Container closure including vortex generation features

Abstract

The closure includes a body extending longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis from a first upper surface to a second lower surface. The body defines a cavity extending therein from the lower surface to a third inner surface. The cavity is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a container therein. The body includes a cover extending from the inner surface to the lower surface and a container insert depending from the inner surface and positioned within the cavity. The container insert is sized and shaped to fit within an opening of the container. The body further includes an exhaust channel in fluid communication with the cavity and at least one inlet channel in fluid communication with the cavity. The at least one inlet channel is positioned and oriented to generate a gas swirl within the container when connected to the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 072,641, filed on August 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical Field) The field of the present disclosure generally relates to the production of radionuclides, and more specifically to container closures for use in systems and methods for preparing radionuclide solutions.

Background Art

[0003] Radiopharmaceuticals, i.e., drugs incorporating radioactive elements (i.e., radionuclides), are used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes. Radionuclides typically used in nuclear medicine include, among others, technetium - 99m (Tc - 99m), indium - 111 (In - 111), thallium - 201 (Tl - 201), fluorine - 18 (F - 18), and copper - 64 (“Cu - 64”). Radionuclides can be produced naturally, or via radioactive decay of long - lived parent nuclides (i.e., radionuclide generators), or by direct production (e.g., proton or neutron - induced reactions). In the production of at least some radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, it is desirable to concentrate the radionuclide precursor solution to a dry or near - dry state. In production methods where the radionuclide precursor is isolated in a strong acid or an organic solvent, evaporation of the solvent is often used as the penultimate step before the final reconstitution of the precursor in a biocompatible solvent, either for direct injection or incorporation into a biological molecule (e.g., monoclonal antibody). In the case of radiopharmaceutical production, purification of radiopharmaceutical agents using a reverse - phase C18 column may require removal of subsequent biocompatible organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile). Thus, there is a need for processes and apparatus that facilitate the concentration of liquid radionuclide precursor solutions to a dry or near - dry state.

[0004] This section of the background art is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be relevant to the various aspects of the present disclosure described and / or claimed below. This discussion is thought to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that these descriptions are to be read from this perspective, rather than as an admission of prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one aspect, the closure includes a body that extends longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis from a first upper surface to a second lower surface. The body defines a cavity that extends into the body from the lower surface to a third inner surface. The cavity is sized and shaped to receive a portion of a container therein. The body includes a cover that extends from the inner surface to the lower surface, and a container insertion portion that hangs down from the inner surface and is positioned within the cavity. The container insertion portion is sized and shaped to fit within the opening of the container. The body further includes a discharge flow path that is in fluid communication with the cavity, and at least one injection flow path that is in fluid communication with the cavity. The at least one injection flow path is positioned and directed to generate a gas vortex within the container when connected to the container.

[0006] In another aspect, the system includes a radiation containment chamber, a remote manipulator connected to the radiation containment chamber, a container positioned inside the radiation containment chamber, a closure including a body connected to the container and including a discharge flow path and at least one injection flow path, an evaporation station positioned inside the radiation containment chamber and including at least one heating element for applying heat to the container, and a gas handling system including a suction line connected to the outlet of the discharge flow path. The at least one injection flow path of the closure generates a gas vortex within the container when suction is applied to the container by the suction line.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a container is provided within the radiation confinement chamber, the container having a radioactive liquid disposed therein, and a closure is connected to the container using a remote manipulator such that the closure seals against the container. The closure includes at least one injection flow path and one discharge flow path. The method further includes directing the flow of gas through at least one injection flow path of the closure to generate a gas vortex within the container.

