Collection crucible comprising an ejector plug

Abstract

A collection crucible (110) that includes a crucible body (113) at least partially defining a collection chamber (114), wherein the collection chamber comprises a collection surface (115), a first end (111) opposite a second end (112), wherein a collection opening (120) is positioned at the first end and a plug opening (122) is positioned at the second end, and an ejector plug (160) releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit, wherein the ejector plug comprises a collection face at least partially defining the collection chamber of the crucible body.

Description

T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO1COLLECTION CRUCIBLE COMPRISING AN EJECTOR PLUGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 700,907 filed September 30, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein.TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to crucibles for phase change assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to collection crucibles for the separation of rare earth elements and their purification, for example, by sublimation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Lutetium- 177 (Lu- 177) is a radioisotope that is used in the treatment of neuro endocrine tumors, prostate, breast, renal, pancreatic, and other cancers. In the coming years, approximately 70,000 patients per year will need Lu-177 during their medical treatments.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for improved techniques of separating and purifying radioisotopes, such as Lu- 177.SUMMARY

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a collection crucible includes a crucible body at least partially defining a collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises a collection surface, a first end opposite a second end, wherein a collection opening is positioned at the first end and a plug opening is positioned at the second end, and an ejector plug releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit, wherein the ejector plug comprises a collection face at least partially defining the collection chamber of the crucible body.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a phase change assembly includes a reaction crucible comprising a crucible body, a closed end opposite an open end, and a reaction chamber, a crucible heater positioned to heat the reaction crucible; and aT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO2 collection crucible comprising a crucible body at least partially defining a collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises a collection surface, a first end opposite a second end, wherein a collection opening is positioned at the first end and a plug opening is positioned at the second end, and an ejector plug releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit, wherein the ejector plug comprises a collection face at least partially defining the collection chamber of the crucible body, and wherein the collection crucible is oriented such that the collection opening of the collection crucible faces the open end of the reaction crucible.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes heating a composition comprising a first element and a second element in a reaction crucible such that a portion of the second element phase separates from the composition and the portion of the second element collects in a collection chamber of a collection crucible, forming a collected portion of the second element, wherein the collection crucible comprises a first end opposite a second end, a collection opening is positioned at the first end and a plug opening is positioned at the second end, an ejector plug is releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit, and the collection chamber is at least partially defined by a collection surface of the collection crucible and a collection face of an ejector plug. The method further includes moving the ejector plug toward the first end of the collection crucible such that at least some of the collected portion of the second element moves toward the first end of the collection crucible.

[0008] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a phase change assembly that includes a reaction crucible, a heater, and a collection crucible, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO3

[0011] FIG. 2A depicts an example collection crucible, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the collection crucible of FIG. 2A along line A-A when an ejector plug is not positioned in a plug opening of the collection crucible , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the collection crucible of FIG. 2A along line A-A when an ejector plug is positioned in a plug opening of the collection crucible, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 3 A is an isometric view of an example ejector plug, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0015] FIG. 3B is a side view of the ejector plug of FIG. 3 A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring generally to the figures, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a phase change assembly for accumulating a target radioisotope, such as a target rare earth radioisotope, for example, lutetium- 177 (“Lu- 177”). The phase change assembly includes a collection crucible, a reaction crucible, and a crucible heater. The phase change assembly is configured to support separation of a second element (such as ytterbium) from a composition comprising a first element (such as lutetium) and the second element and collection of both the first element and the second element with minimal loss of either. For example, this separation may occur by sublimating or distilling the second element from the composition and collecting both the sublimated second element (e.g., in a collection crucible) and a remaining first element (e.g., in a reaction crucible). The remaining first element may compromise high purity isotopes of lutetium, such as lutetium- 177 (Lu- 177) separated from a composition comprising ytterbium and lutetium. The separated second element is collected in a collection crucible and allows the separated second element (e.g., ytterbium) to be reprocessed with minimal loss.

