Mist device for producing isotopes based on particle accelerator with beam intensity above milliampere level

Abstract

FIELD: isotope production.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a target device for producing isotopes based on a particle accelerator. The device contains a target chamber and a target assembly. The target assembly comprises a target frame containing at least one mounting location for a target capsule, wherein both sides of the target frame are provided with openings. The openings, together with the inner wall of the chamber, form independent channels for the flow of refrigerant. Each capsule has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the bundle apertures for the flow of coolant and a plurality of inlet and outlet holes for water. The target assembly comprises a plurality of target frames connected in series, wherein the assembly further comprises a sealing seat to which the frame is fixedly connected. The cross-section of the saddle gradually narrows towards the frame, and the mounting hole gradually widens from the inside to the outside of the target chamber.EFFECT: prevention of damage to the target capsule due to excessive heating when using a beam with an intensity exceeding one milliampere.7 cl, 11 dwg

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411270236.7, filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "Target device for isotope production based on high-intensity particle accelerator", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of isotope production equipment, and in particular to a target device for isotope production based on a particle accelerator with a beam intensity above the milliampere level.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] With the development of modern medicine and nuclear medicine technologies, medical radioisotopes are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis and clinical treatment of diseases. Medical radioisotopes are produced using three methods: reactors, accelerators, and isotope generators. Currently, the majority of medical radioisotopes worldwide are still primarily produced in reactors. However, due to the widespread significant aging of research reactors, these research reactors are expected to deteriorate on a large scale, exacerbating a significant shortage in the global medical isotope market.

[0004] Irradiating target materials with proton beams from high-energy proton accelerators is an effective approach to achieving large-scale isotope production. This can not only significantly improve isotope production efficiency but also significantly reduce overall costs. Accelerator-based production of actinium-225 has been achieved in the United States and Canada, with proton beam intensities reaching hundreds of microamperes at LANL, BNL, and TRIUMF.

[0005] The Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has achieved a breakthrough of 10 mA in a superconducting linear accelerator, laying a solid foundation for accelerator-based large-scale isotope production. To improve the overall isotope yield, it is necessary to increase the beam current intensity to above milliamperes. However, bombarding the target material with a high power density at high intensity will result in excessive heating, which can damage the target material due to excessive heating. Therefore, increasing the temperature of the target material is a key factor limiting the increase in current intensity.

[0006] The issue of reducing the temperature increase of the target material at high beam intensity and achieving isotope production at a beam intensity of the milliampere level is an important problem that requires an urgent solution. ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator. It solves the problem of the high temperature rise of the target material, which limits further improvement of the beam intensity. It can effectively reduce the temperature rise of the target material at high beam intensities and realize isotope production at beam intensities above the milliampere level.

[0008] The present invention provides a target device for producing isotopes based on a particle accelerator with a beam intensity above the milliampere level, comprising a target chamber and a target assembly, wherein the target chamber has an internal cavity and a plurality of beam apertures arranged in an array on the surface of the target chamber facing the beam flow, and each beam aperture is covered with a target window; the target assembly comprises a target frame arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the target window, and in the axial direction of the beam aperture, at least one mounting location for mounting the target capsule is provided in the target frame;and both sides of the target frame are provided with openings, a plurality of target frames arranged in a predetermined direction constitute a group, the side openings of the target frames in the same group correspond to each other and together with the inner wall of the target chamber form an independent coolant flow channel, each target capsule has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam apertures for flowing the coolant, and a plurality of water inlet openings and water outlet openings corresponding to the plurality of coolant flow channels are respectively arranged on both sides of the target chamber; wherein the plurality of coolant flow channels extend in the first direction, and they are arranged in the second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; and the plurality of target frames arranged in the first direction constitute a group and are located on the path of passing the same coolant flow channel;the target chamber is provided with a plurality of mounting holes on one side in the second direction, wherein the plurality of mounting holes are arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of target assemblies are provided, wherein each target assembly comprises a plurality of target frames connected in series in the second direction, and the target assemblies are inserted into the mounting holes and sealed with them; the target assembly further comprises a sealing seat, wherein the target frame located at the end is fixedly connected to the sealing seat, the cross-section of the sealing seat gradually narrows in the direction closer to the target frame, and the mounting hole gradually expands from the inner part to the outer part of the target chamber.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a fixing assembly for fixing the target assembly and the target chamber.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the locking assembly comprises a pair of locking ridges configured to elastically expand and contract, and locking bases arranged at intervals, fixedly connected to the target chamber, wherein locking grooves are provided on the locking bases, and the pair of locking ridges are configured to respectively engage with the locking grooves of adjacent locking bases.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the locking ridges are slidably connected to the target assembly, and the pair of locking ridges are slidable towards or away from each other, wherein the locking assembly further comprises an elastic element that elastically interacts with the locking ridges to cause the pair of locking ridges to move away from each other.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element provides a spring, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a guide rod fixedly connected to the locking ridge, the axis of the guide rod is parallel to the sliding direction of the locking ridge, the guide rods on the pair of locking ridges are arranged opposite each other, and the two ends of the spring are respectively placed on the guide rods of the pair of locking ridges.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the target frame is provided with a plurality of groups of receiving grooves arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the beam aperture to form a plurality of mounting locations, wherein two receiving grooves in each group of receiving grooves are arranged in corresponding locations and respectively arranged on two opposite inner walls of the target frame, one end of the receiving groove near the water inlet passes through the side of the target frame, and the other end of the receiving groove near the water outlet is hermetically sealed.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, one side of the target frame in the direction of the target window is designed to be open, and the other side of the target frame is provided with a beam blocking plate.