[0008] There are various refinements of the features mentioned in connection with the aspects described above. Further features may also be incorporated into the aspects described above. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below in connection with any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the aspects described above, either alone or in any combination. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A closure for a container, the closure comprising: a body extending longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis from a first upper surface to a second lower surface, the body defining a cavity extending into the body from the lower surface to a third inner surface, the cavity being sized and shaped to receive a portion of the container therein, the body comprising: a cover extending from the inner surface to the lower surface; and a container insertion portion hanging from the inner surface and positioned within the cavity, the container insertion portion being sized and shaped to fit within an opening of the container; a discharge flow path in fluid communication with the cavity; and at least one injection flow path in fluid communication with the cavity wherein the at least one injection flow path is positioned and directed to generate a gas vortex within the container when connected within the container. (Item 2) The closure according to item 1, wherein each of the at least one injection flow path is directed at an angle oblique to the central longitudinal axis of the body and is radially offset from the central longitudinal axis. (Item 3) The closure according to item 2, wherein each of the at least one injection flow path is directed at an angle of 15° to 45° with respect to the central longitudinal axis. (Item 4) The closure according to item 1, wherein each of the at least one injection flow path has an injection port defined at the upper surface and a discharge port defined at the container insertion portion. (Item 5) The closure according to item 1, wherein the container insertion portion includes a discharge port extension hanging from a lower surface of the container insertion portion, the discharge port extension defining an inlet of the discharge flow path, and the discharge port of each of the at least one injection flow path is defined adjacent to the lower surface of the container insertion portion. (Item 6) The closure according to item 1, wherein the discharge flow path is parallel and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis. (Item 7) The closure according to item 1, wherein the body is composed of a fluorinated polymer. (Item 8) The closure according to item 1, wherein the body includes a pair of opposing flat portions extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. (Item 9) The closure according to item 1, wherein the body has a substantially rectangular cross-section. (Item 10) A system, the system comprising: a radiation confinement chamber; A remote manipulator connected to the radiation confinement chamber, A container positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber, A closure connected to the container, the closure comprising a body having a discharge channel and at least one injection channel, An evaporation station positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber and having at least one heating element for applying heat to the container, A gas handling system having a suction line connected to the outlet of the discharge channel Comprising, The at least one injection channel generates a gas vortex in the container when suction is applied to the container by the suction line, the system. (Item 11) The system according to item 10, wherein the container has a radioactive liquid disposed therein. (Item 12) The system according to item 11, wherein the radioactive liquid comprises one of a radioactive nuclide precursor solution and a radiolabeled compound. (Item 13) The system according to item 10, wherein the remote manipulator is a telemanipulator. (Item 14) The telemanipulator, An operator controller positioned outside the radiation confinement chamber, An end effector positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber Including, The system according to item 13, wherein the operator controller controls at least one of the position, orientation, and state of the end effector. (Item 15) The body extends longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis from a first upper surface to a second lower surface, the body defining a cavity extending into the body from the lower surface to a third inner surface, the cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the container therein, each of the discharge channel and the at least one injection channel being in fluid communication with the cavity, the system according to item 10. (Item 16) The body, A cover extending from the inner surface to the lower surface, A container insertion portion hanging down from the inner surface and positioned within the cavity Further including, The system according to item 15, wherein the container insertion portion is sized and shaped to fit within the opening of the container. (Item 17) A method, the method comprising, Providing a container within a radiation confinement chamber, the container having a radioactive liquid disposed therein, Connecting a closure to the container using a remote manipulator such that the closure seals the container, the closure including at least one injection channel and one discharge channel, directing the flow of gas through the at least one injection channel of the closure to create a gas vortex within the container comprising a method. (Item 18) The method according to item 17, further comprising heating the radioactive liquid. (Item 19) The method according to item 17, wherein the radioactive liquid is a radionuclide precursor solution. (Item 20) The method according to item 17, wherein the radioactive liquid is a radiolabeled compound.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout several views of the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for preparing a radioactive nuclide solution. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be used to prepare or otherwise process various radioactive solutions, including solutions containing non-volatile species or complexes of, for example, but not limited to, F-18, Sc-43, Sc-44, Sc-47, Ti-44, Ti-45, Co-55, Cu-64, Cu-67, Ge-68, Ga-68, Rb-82, Sr-82, Sr-89, Sr-87m, Zr-89, Y-86, Y-90, Mo-99, Tc-99m, In-111, I-123, I-125, I-131, Sm-153, Lu-177, Re-186, Re-188, Au-198, Tl-201, Pb-203, At-211, Ra-223, and Ac-225. The system 100 generally includes a nuclear radiation containment chamber 102, also generally referred to herein as a "hot cell", an evaporation station 104 enclosed within the radiation containment chamber 102, a gas handling system 106, a remote manipulator 108, and a container assembly 110, the container assembly 110 having a radioactive liquid 112 contained therein. Examples of radioactive liquids 112 that can be used in the system 100 include liquids used in the preparation of radioactive nuclides (e.g., radioactive solutions or radioactive nuclide precursor solutions), or other radioactive liquids such as radioactive labeled compounds (e.g., radiopharmaceutical agents or complexed radioactive precursors).