[0017] Moreover, the collection crucible includes an ejector plug releasably positioned in a plug opening of the collection crucible, which facilitates simple and efficient removal of theT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO4 separated second element that collects in the collection crucible. For example, the ejector plug may be releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit such that a portion of the ejector plug (e.g., a collection face of the ejector plug) at least partially defines the collection chamber of the collection crucible. Thus, the separated second element that collects in the collection crucible may be easily and efficiently removed from the collection chamber by pressing the ejector plug into the collection chamber such that the ejector plug ejects collected material from the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the ejector plug comprises a graphite material, which is compressible and thus readily attaches to the collection crucible by an interference fit but has a relatively low coefficient of friction to allow for efficient and effective release from the interference fit. Moreover, while the separated second element deposits on the graphite material, it does not chemically react with the graphite material and can be easily removed from the graphite material.

[0018] Lu- 177 is used in the treatment of neuro endocrine tumors, prostate, breast, renal, pancreatic, and other cancers. In the coming years, approximately 70,000 patients per year will need no carrier added Lu- 177 during their medical treatments. Lu- 177 is useful for many medical applications, because during decay it emits a low energy beta particle that is suitable for treating tumors. It also emits two gamma rays that can be used for diagnostic testing. Isotopes with both treatment and diagnostic characteristics are termed “theranostic.” Not only is Lu-177 theranostic, but it also has a 6.65-day half-life, which allows for more complicated chemistries to be employed, as well as allowing for easy global distribution. Lu- 177 also exhibits chemical properties that allow for binding to many bio molecules, for use in a wide variety of medical treatments.

[0019] There are two main production pathways to produce Lu- 177. One is via a neutron capture reaction on Lu-176; Lu-176 (n,y) Lu-177. This production method is referred to as carrier added (ca) Lu-177. A carrier is an isotope(s) of the same element (Lu-176 in this case), or similar element, in the same chemical form as the isotope of interest. In microchemistry the chemical element or isotope of interest does not chemically behave as expected due to extremely low concentrations. Moreover, isotopes of the same element cannot be chemically separated, and require mass separation techniques. The carrier method, therefore, results in the produced Lu-177 having limited medical application.T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO5

[0020] The second production method for Lu- 177 is a neutron capture reaction on ytterbium- 176 (Yb-176) (Yb-176(n,y)Yb-177) to produce Yb-177. Yb-177 then rapidly (ti / 2 of 1.911 hours) beta-decays into Lu-177. This process is considered a “no carrier added” process. The process may be carried out as ytterbium metal or ytterbium oxide. The phase change assembly described herein which may be used for the separation of ytterbium and lutetium obtained from a no carrier added process. While the phase change assembly is primarily described herein in relation to the separation of ytterbium and lutetium, it should be understood that the phase change assembly may be used to facilitate separation of a variety of elements, for example any of the rare earth, and / or actinide metals where there is a difference in boiling / sublimation point, such as cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y).

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a phase change assembly 100 is schematically depicted that includes a reaction crucible 130, a crucible heater 140, and a collection crucible 110. The phase change assembly 100 is configured to support separation of a second element from a composition comprising a first element and the second element. For example, the reaction crucible 130 may house and heat the composition, such that the second element phase separates from the composition by sublimation or distillation and collects in the collection crucible 110. In other words, the reaction crucible 130 is configured to hold a composition, and the collection crucible 110 is configured to collect a portion removed from the composition in response to heating the composition.

[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the phase change assembly 100 may be used to separate elements, such as a first element (e.g., a first rare earth element) and a second element (e.g., a second rare earth element). During the separation process the phase change assembly 100 may be located in a chamber having gas, cooling, vacuum, power, and instrument feedthroughs. The separation process includes heating a composition comprising the first element and the second element in the reaction crucible 130, for example, using the crucible heater 140. The reaction crucible 130 comprises a crucible body 133 and a closed end 132 opposite the open end 131 and a reaction chamber 134. The reaction chamber 134 includes a chamber surface 135. A portion of the chamber surface 135 forms a chamber floor 136, which is the portion of the chamber surface 135 at the closed end 132 of the reaction crucible 130. The closed end 132 terminates at a baseT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO6 surface 139 of the reaction crucible 130. In some embodiments, the reaction crucible 130 includes an end shoulder 137 comprising an interfacing edge 138 terminating at the open end 131.