[0015] In the target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator provided in the present invention, target capsules are arranged in a single-layer or multi-layer array in a target chamber, and the beam is unfolded into multiple sub-beams in 1:1 correspondence with multiple beam apertures on the target chamber, combined with the accelerator's fixed-point beam unfolding technology, thereby enabling the beam intensity to be increased to a level above milliamperes and ensuring the isotope production efficiency. Furthermore, the array arrangement reduces the transverse size of each target capsule, which helps reduce the complexity of manufacturing and subsequent processing of the isotope production target capsule.During the manufacturing process, coolant is discharged into multiple coolant flow channels through water inlets. Multiple target capsules located in each coolant flow channel are individually ejected by cooling water through independent coolant flow channels, thereby effectively improving the forced convection cooling efficiency of the target capsule. Additionally, each target capsule has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam aperture for coolant passage, ensuring that both sides of each target capsule, facing toward and away from the beam aperture, are in full contact with the coolant.In this way, the heating value on the target capsule can be quickly removed, the temperature rise of the target capsule can be reduced, and damage to the target capsule due to excessive heating can be avoided as much as possible, which effectively solves the problem of difficulty in increasing the beam intensity due to excessive temperature rise of the target capsule and realizes large-scale production of isotopes with milliampere flux levels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS.

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction of the drawings necessary to describe the embodiments or the prior art will be given below. It will be obvious that the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, and a person skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative efforts. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is aa schematic illustration of the general structure of the target chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the general structure of the target chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of the general structure of the target assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a first cross-sectional view of the general structure of the target assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a second cross-sectional view of the general structure of the target assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a partial enlarged view of position A in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of the general structure of the target frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the general structure of the targetcapsules according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a target capsule according to one embodiment of the present invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS 1, target chamber; 11, front plate of target chamber; 111, beam aperture; 112, water direction strip; 12, rear plate of target chamber; 13, upper plate of target chamber; 131, mounting hole; 132, locking seat; 14, lower plate of target chamber; 141, target chamber support; 15, left side plate of target chamber; 151, water outlet; 16, right side plate of target chamber; 161, water inlet; 17, target window; 2, target assembly; 21, sealing seat; 22, sliding connector; 23, locking assembly; 231, locking comb; 232, guide rod; 233, spring; 24, target frame; 25, target capsule; 251, support ring; 252, first metal film; 253, target material; 254, secondmetal film; 26, bundle blocking plate; 3, water distribution inlet pipe; 31, water inlet guide plate; 4, water inlet pipe with variable diameter; 5, water inlet pipe; 51, water inlet pipe support base; 52, water inlet quick release connector; 6, water distribution outlet pipe; 61, water outlet guide plate; 7, water outlet pipe with variable diameter; 8, water outlet pipe; 81, water outlet pipe support base; 82, water outlet quick release connector.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to further explain the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention are clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings. It will be obvious that the described embodiments represent only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by persons skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. To facilitate understanding of the target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator provided in the present invention, the background of the invention is first presented. Irradiating target materials with proton beams from high-energy proton accelerators is an effective technical approach for achieving large-scale isotope production, which can not only significantly improve the efficiency of isotope production but also significantly reduce the overall cost. Currently, the United States and Canada have achieved isotope production with proton beam intensities of hundreds of microamperes.