[0017] The evaporation station 104 and the container assembly 110 are enclosed within the confinement chamber 102 to shield the operator from nuclear radiation emitted by radioactive material (e.g., radioactive liquid 112) within the confinement chamber 102. The confinement chamber 102 generally includes an enclosure 114 composed of nuclear radiation shielding material designed to shield the surrounding environment from nuclear radiation. The enclosure 114 defines an interior 116 within which the evaporation station 104 is positioned. Suitable shielding materials from which the confinement chamber 102 can be constructed include, for example, but not limited to, lead, depleted uranium, and tungsten. In some embodiments, the confinement chamber 102 is composed of steel-clad lead walls forming a rectangular parallelepiped or a rectangular prism. Further, in some embodiments, the confinement chamber 102 can include a viewing window composed of a transparent shielding material. Suitable materials from which the viewing window can be constructed can include, for example, but not limited to, lead glass.

[0018] The evaporation station 104 includes one or more devices for evaporating the radioactive liquid 112. Suitable devices for use in the evaporation station 104 include, for example, but not limited to, heating plates, resistance heaters, fluid-based heaters, or heat exchangers, and heating elements such as gas combustion heaters. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporation station 104 includes a heating plate 118 having a selectively adjustable temperature, which enables an operator to set the desired temperature at which the container assembly 110 and the radioactive liquid 112 are heated during the evaporation process.

[0019] The gas handling system 106 is operable to supply gas and remove gas from the confinement chamber 102 (e.g., from within the evaporation station 104). In some embodiments, the gas handling system 106 is configured to remove gases and volatile compounds generated during the evaporation process at the evaporation station 104. The gas handling system 106 can include any suitable components that enable the gas handling system 106 to function as described herein, including, for example, but not limited to, fluid conduits, pumps, pressurized gas sources, filters, traps, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In an illustrative embodiment, the gas handling system 106 includes a pump 120, a suction line 122 connected to the inlet 124 of the pump 120, and one or more gas supply lines 126. The pump 120 and associated electronics and control devices are positioned outside the radiation confinement chamber 102 to shield the components from radiation. The pump 120 can include any suitable pump that enables the gas handling system 106 to function as described herein, and can include, for example, but not limited to, reciprocating pumps, rotary pumps, centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, and combinations thereof. The suction line 122 is connected to the inlet 124 of the pump 120 and includes an inlet end 128 that connects to the container assembly 110 to provide suction to the container assembly 110. Each gas supply line 126 is connected to a pressurized gas source 130 (e.g., a compressor, a pressurized inert gas supply tank, etc.) and includes an outlet end 132 that connects to the container assembly 110 to provide a flow of gas to the container assembly 110. The suction line 122 and the gas supply lines 126 can include any suitable fluid conduits that enable the gas handling system 100 to function as described herein, and can include, for example, but not limited to, tubes, hoses, pipes, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the suction line 122 and the gas supply lines 126 can include rigid conduits, flexible conduits, and combinations thereof. The inlet end 128 of the suction line 122 and the outlet end 132 of each of the gas supply lines 126 can include suitable fluid connectors and / or adapters to facilitate connection to the container assembly 110. Suitable fluid connectors and adapters can include, for example, but not limited to, luer fittings, threaded connectors, compression fittings, and combinations thereof.

[0021] The illustrated gas handling system 106 also includes a trap 134 connected to the suction line 122 upstream of the pump inlet 124. The trap 134 collects volatile species (e.g., HCl gas) and / or water vapor that are evaporated from the radioactive liquid 112 during the evaporation process (e.g., using a desiccant), and particulates entrained within the gas flow through the suction line 122.

