Compact Solid Target Front Liquid Cooling for Cyclotron
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical cyclotrons are limited by the need for large spaces, high costs, and inefficiencies in radionuclide production due to the use of solid targets, which require complex beamlines and are not compatible with traditional gaseous or liquid targets, leading to reduced radionuclide yield and increased personnel radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A compact cyclotron solid target design that utilizes liquid cooling from the front, eliminating the need for a beamline and allowing for easier target loading and unloading, with a slanted target head and Helium jets for enhanced cooling, enabling higher current exposure and increased yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional solid target systems with external beamlines are used, then radionuclide production capability is achieved, but space requirements and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the target chamber and cooling system into a single integrated solid target assembly. The cooling channels are built directly into the target body, eliminating the need for separate external cooling systems and beamlines. This integration maintains radionuclide production capability while dramatically reducing space requirements and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid target assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the radiation target for radionuclide production, contains internal cooling channels for heat dissipation, and provides structural support for the target material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling systems and beamline components.
2Temperature
If solid targets with rear cooling are used, then cooling capability is provided, but target loading and unloading becomes difficult due to hanging tubing and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cooling the target from the rear with tubing extending backward, the patent inverts the cooling approach by providing cooling channels that terminate at the front face of the target. This allows coolant to be delivered and removed through the front, clearing the rear of the target of hanging tubing and connectors, thereby facilitating easy target loading and unloading while maintaining effective cooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom solid targets with external beamlines are developed, then specific cyclotron requirements are met, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solid target system into a modular assembly with standardized components including the target body, cooling channels, and mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows the target to be adapted to different cyclotron requirements through configuration changes rather than complete redesign, reducing development time and cost while maintaining cyclotron compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different cyclotrons by changing parameters such as target material composition, cooling flow rates, and geometric dimensions, rather than redesigning the entire target system. This parameter-based adaptation maintains versatility for different cyclotron requirements while significantly reducing development time and cost.
4Strength
If larger solid target mechanisms are used, then cooling and structural requirements are met, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the cooling channels directly within the target body structure, with cooling passages embedded in the target material itself. This nesting approach provides adequate cooling and structural integrity without requiring additional external space, as the cooling system is contained within the target's own volume rather than requiring separate cooling apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact design reduces space and cost requirements, increases radionuclide yield by allowing higher current exposure, and simplifies target handling, while maintaining flexibility for different isotope production, achieving comparable yields to traditional beamline targets.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes liquid (e.g., water) cooling flow (in and out) from the front of the target
Implementation Method 2
Having water cool the target from the front considerably reduces the size of the whole solid target mechanism
Implementation Method 3
with a slanted target head and Helium jets for enhanced cooling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Described herein is a compact cyclotron solid target for radionuclide production. In contrast to other cyclotron solid targets, the compact cyclotron solid target described herein utilizes liquid (e.g., water) cooling flow (in and out) from the front of the target, which clears the back of the solid target of any hanging tubing and connectors which may block load-release the target easily. Having water cool the target from the front considerably reduces the size of the whole solid target mechanism.