exhaust system that removes gas containing radioactive materials by supplying and exhausting air into and from the container; the piping panel and the drive unit are installed inside a radiation-shielded and sealed isolated space; The separation and purification apparatus, wherein the control unit and the air supply and exhaust system are installed outside the isolated space.

6. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, a connecting means for detachably connecting the piping to the first container and the piping to the second container, The separation and purification apparatus, wherein the connecting means is of an open / close type that connects the pipelines when connected and seals the pipelines when disconnected.

7. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, an air supply and exhaust system for supplying and exhausting air into and from the container; a connecting means for detachably connecting a gas pipe between the air supply and exhaust system and the first container and a gas pipe between the air supply and exhaust system and the second container to each other; The separation and purification apparatus, wherein the connecting means is of an open / close type that connects the pipelines when connected and seals the pipelines when disconnected.

8. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, A separation and purification apparatus comprising a temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the liquid contained in at least one of the first container and the second container.

9. The separation and purification apparatus according to claim 1, a plurality of containers are provided as the first container and the second container; the first container includes a container that contains a liquid to be subjected to the treatment, and a container that contains a cleaning liquid that is passed through the piping and cleans the piping, The second container includes a container for recovering the liquid that has been subjected to the treatment, and a container for recovering a cleaning waste liquid that has been used to clean the piping.

10. A separation and purification method for performing a single or multiple processes for separating and purifying radioactive substances, a step of preparing a piping panel on which a piping path is formed by arranging, on a panel, a piping for transporting a liquid, a liquid moving means for driving the movement of the liquid through the piping, and a switching means for switching the liquid transfer path through the piping; mounting the piping panel on a drive unit that drives the liquid moving means and the switching means; connecting the piping on the piping panel to a first container for containing liquid to be supplied to the piping lines and to a second container for collecting liquid discharged from the piping lines; subjecting the liquid contained in the first container to treatment using the piping panel; and recovering the liquid that has been treated using the piping panel in the second container.

11. The separation and purification method according to claim 10, In the step of preparing the piping panel, a plurality of the piping panels are prepared; A separation and purification method in which the multiple piping panels are configured as a master piping panel in which the liquid transfer means and the switching means are arranged in the same positions, and the piping paths corresponding to the multiple processes individually are formed on the master piping panel.

12. The separation and purification method according to claim 11, In the step of attaching the piping panels to the drive unit, the piping panels are attached to and detached from the drive unit for each of the processes; In the step of connecting the piping, the separation and purification method comprises connecting the piping on a plurality of the piping panels to the first container and the second container for each of the treatments.

13. The separation and purification method according to claim 10, The separation and purification method includes at least one of a process of preparing a solution by adding a solvent to a solid contained in the first container and a process of passing a liquid contained in the first container through a separation and purification means.

Images