[0022] The remote manipulator 108 is connected to the radiation confinement chamber 102 and enables the operation of an object (e.g., the container assembly 110) within the confinement chamber 102 from a remote location such as outside the confinement chamber 102. Examples of suitable remote manipulators for use with the system 100 include telemanipulators, autonomous or semi-autonomous systems (e.g., robotic arms), and manual instruments (e.g., long forceps) that extend the reach of an operator's hand. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote manipulator 108 is illustrated in the form of a telemanipulator that enables an operator located outside the confinement chamber 102 to operate an object (e.g., the container assembly 110) within the confinement chamber 102. The telemanipulator can have any suitable telemanipulator configuration that enables the system 100 to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the telemanipulator includes an operator handle or controller 136 positioned outside the radiation confinement chamber 102, an articulated arm 138 connected to the controller 136 and positioned within the confinement chamber 102, and an end effector 140 positioned at the distal end of the articulated arm 138. The operator controller 136 can be used, for example, to control the position, orientation, and / or state (e.g., open or closed) of the end effector 140. In some embodiments, the end effector 140 includes mechanical fingers or clamps that enable an operator to grip or clamp an object (e.g., the container assembly 110) within the radiation confinement chamber 102. Only one telemanipulator is shown in FIG. 1, but the system 100 can include two or more telemanipulators. In some embodiments, for example, the system 100 includes two telemanipulators, whereby an operator can control one telemanipulator with the left hand and another telemanipulator with the right hand. In still other embodiments, the system 100 can include a combination of remote manipulators 108 (e.g., a telemanipulator and an autonomous robotic arm).

[0023] The container assembly 110 includes a container 142 and a cap or closure 144 connected to the container 142. The container 142 is generally configured to hold a volume of liquid therein. The container 142 can be sized to hold any suitable volume of radioactive liquid 112 therein. In some embodiments, the container 142 is sized to hold a relatively small volume of radioactive liquid 112 therein, such as less than 100 mL, less than 80 mL, less than 60 mL, less than 40 mL, less than 30 mL, less than 20 mL, or even less than 10 mL. In other embodiments, the container 142 can be sized to hold a volume of radioactive liquid 112 greater than 100 mL. The container 142 is composed of a chemically inert material, which includes, for example, but not limited to, glass (borosilicate glass, Pyrex®), quartz, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin®), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon®), polypropylene, and other plastics compatible with the solvent to be evaporated.

[0024] Closure 144 is configured to seal against a portion of container 142 when connected to container 142 to control the flow of gas within container 142 during the evaporation process. In an exemplary embodiment, closure 144 is directly connected to container 142. In other embodiments, closure 144 can be connected to or otherwise include an adapter or peripheral component to facilitate connection to containers of various shapes and sizes (e.g., containers with differently sized and / or shaped openings). In some embodiments, for example, closure 144 is connectable to a plurality of different adapters, each of the plurality of different adapters being sized and shaped to be compatible with a different container, whereby closure 144 is connectable to and usable with a plurality of different containers (e.g., vials, centrifuge tubes, round bottom flasks, etc.). Closure 144 of the illustrated embodiment is designed to facilitate evaporation of radioactive liquid 112 within container 142. For example, as further described herein, closure 144 includes at least one vortex generating feature that generates vortices and associated centrifugal forces within container 142 during the evaporation process, increasing the surface area of liquid 112, thereby accelerating the evaporation process.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container assembly 200 including a container 202 and a closure 204 suitable for use with the system 100 of FIG. 1. Container 202 of the illustrated embodiment generally includes a bottom 206, a sidewall 208 extending upwardly from bottom 206, and a neck 210 defining an opening 212 at the upper portion of container 202. In an exemplary embodiment, sidewall 208 extends from bottom 206 to neck 210 and connects neck 210 at a rounded shoulder portion 214, and container 202 transitions from a larger diameter along sidewall 208 to a smaller diameter along neck 210. In other embodiments, sidewall 208 and neck 210 may have the same diameter, and container 202 may not have a shoulder portion 214.

[0026] During the evaporation process, container 202 has a certain amount of radioactive liquid 112 (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2) contained therein, and container 202 is positioned within containment chamber 102. Closure 204 is connected to container 202 using remote manipulator 108 to cover or seal container opening 212, and suction line 122 and / or gas supply line 126 are connected to closure 204. Container 202 is positioned at evaporation station 104 (e.g., on and / or adjacent to heating plate 118), heat is applied to container 202 while gas is fed to and / or exhausted from container 202 via gas handling system 106.