[0023] The crucible heater 140 includes a crucible receiving recess 142 terminating at a heater base 144. In some embodiments, the crucible heater 140 is a resistive heater. However, it should be understood that other types of heaters are contemplated, for example, inductive heaters. When the phase change assembly 100 is assembled, the reaction crucible 130 is positioned in the crucible receiving recess 142 of the crucible heater 140. In some embodiments, a non-conductive washer 102 is positioned between the base surface 139 of the reaction crucible 130 and the heater base 144, for example, embodiments in which the crucible heater 140 is a resistive heater. The non-conductive washer 102 separates the reaction crucible 130 from contacting the heater base 144. In operation, when current is flowing through the crucible heater 140 and thereby generating heat to heat the reaction crucible 130, the non-conductive washer 102 blocks current flow from the heater base 144 of the crucible heater 140 to the base surface 139 of the reaction crucible 130. In addition, the electrical break provided by the non-conductive washer 102 facilitates the use of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and thermocouples to measure temperature because current flow through the reaction crucible 130 would cause signal interference for the RTDs and thermocouples. In some embodiments, the non-conductive washer 102 comprises a felt material. In some embodiments, the non-conductive washer 102 is an annular shape with an opening in the center. In some embodiments, the non-conductive washer 102 does not include an opening, for example, the non-conductive washer 102 may be a disk shape without an opening.

[0024] Referring still to FIG. 1 , heating the composition comprises retaining a temperature of the composition in a temperature range of from 400° C to 2000° C, for example, from 450° C to 1500° C, from 450° C to 1200° C, from 450° C to 1000° C, from 400° C to 1000° C, from 400° C to 900° C, from 400° C to 800° C, from 450° C to 700° C, from 400° C to less than 700° C, from 400° C to 695° C, from 450° C to 690° C, from 450° C to 685° C, from 450° C to 680° C, from 450° C to 675° C, from 450° C to 670° C, from 450° C to 665° C, from 450° C to 660° C, from 450° C to 655° C, from 450° C to 650° C, from 450° C to 645° C, from 450° C to 640° C, from 450° C to 635° C, from 450° C to 630° C, from 450° C to 625° C, 470° C to about 630° C, from 800° C to 2000° C, from greater than 800° C to 2000° C, from 1000° C to 2000 °C, from 1200° C to 2000 °C, from 1500° C to 2000° C, or any range having any two of these values as endpoints. Indeed, the temperature for sublimation and / or distillation (e.g., the temperature in the environment) may beT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO7400° C, 425° C, 450° C, 470° C, 475° C, 500° C, 525° C, 550° C, 575° C, 600° C, 625° C, 640° C, 650° C, 655° C, 660° C, 665° C, 670° C, 675° C, 680° C, 685° C, 690° C, 695° C, 698° C, 700° C, 725° C, 750° C, 775° C, 800° C, 850° C, 900° C, 950° C, 1000° C, 1100° C, 1200° C, 1300° C, 1400° C, 1500° C, 1600° C, 1700° C, 1800° C, 1900° C, 2000° C, any range having any two of these values as endpoints, or any value in a range having any two of these values as endpoints.

[0025] Moreover, in some embodiments, when heating the composition, the phase change assembly 100 may be positioned in an inert or reduced pressure environment. For example, the phase change assembly 100 may be positioned in chamber that forms an inert or reduced pressure environment. The inert or reduced pressure environment may be an environment with a pressure in a range of from 700 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 650 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 600 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 500 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 400 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 300 torr to 1x10'8torr, from 250 torr to IxlO'7torr, from 100 torr to IxlO'6torr, from 1 torr to IxlO'6torr, from IxlO'1torr to 1x10'6torr, IxlO'3or less, IxlO'5torr or less, IxlO'6torr or less, from 700 torr to IxlO'1torr, from 200 torr to 1 torr, from 100 torr to 1 torr, from 700 torr to 250 torr, any range having any two of these values as endpoints, or any value in a range having any two of these values as endpoints.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first element of the composition is a first rare earth element, such as lutetium, and the second element of the composition is a second rare earth element, such as ytterbium. Heating the composition phase separates the second element from the first element to leave a higher weight percentage of the first element in reaction crucible 130 than was present in the composition. The phase separated second element flows from the reaction crucible 130 and into the collection crucible 110, where it is collected. For example, the phase separation may occur by distillation, sublimation, or a combination thereof. In sublimation, the solid phase of an element (e.g., the second element) is converted directly to the gas phase via heating, and the gas phase can then be collected for later use. In distillation, an element (e.g., the second element) is heated to its boiling point (going through the liquid phase) and vaporized off. The vaporized fraction can then be recovered downstream after the vapor is condensed. Indeed, in the embodiments described herein, the boiling point of the first element is higher than the boiling point of the second element and the sublimation point of the first element is higher than the sublimation point of the second element.T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO8