[0019] In recent years, with the rapid development of superconducting linear accelerator technology, breakthroughs in milliampere-level beam intensities have been achieved. To improve the overall isotope yield, it is necessary to increase the beam current intensity to above milliamperes. However, bombarding the target material with a high power density at high intensities will result in excessive heating of the target material, which can be damaged by excessive heating. Therefore, increasing the target material temperature is a key factor limiting the increase in current intensity.

[0020] The issue of reducing the temperature rise of the target material at high beam intensity and achieving isotope production at milliampere level beam intensity is an important problem that requires urgent solution.

[0021] In order to solve the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a target device for producing isotopes based on a high-intensity particle accelerator, which can effectively reduce the temperature rise of the target material and achieve large-scale production of isotopes at the milliampere current level.

[0022] A target device for producing isotopes based on a high-intensity particle accelerator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1-11.

[0023] According to Fig. 1-3, a target device for producing isotopes based on a high-intensity particle accelerator contains a target chamber 1 and a target assembly 2. In this document, the target chamber 1 has an internal cavity and is provided with a plurality of beam apertures 111 arranged in an array on the surface facing the beam flow, each beam aperture 111 is covered with a target window 17. The target assembly 2 contains a target frame 24 arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the target window 17, and in the axial direction of the beam apertures 111, at least one mounting location for mounting the target capsule 25 is provided in the target frame 24.

[0024] One side of the target frame 24 is provided with an opening, a plurality of target frames 24 arranged in a predetermined direction constitute a group, the side openings of the target frames 24 in the same group correspond to each other and together with the inner wall of the target chamber 1 form an independent coolant flow channel, and each target capsule 25 has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam apertures 111 for the coolant flow. A plurality of water inlet openings 161 and water outlet openings 151 corresponding to the plurality of coolant flow channels are respectively arranged on both sides of the target chamber 1.

[0025] In a specific application scenario, the target capsules 25 are arranged in a single-layer or multi-layer array in the target chamber 1, and the beam is unfolded into multiple sub-beams in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple beam apertures 111 on the target chamber 1 in combination with the accelerator's fixed-point beam unfolding technology, thereby enabling the beam intensity to be increased to a level above milliamperes and ensuring the isotope production efficiency. Furthermore, the array arrangement reduces the transverse size of each target capsule 25, which helps reduce the complexity of manufacturing and subsequent processing of the isotope production target capsule 25.During the manufacturing process, the coolant is discharged into a plurality of coolant flow channels through the water inlet holes 161, and a plurality of target capsules 25 located in each coolant flow channel are individually pushed by cooling water through independent coolant flow channels, thereby effectively improving the forced convection cooling efficiency of the target capsule 25. In addition, each target capsule 25 has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam aperture 111 for passing the coolant, so that both sides of each target capsule 25 facing and away from the beam aperture 111 can be in full contact with the coolant.In this way, the heating value on the target capsule 25 can be quickly removed, the rise in temperature of the target capsule 25 can be reduced, and damage to the target capsule 25 due to excessive heating can be avoided as much as possible, which effectively solves the problem of difficulty in increasing the beam intensity due to excessive rise in temperature of the target capsule 25 and realizes large-scale production of isotopes with milliampere flux levels.

[0026] The specific design of each element in the target device will be described in detail below with reference to the graphic materials.

[0027] According to Fig. 3 and 4, the target chamber 1 has a generally rectangular structure, which includes a front plate 11 of the target chamber, a rear plate 12 of the target chamber, an upper plate 13 of the target chamber, a lower plate 14 of the target chamber, a left side plate 15 of the target chamber and a right side plate 16 of the target chamber. The internal cavity of the target chamber 1 is formed by enclosing the front plate 11 of the target chamber, the rear plate 12 of the target chamber, the upper cover plate 13 of the target chamber, the lower plate 14 of the target chamber, the left side plate 15 of the target chamber and the right side plate 16 of the target chamber. The support 141 of the target chamber is fixedly connected to the lower part of the target chamber 1 to provide a lower support for the target chamber 1.

[0028] The front plate 11 of the target chamber acts as the side of the target chamber 1 facing the beam flow. Beam apertures 111 are provided on the front plate 11 of the target chamber, and the shape of the beam apertures 111 may be circular, oval, or polygonal. The beam apertures 111 may be arranged in a rectangular array or an annular array. In addition, according to the specific number of beam apertures 111, the shape of the array in which they are arranged will vary. In some examples, a plurality of beam apertures 111 may be arranged in a matrix in the shape of 3×3, 4×4, 4×5, 5×5, or the like.