[0027] Closure 204 provides a closure system that seals against a portion of the container (e.g., sidewall 208 and / or neck 210), thereby suppressing or preventing the introduction of environmental contaminants (e.g., trace metal contaminants) into container 202. Additionally, closure 204 provides a dedicated path for the collection of gases and other volatile species evaporated during the evaporation process using gas handling system 106. Compounds evaporated from radioactive liquid 112 (e.g., HCl gas and water, etc.) are highly corrosive, can cause corrosion of components within containment chamber 102, and if not properly collected and discarded, can accumulate and be released into undesirable areas. As described in more detail herein, closure 204 also acts to facilitate the evaporation process by increasing the evaporation rate. In particular, the closure embodiments described herein are configured to introduce gas flow into container 202 in such a way that liquid 112 is agitated in a swirling motion, thereby increasing the surface area of liquid 112 and accelerating the evaporation rate.

[0028] Closure 204 can have any suitable structure that enables system 100 and container assembly 200 to function as described herein. Referring additionally to FIGS. 3 - 6, closure 204 generally includes a body 302 having an outer surface 304, at least one injection flow path 306 defined within body 302, and a discharge flow path 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the injection flow path or paths 306 are vortex - generating features. More specifically, injection flow path 306 is configured (e.g., positioned and oriented) to generate a gas vortex within container 202 (illustrated by arrow 216 in FIG. 2) when connected to container 202, and the gas is directed through injection flow path 306 (e.g., using gas handling system 106). Injection flow path 306 also serves to prevent foaming of the liquid contained within container 202, for example, by preventing or limiting container 202 from being placed under high vacuum. Discharge flow path 308 provides an outlet or discharge path for gases and volatile compounds generated during the evaporation process. Each of injection flow paths 306 includes an inlet 310 defined on body outer surface 304 and an outlet 312. Discharge flow path 308 includes an outlet 314 defined on body outer surface 304 and an inlet 316. The outlet 312 of the injection flow path and the inlet 316 of the discharge flow path are positioned on closure 204 such that when closure 204 is connected to container 202, the outlet 312 of the injection flow path and the inlet 316 of the discharge flow path are in fluid communication with the interior of the container.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, body 302 extends longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis 318 from a first upper surface 320 to a second lower surface 322. Body 302 includes four side surfaces 324 that extend from upper surface 320 to lower surface 322. Each of side surfaces 324 has a rectangular shape and is substantially flat or planar. Upper surface 320, lower surface 322, and the four side surfaces 324 define body outer surface 304.

[0030] The body 302 defines a cavity 326 that extends into the body 302 from the lower surface 322 to the third inner surface 328. The cavity 326 is sized and shaped to receive therein a portion of the container 202, such as the neck 210, the shoulder portion 214, and / or the sidewall 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 326 is shaped cylindrically, but in other embodiments, the cavity 326 may be shaped differently, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or any other shape that allows the closure 204 to function as described herein.

[0031] The body 302 includes a cover 330 that extends from the inner surface 328 to the lower surface 322. The cover 330 includes a radial inner surface 332 that at least partially defines the cavity 326. The body 302 also includes a container insertion portion 334 that hangs down from the inner surface 328 and is positioned within the cavity 326. The container insertion portion 334 is sized and shaped to fit within the container opening 212 when the closure 204 is connected to the container 202. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the cover 330 of the illustrated embodiment extends axially beyond the container insertion portion 334 and can thus function as a guide for the closure 204 when the closure 204 is connected to the container 202.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the container insertion portion 334 includes a discharge port extension 336 that hangs down from the lower surface 338 of the container insertion portion 334. The discharge port extension 336 defines an inlet 316 of the discharge flow path. Additionally, the outlet 312 of the injection flow path is defined adjacent to the lower surface 338 of the container insertion portion 334. The inlet 316 of the discharge flow path is axially offset from each of the outlets 312 of the injection flow path to reduce or minimize interference between the incoming gas flow and the exiting gas flow. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 316 of the discharge flow path is positioned lower (i.e., closer to the second lower surface 322 of the body 302) than the outlets 312 of the injection flow path. In other embodiments, the outlets 312 of the injection flow path may be positioned lower (i.e., closer to the second lower surface 322) than the inlet 316 of the discharge flow path. In the illustrated embodiment, the container insertion portion 334 and the discharge port extension 336 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the discharge port extension 336 has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the container insertion portion 334. In other embodiments, the container insertion portion 334 may be formed in a shape other than cylindrical.