[0027] Referring still to FIG. 1, the phase change assembly 100 further comprises a flow control nozzle 150 positionable between the reaction crucible 130 and the collection crucible 110. The flow control nozzle 150 comprises a nozzle body 151 and a flow channel 155 extending through the nozzle body 151 from an inlet opening 156 to an outlet opening 158. The nozzle body151 further comprises a protruding outlet 154 extending outwards from the remainder of the nozzle body 151, for example, in an upwards direction. The flow channel 155 is positioned such that the outlet opening 158 is located at the protruding outlet 154. When assembled, the protruding outlet 154 of the flow control nozzle 150 extends into the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110. This positions the outlet opening 158 within the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110, minimizing loss of fluid (e.g., vaporized rare earth metal, such as vaporized ytterbium) when transferring from the reaction crucible 130 to the collection crucible 110, maximizing total mass recovery of the rare earth metal. In some embodiments, a mesh screen 104 is positioned in the flow channel 155, such that fluid flowing from the inlet opening 156 to the outlet opening 158 of the flow control nozzle 150 traverses the mesh screen 104. The mesh screen 104 blocks solids from transferring from the reaction crucible 130, increasing the purity of the material collected in the collection crucible 110 and the material remaining in the reaction crucible 130.

[0028] The nozzle body 151 of the flow control nozzle 150 comprises an edge extension152 positioned radially outward from the flow channel 155. The edge extension 152 extends outward from the remainder of the nozzle body 151, for example, in a downward direction. In some embodiments, the protruding outlet 154 and the edge extension 152 each extend outwards from the nozzle body 151 in opposite directions. These opposite directions may both be parallel to the flow channel 155. As depicted in FIG. 1, when the phase change assembled 100 is assembled, the edge extension 152 of the flow control nozzle 150 engages with the reaction crucible 130, for example, the interfacing edge 138 of the reaction crucible 130, forming a tortious interface between the flow control nozzle 150 and the reaction crucible 130. The tortious interface minimizes material loss during operation, when fluid is flowing from the reaction crucible 130, through the flow channel 155 of the flow control nozzle 150, and into the collection crucible 110.

[0029] The separation process further comprises collecting the second element in the collection crucible 110. The collection crucible 110 is positioned such that a gaseous form of the second element flows from the reaction crucible 130 to the collection crucible 110. For example,T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO9 the collection crucible 110 may be positioned above the reaction crucible 130. Referring also to FIGS. 2A-2C, the collection crucible 110 comprises a crucible body 113 a first end 111 opposite a second end 112, and a collection chamber 114. The crucible body 113 at least partially defines the collection chamber 114 and the collection chamber 114 includes a collection surface 115. In some embodiments, the collection crucible 110 includes an end shoulder 117 comprising an interfacing edge 118 terminating at the first end 111 (FIG. 1).

[0030] As depicted in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a longitudinal axis 116 extends from the first end 111 to the second end 112 of the collection crucible 110. In some embodiments, the cross section of the collection chamber 114 varies along the longitudinal axis 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection chamber 114 is tapered along the longitudinal axis 116. For example, the cross section of the collection chamber 114 may be largest at the first end 111 and may taper inward along the longitudinal axis 116 toward the second end 112. Advantageously, the tapered shape of the collection chamber 114 facilitates easier removal of the collected material (e.g., the second element). In other words, the tapered shape allows collected rare earth elements to be more easily removed from the collection crucible 110.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a collection opening 120 is positioned at the first end 111 and a plug opening 122 is positioned at the second end 112. The collection opening 120 comprises a maximum cross-sectional dimension, such as a maximum diameter, that is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the plug opening 122. The plug opening 122 comprises a first opening wall 124 and a second opening wall 126 and a ledge 125 between the first opening wall 124 and the second opening wall 126. Along the longitudinal axis 116, the second end 112 is closer to the second opening wall 126 than it is to the first opening wall 124. The first opening wall 124 comprises a maximum cross-sectional dimension, such as a maximum diameter, that is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the second opening wall 126. In some embodiments, the first opening wall 124 defines the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the plug opening 122.