[0029] The specific shape, number, and arrangement of the beam apertures 111 can be adaptively designed according to actual production requirements. In this embodiment, the front plate 11 of the target chamber is provided with 16 circular beam apertures 111, and the 16 beam apertures 111 are arranged in a 4×4 matrix in the first direction and the second direction, perpendicular to each other on the front plate 11 of the target chamber.

[0030] The front plate 11 of the target chamber is provided with target windows 17 corresponding to the number of beam apertures 111, and the target windows 17 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the front plate 11 of the target chamber and cover the beam apertures 111, so that the space of the target chamber 1 is closed. The material of the target windows 17 and the method of connecting with the front plate 11 of the target chamber can be selected according to actual requirements. More specifically, the material used for the target windows 17 is a metal sheet with good thermal conductivity, high melting point, good strength, good deformability, and one that is easy to weld, such as Inconel-718 or titanium alloy, which can be connected to the front plate 11 of the target chamber by welding or flange.The arrangement of a small-sized array can reduce the calorific value of the beam placed on each target window 17 and the water pressure it withstands, thereby increasing the service life of the target window 17.

[0031] Corresponding to the beam apertures 111 arranged by the matrix, a plurality of target frames 17 arranged in the first direction form a group, and the plurality of groups of target frames 17 and the inner wall of the target chamber 1 cover a plurality of coolant flow channels extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction.

[0032] More specifically, the first direction is formed as the horizontal direction of the target chamber 1, and the second direction is formed as the vertical direction of the target chamber 1. A plurality of coolant flow channels extend in the horizontal direction of the target chamber 1 and are arranged in the vertical direction of the target chamber 1. A plurality of target capsules 25 arranged in the horizontal direction are arranged in the same coolant flow channel, water inlet holes 161 are arranged on the right side plate 16 of the target chamber, and water outlet holes 151 are arranged on the left side plate 15 of the target chamber.

[0033] A coolant flow path is formed inside the target chamber 1. In more detail, the coolant flow path is formed by the inner wall of the target chamber 1 and the target frame 24. The target frame 24 has openings on both sides in a first direction, and a plurality of side openings of the target frames 24 arranged in the first direction correspond to each other, thereby forming a passage for the coolant to flow. During operation, the coolant flows into the target frame 24 along one side in the first direction and flows out through the other side.

[0034] In order to maintain the vertically arranged adjacent coolant flow channels as independent as possible, a plurality of target frames 24 arranged in the second direction are sequentially connected as a single unit. More specifically, a plurality of target frames 24 arranged in the second direction can be processed separately and then connected together, or can be processed as a single unit. The target chamber 1 further comprises a water guide strip 112 located in the internal cavity of the target chamber 1 and placed between four adjacent beam apertures 111. The two ends of each water guide strip 112 interact with two adjacent target frames 24 arranged in the first direction to separate two adjacent coolant flow channels arranged in the second direction.With this arrangement, the target frame 24 itself and the water guide strip 112 can jointly function in a separated manner, effectively preventing the vertical flow of the refrigerant into the refrigerant flow channel, ensuring the interdependence between the two adjacent refrigerant flow channels, and further ensuring the cooling efficiency of forced convection.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting hole 131 is provided on one side of the target chamber 1 in the second direction, and a plurality of mounting holes 131 are arranged in the first direction. A plurality of target assemblies 2 are provided, each target assembly 2 comprises a plurality of target frames 24 connected in series in the second direction, and the target assembly 2 is inserted and sealed by the mounting holes 131.

[0036] More specifically, the number of target assemblies 2 corresponds to the number of target windows 17 arranged horizontally, and the number of target frames 24 on each target assembly 2 corresponds to the number of target windows 17 arranged vertically. Therefore, after inserting the target windows 17 of the target assembly 2 into the target chamber 1 through the mounting hole 131, the arrangement, position, and number of target frames 24 correspond to the same parameters of the target windows 17.

[0037] In this embodiment, four mounting holes 131 are provided on the top plate 13 of the target chamber and arranged side by side, and four target assemblies 2 are provided. Each target assembly 2 contains four target frames 24 arranged vertically, and the target frame 24 on the target assembly 2 can be inserted into the target chamber 1 through the mounting holes 131. After inserting the target frames 24 of the target assembly 2 into the target chamber 1, a plurality of target frames 24 are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix and their locations correspond to the locations of the target windows 17.