[0033] The exemplary closure 204 includes two injection flow paths 306 and a single discharge flow path 308. In other embodiments, the closure 204 may have fewer than two injection flow paths 306 (e.g., one injection flow path), or more than two injection flow paths 306 (e.g., three injection flow paths, four injection flow paths, etc.). Additionally, in other embodiments, the closure 204 may have multiple discharge flow paths 308.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each of the injection flow paths 306 extends from the outer surface 304 of the body, through the body 302, and communicates with the cavity 326. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 310 of the injection flow path is defined on the upper surface 320, and the outlet 312 of the injection flow path is defined along the lower surface 338 of the container insertion portion 334. In other embodiments, the inlet 310 and the outlet 312 of the injection flow path may be defined along any other suitable portion of the body 302 that allows the closure 204 to function as described herein.

[0035] As mentioned above, the injection flow path 306 is configured as a vortex generation feature for promoting evaporation of the liquid within the container 202. More specifically, the injection flow path 306 is oriented at a suitable angle and positioned at a suitable location on the closure 204 such that the gas flow directed through the injection flow path 306 creates a swirling air or gas flow within the container 202. In the illustrated embodiment, each injection flow path 306 is oriented at an angle 340 (FIG. 5) that is oblique to the central longitudinal axis 318 and is radially offset from the central longitudinal axis 318. In the illustrated embodiment, each injection flow path 306 is oriented at an angle 340 of approximately 30° with respect to the central longitudinal axis 318, although in other embodiments, the injection flow path 306 may be oriented at an angle other than 30°. For example, each injection flow path 306 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis 318 of 0° to 90°, 5° to 75°, 5° to 60°, 15° to 70°, 5° to 45°, 15° to 55°, 25° to 65°, 5° to 35°, 15° to 45°, 25° to 55°, 35° to 65°, 10° to 30°, 20° to 40°, 30° to 50°, or 40° to 60°. Additionally, each injection flow path 306 extends linearly from the injection flow path inlet 310 to the outlet 312 of the injection flow path. In other embodiments, one or more of the injection flow paths 306 may extend non-linearly, such as in a curved or spiral configuration. The injection flow paths 306 are circumferentially uniformly spaced around the central longitudinal axis 318 to provide a balanced gas flow into the container 202. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the injection flow path inlets 310 and outlets 312 are circumferentially uniformly spaced around the central longitudinal axis 318. The illustrated embodiment includes two injection flow paths 306, and thus, the injection flow paths 306 and their associated inlets 310 and outlets 312 are positioned diametrically opposite each other.

[0036] The discharge flow path 308 is, in the exemplary embodiment, parallel and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 318. In other embodiments, the discharge flow path 308 may be non-parallel and / or non-coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 318.

[0037] When the closure 204 is connected to a container such as container 202 and gas is directed through the injection flow path 306 and the discharge flow path 308, a vortex is generated within the container 202 as illustrated by arrow 216 in FIG. 2. The vortex creates a centrifugal force inside the container 202, increasing the surface area of the radioactive liquid, thereby accelerating the evaporation process.

[0038] Gas flow can be directed through the injection flow path 306 and the discharge flow path 308 using a gas handling system 106 (shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, for example, the suction line 122 is connected to the outlet 316 of the discharge flow path and the gas supply line 126 is connected to the inlet 310 of the injection flow path. In other embodiments, only the suction line 122 is connected to the closure 204 and the ambient gas (e.g., within the confinement chamber 102) flows through the injection flow path 306 as a result of the negative pressure differential created within the container 202 by the suction line 122. In such embodiments, the gas supply line 126 can be omitted. The inlet 310 of the injection flow path and the outlet 316 of the discharge flow path can each include a suitable adapter, coupler, or be otherwise configured to couple to the gas supply line 126 and the suction line 122. For example, one or more of the inlet 310 of the injection flow path and the outlet 316 of the discharge flow path can be threaded (e.g., using a 10-32 or 10-24 type thread) to facilitate threaded coupling of an adapter to each respective inlet or outlet. Additionally, the injection flow path 306 can include two or more filters positioned therein to filter the incoming gas flow. The filters can be connected to the inlet 310 of the injection flow path using a suitable adapter or coupler such as a luer adapter.