[0032] As depicted in FIGS. 1-3B, the phase change assembly 100 further comprises an ejector plug 160 releasably positioned in the plug opening 122 of the collection crucible 110, for example, by an interference fit. The ejector plug 160 comprises a collection face 163 and a release face 164 opposite the collection face 163. When the ejector plug 160 is positioned in the plugT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO10 opening 122, the collection face 163 partially defines the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110 and closes the second end 112 of the collection crucible 110. For example, the collection face 163 of the ejector plug 160 may be aligned with the collection surface 115 of the collection crucible 110 to form a contiguous surface defining the collection chamber 114 when the ejector plug 160 is positioned in the plug opening 122. In operation, the second element that flows from the reaction crucible 130 to the collection crucible collects on both the collection surface 115 of the collection chamber 114 and the collection face 163 of the ejector plug 160.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ejector plug 160 comprises a first body section 161 and a second body section 162. The first body section 161 terminates at the collection face 163 and the second body section 162 terminates at the release face 164. The first body section 161 and the second body section 162 interface along a mid-plane 165. The first body section 161 comprises an undersurface 166 along the mid-plane 165. The first body section 161 comprises a maximum cross-sectional dimension, such as a maximum diameter, that is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension, of the second body section 162. Moreover, a maximum cross-sectional dimension, such as a maximum diameter, of the collection face 163 is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the release face 164.

[0034] Referring still to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the first body section 161 comprises a first side surface 170 and a first tapered surface 172 and the second body section 162 comprises a second side surface 174 and a second tapered surface 176. The first side surface 170 extends from the collection face 163 to the first tapered surface 172. The first tapered surface 172 extends from the first side surface 170 to the undersurface 166. The second side surface 174 extends from the undersurface 166 to the second tapered surface 176. The second tapered surface 176 extends from the second side surface 174 to the release face 164.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3B, when the ejector plug 160 is positioned in the plug opening 122, the first side surface 170 of the ejector plug 160 contacts the first opening wall 124 of the plug opening 122 and the second side surface 174 of the ejector plug 160 contacts the second opening wall 126 of the plug opening 122. Moreover, in some embodiments, when the ejector plug 160 is fully positioned in the plug opening 122, the undersurface 166 of the ejector plug 160 contacts the ledge 125 of the plug opening 122. Indeed, the ledge 125 is positioned such that contact between the undersurface 166 and the ledge 125 positions the collection face 163 of theT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO11 ejector plug 160 contiguous with the collection surface 115 of the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110. While FIGS. 1-3B depict the ejector plug 160 comprising a stepped design, it should be understood that other geometries are contemplated. For example, the ejector plug 160 may be continuously tapered from the collection face 163 to the release face 164 and the plug opening 122 of the collection crucible 110 may be correspondingly tapered.

[0036] In some embodiments, the ejector plug 160, the collection crucible 110, or both the ejector plug 160 and the collection crucible 110 comprise graphite. Graphite is compressible, which helps the ejector plug 160 to readily form an interference fit in the plug opening 122 of the collection crucible 110. Graphite also has a relatively low coefficient of friction to allow for efficient and effective release of the ejector plug 160 from the interference fit with the plug opening 122, facilitating easy and efficient removal of the separated second element that collects on the collection surface 115 of the collection crucible 110 and on the collection face 163 of the ejector plug 160. While the separated second element deposits on the graphite material, it does not chemically react with the graphite material and can be easily removed from the graphite material. Moreover, graphite is a relatively cheap material compared to ytterbium and lutetium and compared to materials commonly used in a high temperature, radioactive environment, for example, refractory metals such as molybdenum and tantalum, allowing for an economical onetime use collection crucible 110. This may be advantageous in a situation in which the collection crucible 110 would otherwise have to sit for a period of time to radioactively cool before reuse. While graphite provides beneficial properties, it should be understood that the ejector plug 160 and the collection crucible 110 may comprise any material that is chemically non-reactive with the second element (e.g., ytterbium) and is thermally conductive, for example, steel, boron nitride, titanium nitride, quartz, glass, and ceramic.