[0038] According to Fig. 5-7, in order to facilitate the installation of the target assembly 2 and its sealing with the mounting hole 131, in one embodiment of the present invention, the target assembly 2 further comprises a sealing seat 21, and the target frame 24 is fixedly connected at the end to the lower part of the sealing seat 21. The cross-section of the sealing seat 21 gradually narrows in the direction near the target frame 24, so that two opposite side surfaces of the sealing seat 21 are inclined surfaces, giving the sealing seat 21 a generally wedge-shaped or trapezoidal structure. The shape of the mounting hole 131 is provided as a wedge-shaped hole, which coincides with the shape of the sealing seat 21. That is, the mounting hole 131 gradually expands from the inside to the outside of the target chamber 1, so that the positioning and installation of the target assembly 2 can be performed quickly and accurately.

[0039] An annular groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing seat 21, and an O-ring is embedded in the groove. After the sealing seat 21 is inserted into the mounting hole 131, the O-ring is tightly pressed against the wall of the mounting hole 131, ensuring that the space in the target chamber 1 is sealed and preventing leakage of radioactive cooling water.

[0040] More specifically, the sealing ring may be a type O fluororubber sealing ring or a metal sealing ring.

[0041] According to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, in order to facilitate the connection between the target assembly 2 and the target chamber 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the target device further comprises a fixing assembly 23 for fixing the target assembly 2 and the target chamber 1.

[0042] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly 23 comprises a pair of locking ridges 231 configured to elastically expand and contract. The locking seat 132 is fixedly connected to the target chamber 1, adjacent locking seats 132 are arranged at intervals, a locking groove is provided on the locking seat 132, and the pair of locking ridges 231 of the locking assembly 23 are used for corresponding engagement with the locking grooves on the adjacent locking seats 132.

[0043] In the actual application scenario, when installing the target assembly 2, the target window 17 is inserted into the target chamber 1 through the mounting hole 131. Under the action of the gravity of the target assembly 2 or an external force, the sealing ring is tightly sealed by the mounting hole 131. During the process of mounting the target assembly 2, the locking ridge 231 is subjected to a retracting force. After mounting the target assembly 2 in place, the locking ridge 231 is aligned with the location of the locking groove on the adjacent locking seat 132. The force applied to the locking ridge 231 is then released, and the locking ridge 231 is pulled out and enters the locking groove, so that the target assembly 2 can be conveniently and quickly mounted on the target chamber 1.In addition, the target assembly 2 can be removed and replaced remotely by controlling the retraction of the locking comb 231 using a robot or an electrically driven clamp, thereby avoiding damage from a high dose of radiation caused by human work at short distances and ensuring the safety of personnel.

[0044] Of course, a gripping portion may also be provided on the upper portion of the locking ridge 231, and a robot or an electrically driven clamp can grip or clamp the gripping portion to control the movement of the locking ridge 231. After mounting the target assembly 2 on the target chamber 1, the gripping portion protrudes from the upper portion of the locking seat 132, so that the robot or an electrically driven clamp can control the locking ridge 231.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the locking seats 132 are arranged at both ends of the mounting hole 131 in the first direction. The locking ridges 231 are slidably connected to the target assembly 2, and a pair of the locking ridges 231 are configured to slide toward or away from each other. The locking assembly 23 further comprises an elastic member that elastically interacts with the locking ridges 231 to cause the pair of locking ridges 231 to move away from each other. When the pair of locking ridges 231 approach each other, the elastic member is elastically deformed, so that the locking ridges 231 are in an elastically deformed state. The distance between the two locking ridges 231 does not exceed the distance between the two locking seats 132 in order to ensure that the locking ridges 231 can be smoothly inserted between the two locking seats 132.When the elastic element is restored after deformation, the two locking ridges 231 are moved away from each other, and the two locking ridges 231 are extended and inserted into the locking grooves of the locking seats 132.

[0046] More specifically, the locking ridge 231 is connected to the target assembly 2 via a sliding connector 22. The sliding connector 22 comprises a guide rail and a sliding member that are slidably connected. The guide rail is fixedly connected to the sealing seat 21, and the sliding member is fixedly connected to the lower portion of the locking ridge 231. By means of the sliding connector 22, a sliding connection of the locking ridge 231 on the target assembly 2 can be realized, and the sliding direction of the locking ridge 231 can be limited and guided.

[0047] The elastic member may be a spring 233, and both ends of the spring 233 are respectively connected to two locking ridges 231. In order to ensure smooth stretching and retraction of the spring 233, the locking assembly 23 further comprises a guide rod 232 fixedly connected to the locking ridge 231, and the axis of the guide rod 232 is parallel to the sliding direction of the locking ridge 231. The guide rods 232 on the pair of locking ridges 231 are arranged opposite each other, and the two ends of the spring 233 are respectively put on the guide rods 232 of the pair of locking ridges 231. The guide rods 232 can limit and guide the stretching and retraction of the spring 233, thereby ensuring smooth and stable stretching and compression of spring 233.