[0039] The closure 204 seals a portion of the container 202 such that gas flow into and out of the container is only possible through the injection passage 306 and the discharge passage 308. The closure 204 may include one or more seals or sealing materials to facilitate forming a seal with respect to the container 202. In some embodiments, for example, the closure 204 may include one or more elastomeric seals (e.g., O-rings) that engage a portion of the container 202 to form a seal therewith when the closure 204 is inserted over the top of the container 202. The elastomeric seals may be positioned within grooves defined within the closure body 302 and held in place. In some embodiments, for example, the body 302 has grooves defined along the radial inner surface 332 of the cover 330, and the elastomeric seals are positioned within the grooves such that the seals engage the shoulder portion 214 and / or the sidewall 208 of the container 202 to form a seal with respect to the container 202. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface 328 and / or the radial outer surface of the container insertion portion 334 may include grooves and elastomeric seals positioned therein to facilitate forming a seal between the closure 204 and the container 202.

[0040] The closure 204 of the illustrated embodiment is particularly suitable for use in a radioactive environment (e.g., the production of radionuclides and radionuclide precursors). For example, the closure 204 is composed of a material that is resistant to both radiation degradation and corrosive gases (e.g., HCl gas and water) that are evaporated during the evaporation process. Suitable materials include, for example, but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon®), perfluoroalkoxyalkane, fluorinated polymers, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin®), glass, metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), plated or coated alloys (e.g., stainless steel coated with ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (e.g., Halar®)), and combinations thereof. The closure 204 may also be free of metals that would otherwise corrode in the presence of gases that are evaporated during the evaporation process. The closure 204 can be constructed using a variety of methods including, for example, but not limited to, machining, casting, molding, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and combinations thereof. In addition, the closure 204 is designed to facilitate movement by a remote manipulator, such as a telemanipulator, used within a high-radiation environment (e.g., the radiation containment chamber 102), to limit operator exposure to nuclear radiation (e.g., gamma radiation). More specifically, the closure 204 includes at least one pair of opposing flat portions 342 (FIG. 3), i.e., flat portions or planar outer surfaces of the body 302 that are oriented parallel to each other and are located on opposite sides of the body 302. The opposing flat portions 342 facilitate firmly gripping the closure 204 using mechanical fingers or clamps typically used with remote manipulators. The closure 204 can thus be easily gripped and moved to a desired location within the hot cell using a remote manipulator. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 204 has a generally rectangular cross-section (i.e., rectangular, quasi-rectangular, square, quasi-square) when viewed perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 318 and includes two pairs of opposing flat portions 342.In other embodiments, the closure 204 may have a cross-section other than substantially rectangular. Additionally, since the cover 330 extends axially beyond the container insertion portion 334, the cover 330 functions as a guide for the closure 204 and aligns the closure 204 with the container 202 when the closure 204 is connected to the container 202. Thereby, the cover 330 facilitates the insertion of the container insertion portion 334 into the container opening 212 and the connection of the closure 204 to the container 202 using the remote manipulator 108.

[0041] In use, the closure 204 is connected to the container 202 during the evaporation process to facilitate the evaporation of a liquid (e.g., the radioactive liquid 112 shown in FIG. 1) within the container 202. More specifically, the container 202 is positioned within or adjacent to the radiation containment chamber 102, such as within the evaporation station 104. The closure 204 is connected to the container 202 using the remote manipulator 108, whereby the closure 204 seals against the container 202. As mentioned above, the flat portion 342 of the closure 204 facilitates gripping the closure 204 using the remote manipulator 108, and the cover 330 facilitates guiding the closure 204 over the container 202. The closure 204 may seal against the container 202 along the sidewall 208, the shoulder portion 214, the neck 210, and / or any other suitable portion of the container 202. In some embodiments, for example, an O-ring positioned within a groove of the cover 330 seals engagingly against the sidewall of the container 202. The closure 204 thereby provides a closure system to inhibit or prevent the introduction of environmental contaminants (e.g., trace metal contaminants) into the container 202 and the liquid contained therein.

[0042] The gas is then directed through the container 202, for example, using the gas handling system 106. In particular, the gas flows into the container 202 through the injection flow path 306 and out of the container 202 through the discharge flow path 308. The gas flow is directed through the injection flow path 306 such that a swirling fluid flow is generated within the container 202. As mentioned above, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the injection flow path 306 is configured as a vortex generating feature such that when the closure 204 is connected to the container 202 and the gas is directed through the injection flow path 306, the injection flow path 306 generates a swirling air flow (illustrated by arrow 216 in FIG. 2) within the container 202. The vortex creates a centrifugal force inside the container 202, increasing the surface area of the liquid, thereby accelerating the evaporation process. The gas flowing into the container 202 can be filtered, for example, by one or more filters positioned within and / or adjacent to the injection flow path 306.