[0037] Before the collection crucible 110 is used to collect phase separated material, the ejector plug 160 is positioned in the plug opening 122, which may include pressing the ejector plug 160 into the plug opening 122. Prior to positioning the ejector plug 160 in the plug opening 122, the collection face 163 and the first body section 161 of the ejector plug 160 comprises a cross-sectional shape (e.g., diameter) that is oversized related to the cross-sectional shape (e.g., diameter) of the plug opening 122 at the first opening wall 124. This oversizing facilitates a tighter interference fit. Indeed, in some embodiments, such as when the ejector plug 160 comprises graphite, positioning the ejector plug in the plug opening 122 cleaves a portion of the ejector plugT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO12160, for example, along the first side surface 170 of the ejector plug 160. This maximizes contact between the ejector plug 160 and the first opening wall 124 of the plug opening 122 and forms a high-quality interference fit.

[0038] In operation, the second element may solidify and stick to the collection crucible 110 by condensation, for example, onto the collection surface 115 of the collection chamber 114 and the collection face 163 of the ejector plug 160. In some embodiments, the collection crucible 110 may be actively cooled, for example, by a cooling fluid, to promote solidification of the second element onto the collection crucible 110. Once the second element has been collected in collection crucible 110, the second element may next be removed from the collection crucible 110, for example, for further processing. Once the phase separation process is complete, the reaction crucible 130 and the collection crucible 110 may be repositioned apart from one another and the second element may be removed from the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110. The ejector plug 160 is movable to eject or release the material that has collected within the collection chamber 114 of the collection crucible 110. In other words, collected material in the collection crucible 110 is removed by the ejector plug 160. For example, the ejector plug 160 is movable along the longitudinal axis 116.

[0039] To facilitate removal of the second element from the collection chamber 114, the ejector plug 160 is moved toward the first end 111 of the collection crucible 110 such that at least some of the collected portion of the second element moves toward the first end 111 of the collection crucible 110 and is removed from the collection crucible 110. Moving the ejector plug 160 toward the first end 111 of the collection crucible 110 may include pressing the release face 164 of the ejector plug 160, for example, using a press, an actuator, a manual actuation, or any type of suitable actuation force. This relatively simple step of pressing the release face 164 of the ejector plug 160 is beneficial because it is often performed within a hot cell that has limited tools available to manipulate the collection crucible 110. Moving the ejector plug 160 towards the first end 111 of the collection crucible 110 may remove the ejector plug 160 from the plug opening 122, pressing collected material out of the collection crucible 110. It should be understood that the collected material may be removed by pressing and moving the ejector plug 160 without full removing the ejector plug 160 from the plug opening 122 or by pressing and moving the ejector plug 160 out of the plug opening 122.T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO13

[0040] In the case in which lutetium is the first element and ytterbium is the second element, the ytterbium is vaporized and collected by the collection crucible 110 for later use leaving behind a material that is enriched in lutetium. The ytterbium that is collected and thereafter removed from the collection crucible 110 and is available for recycling to a reactor, particle accelerator, or other neutron generating source, to produce further lutetium in subsequent runs of the process, for example, subsequent runs of the separation process performed using the phase change assembly 100.

[0041] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical values or idealized geometric forms provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0042] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, optical, or fluidic.

[0043] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. ItT24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO14 should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0044] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0045] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO15CLAIMS1. A collection crucible comprising: a crucible body at least partially defining a collection chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises a collection surface; a first end opposite a second end, wherein a collection opening is positioned at the first end and a plug opening is positioned at the second end; and an ejector plug releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit, wherein the ejector plug comprises a collection face at least partially defining the collection chamber of the crucible body.

2. The collection crucible of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis extends from the first end to the second end and the collection chamber is tapered along the longitudinal axis.

3. The collection crucible of claim 1, wherein the ejector plug comprises a release surface opposite the collection face.

4. The collection crucible of claim 3, wherein a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the collection face is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the release face.

5. The collection crucible of claim 3, wherein: the ejector plug comprises a first body section and a second body section; the first body section terminates at the collection face; the second body section terminates at the release face; the first body section and the second body section interface along a mid-plane; the first body section comprises an undersurface along the mid-plane; and the first body section comprises a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the second body section.