[0048] By adopting the above technical solution, when the target assembly 2 is installed, the fixing ridges 231 on both sides are pressed toward the center by a robot or a clamp. The two fixing ridges 231 move toward the center, the spring 233 is compressed, and then the target frame 24 of the target assembly 2 is inserted into the target chamber 1. After the target assembly 2 is installed in place, the robot or the clamp releases the fixing ridges 231. The spring 233 recovers from deformation and moves the two fixing ridges 231 away from each other and inserts into the fixing holes of the fixing seats 132 on both sides, so that the target assembly 2 and the target chamber 1 are positioned and sealed. The process of disassembling the target assembly 2 is the opposite of the above process.

[0049] The structure of the target frame 24 will be described in detail below with reference to the graphic materials.

[0050] According to Fig. 7-9, the target frame 24 is generally a structure in the form of a rectangular frame, which has an opening on one side facing the target window 17, and a beam blocking plate 26 on the opposite side for blocking and absorbing any remaining waste beams after irradiating the target. After connecting the target capsule 25 to the target frame 24, there are gaps between the beam blocking plate 26 and the target capsule 25, and between the beam blocking plate 26 and the rear plate 12 of the target chamber. When the coolant flows through the target frame 24, both sides of the beam blocking plate 26 can be in full contact with the coolant, realizing double-sided cooling of the beam blocking plate 26 and achieving a cooling effect of the beam blocking plate 26 at a high calorific value density at the end of the beam flow.

[0051] A plurality of groups of receiving grooves are arranged on the inner wall of the target frame 24, and the plurality of groups of receiving grooves are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the beam aperture 111. Two receiving grooves in each group of receiving grooves are arranged opposite to each other and respectively arranged on two inner walls of the target frame 24 in the second direction in order to form a plurality of mounting positions for mounting the target capsule 25. One end of the receiving groove near the water inlet 161 passes through the side opening of the target frame 24 to form an insertion end, and the other end of the receiving groove near the water outlet 151 is hermetically sealed to form a stopping end. When installing the target capsule 25, the target capsule 25 is inserted into the receiving groove from the insertion end, and the stopping end can position the target capsule 25, preventing the target capsule 25 from falling out of the target frame 24 under the action of the coolant.After mounting the target capsule 25 in the target frame 24, one side of the target capsule 25 faces the target window 17, while the other side faces away from the target window 17. A plurality of groups of receiving grooves in each target frame 24 provide the ability to mount one target frame 24 with several layers of target capsules 25 in the direction of the beam, which is advantageous for reducing the calorific value on one target capsule 25 and increasing the effective cooling area inside an individual target frame 24, thereby increasing the beam density that an individual target location can withstand.

[0052] It should be noted that the multilayer target capsules 25 installed in the target frame 24 can be made to have the same thickness or different thicknesses according to the beam energy parameters.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the target capsule 25 comprises a support ring 251, a first metal film 252, a target material 253 and a second metal film 254. The first metal film 252 and the second metal film 254 respectively cover the two ends of the central through hole of the support ring 251, and the target material 253 is encapsulated in a space surrounded by the support ring 251, the first metal film 252 and the second metal film 254. The first metal film 252 and the second metal film 254 are preferably made of metal materials with good thermal conductivity, a high melting point, good strength, good deformability and those that are easy to weld, such as Inconel-718, tantalum, niobium or titanium.The thickness of the first metal film 252 and the second metal film 254 is between one hundred and four hundred micrometers, depending on the beam flux energy. The morphology of the target material 253 includes sheet, block, and granular shapes, which can be selected according to actual requirements. In this embodiment, the target material 253 is a millimeter-thick natural thorium target. Specific gaps are present between the thorium target and the metal film, and between the thorium target and the metal support ring 251 to facilitate packaging.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the target device further comprises an inlet pipe 3 for distributing water and an outlet pipe 6 for distributing water. A plurality of water inlet guide plates 31, arranged at intervals in the second direction, are arranged in the inlet pipe 3 for distributing water, so that a plurality of channels for respectively connecting a plurality of water inlet openings 161 are formed in the inlet pipe 3 for distributing water. A plurality of water outlet guide plates 61, arranged at intervals in the second direction, are arranged in the outlet pipe 6 for distributing water, so that a plurality of channels for respectively connecting a plurality of water outlet openings 151 are formed in the outlet pipe 6 for distributing water.