[0043] The suction line 122 and / or the gas supply line 126 of the gas handling system 106 can be connected to the closure 204 prior to the closure 204 being connected to the container 202. For example, the gas supply line 126 and / or the suction line 122 can be manually connected to the closure 204 by a human operator prior to the closure 204 being introduced into the radiation containment chamber 102 and / or prior to the radiation containment chamber 102 being exposed to radioactive material. Alternatively, the suction line 122 and / or the gas supply line 126 can be connected to the closure 204 (e.g., using the remote manipulator 108) while the closure 204 is present within the radiation containment chamber 102.

[0044] While the liquid in container 202 is heated (e.g., using heating plate 118), gas flows through container 202. The swirling air flow generated by closure 204 within container 202 promotes evaporation of the liquid by increasing the surface area of the liquid during the evaporation process. When a desired amount of liquid has been evaporated from container 202, closure 204 can be removed from container 202 (e.g., using remote manipulator 108), and container 202 can be moved to radiation confinement chamber 102 or another area of a separate radiation confinement chamber for further processing.

[0045] When introducing elements of the present invention or embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that one or more of the elements are present. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist.

[0046] Since various modifications can be made to the above configurations and methods without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings be construed in an illustrative sense and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A closure (204) for a container (202), the closure comprising: a body (302) extending longitudinally along a central longitudinal axis (318) from a first upper surface (320) to a second lower surface (322), the body defining a cavity (326) extending into the body from the lower surface to a third inner surface (328), the cavity being sized and shaped to receive a portion of the container therein, the body comprising: a cover (330) extending from the inner surface to the lower surface; a container insertion portion (334) hanging down from the inner surface and positioned within the cavity, the container insertion portion being sized and shaped to fit within an opening (212) of the container; a discharge flow path (308) in fluid communication with the cavity; and at least one injection flow path (306) in fluid communication with the cavity wherein: the at least one injection flow path is configured to generate a gas vortex within the container when connected thereto; each of the at least one injection flow path is directed at an angle oblique to the central longitudinal axis of the body and radially offset from the central longitudinal axis.

2. The closure according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one injection flow path is directed at an angle of 15° to 45° with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

3. The closure according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one injection flow path has an injection port (310) defined at the upper surface and a discharge port (312) defined at the container insertion portion.

4. The container insertion portion includes a discharge port extension (336) hanging down from a lower surface (338) of the container insertion portion, the discharge port extension defining an inlet (316) of the discharge flow path, and the discharge port (312) of each of the at least one injection flow path is defined adjacent to the lower surface of the container insertion portion.

5. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the discharge flow path is parallel and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis.

6. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the body is composed of a fluorinated polymer.

7. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a pair of opposing flat portions (342) extending from the upper surface (320) to the lower surface (322).

8. The closure according to claim 1, wherein the body has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

9. A system (100), the system comprising: a radiation confinement chamber (102); a remote manipulator (108) connected to the radiation confinement chamber; a container (202) positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber (116); a closure according to claim 1 connected to the container; an evaporation station (104) positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber and comprising at least one heating element (118) for applying heat to the container; a gas handling system (106) comprising a suction line (122) connected to an outlet (314) of the discharge flow path and comprising a system, wherein the at least one injection flow path generates a gas vortex in the container when suction is applied to the container by the suction line.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the container contains a radioactive liquid (112) disposed therein.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the radioactive liquid comprises one of a radionuclide precursor solution and a radiolabeled compound.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the remote manipulator is a telemanipulator.

13. The telemanipulator comprises an operator controller (136) positioned outside the radiation confinement chamber, and an end effector (140) positioned inside the radiation confinement chamber and the system according to claim 12, wherein the operator controller controls at least one of the position, orientation, and state of the end effector.

14. A method, the method comprising: providing a container (202) inside a radiation confinement chamber (102), the container containing a radioactive liquid (112) disposed therein; using a remote manipulator (108) to connect a closure according to claim 1 to the container such that the closure seals against the container; directing a flow of gas through the at least one injection flow path of the closure to generate a gas vortex in the container and comprising.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising heating the radioactive liquid.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the radioactive liquid is a radionuclide precursor solution.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the radioactive liquid is a radiolabeled compound.

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