6. The collection crucible of claim 5, wherein: the first body section comprises a first side surface and a first tapered surface; and the second body section comprises a second side surface and a second tapered surface.T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO167. The collection crucible of claim 6, wherein: the first side surface extends from the collection face to the first tapered surface; the first tapered surface extends from the first side surface to the undersurface; the second side surface extends from the undersurface to the second tapered surface; and the second tapered surface extends from the second side surface to the release face.

8. The collection crucible of claim 1, wherein the ejector plug and the collection crucible are graphite.

9. The collection crucible of claim 1, wherein the collection face of the ejector plug is aligned with the collection surface of the collection crucible to form a contiguous surface.

10. A phase change assembly comprising: a reaction crucible comprising a crucible body, a closed end opposite an open end, and a reaction chamber; a crucible heater positioned to heat the reaction crucible; and the collection crucible of claim 1, wherein the collection crucible is oriented such that the collection opening of the collection crucible faces the open end of the reaction crucible.

11. The phase change assembly of claim 10, wherein the crucible heater comprises a crucible receiving recess terminating at the heater base and the reaction crucible is positioned in the crucible receiving recess.

12. The phase change assembly of claim 11, wherein the crucible heater is a resistive heater and a non-conductive washer is positioned between the heater base and the reaction crucible to form an electrical break between the crucible heater and the reaction crucible.

13. The phase change assembly of claim 11, further comprising a flow control nozzle positioned between and fluidly coupling the reaction crucible and the collection crucible, wherein: the flow control nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a flow channel extending through the nozzle body from an inlet opening to an outlet opening;T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO17 the outlet opening is located at a protruding outlet of the collection crucible; and the protruding outlet of the flow control nozzle extends into a collection chamber of the collection crucible.

14. A method comprising: heating a composition comprising a first element and a second element in a reaction crucible such that a portion of the second element phase separates from the composition and the portion of the second element collects in a collection chamber of a collection crucible, forming a collected portion of the second element, wherein: the collection crucible comprises a first end opposite a second end; a collection opening is positioned at the first end and a plug opening is positioned at the second end; an ejector plug is releasably positioned in the plug opening by an interference fit; and the collection chamber is at least partially defined by a collection surface of the collection crucible and a collection face of an ejector plug; and moving the ejector plug toward the first end of the collection crucible such that at least some of the collected portion of the second element moves toward the first end of the collection crucible.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the ejector plug toward the first end of the collection crucible comprises pressing the release surface of the ejector plug.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the ejector plug towards the first end of the collection crucible removes the ejector plug from the plug opening.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the ejector plug toward the first end of the collection crucible removes at least some of the collected portion of the second element from the collection crucible.T24-4-PCT / SHQ0033WO1818. The method of claim 14, wherein prior to heating the composition comprising the first element and the second element in the reaction crucible, the method comprises positioning the ejector plug in the plug opening.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the collection face of the ejector plug comprises a cross- sectional shape that is oversized relative to a cross-sectional shape of the plug opening prior to positioning the ejector plug in the plug opening and positioning the ejector plug in the plug opening cleaves a portion of the ejector plug.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the ejector plug and the collection crucible are graphite.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein: heating the composition comprises retaining a temperature of the composition in a temperature range of from 400° C to 2000° C; and when heating the composition, the phase change crucible and the collection crucible are positioned in an inert or reduced pressure environment.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein the first element comprises lutetium and the second element comprises ytterbium.

23. The collection crucible of claim 14, wherein: the ejector plug comprises a first body section and a second body section; the first body section terminates at the collection face; the second body section terminates at the release face; the first body section and the second body section interface along a mid-plane; the first body section comprises an undersurface along the mid-plane; the first body section comprises a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of the second body section.

24. The collection crucible of claim 23, wherein: the first body section comprises a first side surface and a first tapered surface; the second body section comprises a second side surface and a second tapered surface;T24-4-PC17SHQ0033WO19 the first side surface extends from the collection face to the first tapered surface; the first tapered surface extends from the first side surface to the undersurface; the second side surface extends from the undersurface to the second tapered surface; and the second tapered surface extends from the second side surface to the release face.

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