[0055] The cross-sectional shape of the channel in the water distribution inlet pipe 3 and the water distribution outlet pipe 6 matches the shape of the coolant flow channel to ensure the uniformity of the cooling flow field of the target capsule 25. In this embodiment, the target chamber 1 is rectangular and the target frame 24 is a rectangular frame structure, so that the cross-section of the coolant flow channel surrounded by the inner wall of the target chamber 1 and the target frame 24 is rectangular.Therefore, the cross-sections of both the inlet pipe 3 for distributing water and the outlet pipe 6 for distributing water are made rectangular, a plurality of water inlet guide plates 31 divide the inlet pipe 3 for distributing water into a rectangular channel coinciding with the refrigerant flow channel, and a plurality of water outlet guide plates 61 divide the outlet pipe 6 for distributing water into a rectangular channel coinciding with the refrigerant flow channel.

[0056] In order to facilitate the interaction of the target device with the external water circulation system, the target device further comprises a water inlet pipe 5 and a water outlet pipe 8. The water inlet pipe 5 is connected to the water distribution inlet pipe 3 through a water inlet pipe 4 with a variable diameter, and the water outlet pipe 8 is connected to the water distribution outlet pipe 6 through a water outlet pipe 7 with a variable diameter. The cross-sectional shape of the water inlet of the water inlet pipe 4 with a variable diameter matches the cross-sectional shape of the water inlet pipe 5, and the cross-sectional shape of the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 4 with a variable diameter matches the cross-sectional shape of the channel in the water distribution inlet pipe 3.The cross-sectional shape of the water inlet of the variable diameter water outlet pipe 7 matches the cross-sectional shape of the channel in the outlet pipe 6 for water distribution, and the cross-sectional shape of the water outlet of the variable diameter water outlet pipe 7 matches the cross-sectional shape of the water outlet pipe 8. Thus, a transition is realized between the water inlet pipe 3 for water distribution and the outlet pipe 6 for water distribution from the non-standard contact surface to the standard contact surface in order to ensure that the coolant forms a relatively uniform flow field distribution before entering the target chamber 1 and better matches the rectangular flow channel in the target chamber 1.

[0057] To achieve quick connection / disconnection of the target device with / from the external water circulation system, the water inlet of the water inlet pipe 5 is connected to the quick-release connector 52 for water inlet, and the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 8 is connected to the quick-release connector 82 for water outlet. More specifically, a quick-release flange is adopted for the quick-release connector 52 for water inlet and the quick-release connector 82 for water outlet to connect with the external water circulation device for cooling. When the entire equipment of the target chamber 1 needs to be replaced or removed, the target device can be quickly disconnected / connected from / to the external water circulation device for cooling by means of the quick-release flange, thereby improving the efficiency of installation and disassembly of the entire equipment.

[0058] More specifically, the water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 8 can be formed as curved pipes according to the actual requirements.

[0059] More specifically, the target device further comprises a supporting base 51 for a water inlet pipe and a supporting base 81 for a water outlet pipe. At least one group of supporting bases 51 for a water inlet pipe are arranged along the passage path of the water inlet pipe 5, the supporting base 51 for a water inlet pipe is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the number and position of the water inlet pipe 5, and the water inlet pipe 5 passes through the through holes of the supporting base 51 for a water inlet pipe. At least one group of supporting bases 81 for a water outlet pipe are arranged along the passage path of the water outlet pipe 8, the supporting base 81 for a water outlet pipe is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the number and position of the water outlet pipe 8, and the water outlet pipe 8 passes through the through holes of the supporting base 81 for a water outlet pipe.The water inlet pipe 5 and the water outlet pipe 8 can be supported and fixed by a water inlet pipe support base 51 and a water outlet pipe support base 81.

[0060] It should be understood that the various embodiments or examples and features of the various embodiments or examples described in this application can be combined and integrated by those skilled in the art without contradicting each other.

[0061] According to the target device for isotope production based on a high-intensity particle accelerator provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the target capsule 25 is arranged in a single-layer or multi-layer array in the target chamber 1, and the beam is deployed into a plurality of sub-beams in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of beam apertures 111 on the target chamber 1 in combination with the beam deployment technology with a fixed point of the accelerator, thereby enabling the beam intensity to be increased to a level above milliamperes and ensuring the efficiency of isotope production. In addition, the array arrangement reduces the transverse size of each target capsule 25, which contributes to reducing the complexity of manufacturing and subsequent processing of the isotope production target capsule 25.During the manufacturing process, the coolant is discharged into a plurality of coolant flow channels through the water inlet holes 161, and a plurality of target capsules 25 located in each coolant flow channel are individually pushed out by cooling water through independent coolant flow channels, thereby effectively improving the forced convection cooling efficiency of the target capsule 25. In addition, each target capsule 25 has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam aperture 111 for passing the coolant, so that both sides of each target capsule 25 facing the beam aperture 111 and away from it can be in full contact with the coolant.In this way, the heating value on the target capsule 25 can be quickly removed, the rise in temperature of the target capsule 25 can be reduced, and damage to the target capsule 25 due to excessive heating can be avoided as much as possible, which effectively solves the problem of difficulty in increasing the beam intensity due to excessive rise in temperature of the target capsule 25 and realizes large-scale production of isotopes with milliampere flux levels.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are used only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not limited thereto. Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, one skilled in the art will understand that he or she can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments or equivalently replace some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not take the essence of the corresponding technical solutions beyond the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A target device for the production of isotopes based on a particle accelerator with a beam intensity above the milliampere level, comprising a target chamber (1) and a target assembly (2), wherein the target chamber (1) has an internal cavity and a plurality of beam apertures (111) arranged in an array on the surface of the target chamber (1) facing the beam flow, and each beam aperture (111) is covered by a target window (17); the target assembly (2) comprises a target frame (24) arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the target window (17), and in the axial direction of the aperture (111) of the beam in the target frame (24) at least one mounting location is provided for mounting the target capsule (25); and both sides of the target frame (24) are provided with openings, a plurality of target frames (24) arranged in a predetermined direction constitute a group, the side openings of the target frames (24) in the same group correspond to each other and together with the inner wall of the target chamber (1) form an independent coolant flow channel, each target capsule (25) has gaps on both sides in the axial direction of the beam apertures (111) for the coolant flow, and a plurality of water inlet openings (161) and water outlet openings (151) corresponding to the plurality of coolant flow channels are respectively arranged on both sides of the target chamber (1); wherein a plurality of coolant flow channels extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; and a plurality of target frames (24) arranged in the first direction are a group and are located on the path of the same coolant flow channel; the target chamber (1) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes (131) on one side in the second direction, wherein the plurality of mounting holes (131) are arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of target assemblies (2) are provided, wherein each target assembly (2) comprises a plurality of target frames (24) connected in series in the second direction, and the target assemblies (2) are inserted into the mounting holes (131) and sealed with them; and the target assembly (2) further comprises a sealing seat (21), wherein the target frame (24) located at the end is fixedly connected to the sealing seat (21), the cross-section of the sealing seat (21) gradually narrows in the direction closer to the target frame (24), and the mounting hole (131) gradually widens from the inner part to the outer part of the target chamber (1).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally contains a fixing assembly (23) for fixing the target assembly (2) and the target chamber (1).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking assembly (23) comprises a pair of locking ridges (231) configured to elastically expand and contract, and locking bases (132) arranged at intervals, fixedly connected to the target chamber (1), wherein locking grooves are provided on the locking bases (132), and the pair of locking ridges (231) are configured to respectively engage with the locking grooves of adjacent locking bases (132).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking ridges (231) are connected with the possibility of sliding with the target assembly (2) and the pair of locking ridges (231) are made with the possibility of sliding in the direction towards each other or away from each other, wherein the locking assembly (23) additionally contains an elastic element that elastically interacts with the locking ridges (231) to cause the pair of locking ridges (231) to move away from each other.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element provides a spring (233), wherein the locking assembly (23) further comprises a guide rod (232) fixedly connected to the locking ridge (231), the axis of the guide rod (232) is parallel to the sliding direction of the locking ridge (231), the guide rods (232) on the pair of locking ridges (231) are placed opposite each other, and the two ends of the spring (233) are respectively placed on the guide rods (232) of the pair of locking ridges (231).

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner wall of the target frame (24) is provided with a plurality of groups of receiving grooves, placed at intervals in the axial direction of the aperture (111) of the beam to form a plurality of mounting locations, wherein two receiving grooves in each group of receiving grooves are located in corresponding places and are respectively located on two opposite inner walls of the target frame (24), one end of the receiving groove near the inlet opening (161) for water passes through the side part of the target frame (24), and the other end of the receiving groove near the outlet opening (151) for water is hermetically closed.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that one side of the target frame (24) in the direction of the target window (17) is designed to be open, and the other side of the target frame (24) is provided with a plate for blocking the beam (26).

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