Automated Dual Foil Flange Replacement in Radioisotope Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radioisotope production apparatuses face challenges in safe and efficient maintenance of dual foil flanges, including exposure to radiation, time-consuming replacement processes, and potential leaks due to complex and flexible cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

An automated apparatus with guiding means for translating the dual foil flange from a standby to an in-line position and then to a discard position, using fixed gas pipelines and monitoring for leaks, which allows for fully automated replacement without manual intervention and reduces downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual replacement of dual foil flange is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but radiation exposure and maintenance time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of dual foil flange replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of guiding means and positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-service replacement of the dual foil flange through guiding means that automatically position and transfer the flange between standby, in-line, and discard positions without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing radiation exposure and maintenance time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Guiding means act as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the dual foil flange, automatically handling the positioning and transfer operations to eliminate direct manual handling in the radiation field while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If flexible cooling gas pipelines are used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak prevention in cooling systemVSAvoidcomplexity of cooling system connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes flexible cooling gas pipelines from the system and replaces them with fixed connections, eliminating the source of potential leaks while maintaining the cooling function through a simpler, more reliable connection architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using flexible pipelines that adapt to positioning changes, the system inverts the approach by using fixed connections combined with mechanical positioning mechanisms, achieving both reliability and adaptability through a different architectural approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If dual foil flange replacement is performed manually, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance speed of dual foil flangeVSAvoidcooling down time and replacement duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means are pre-configured to automatically perform the positioning and transfer operations, preparing the system for rapid flange replacement without requiring manual setup or adjustment during the maintenance process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated guiding system that uses controlled movement mechanisms to transfer the dual foil flange, significantly reducing the time required for replacement and eliminating the need for extended cooling down periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances safety by eliminating manual handling in high-radiation areas, reduces maintenance time through automation, and simplifies the cooling system by eliminating flexible pipelines, ensuring faster and more reliable replacement of dual foil flanges.

Implementation Method 1

a particle beam produced by a particle accelerator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle acceleration: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 2

a cooling cavity in which is able to flow a cooling fluid directed towards the said metal foil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9414479B2Apparatus for producing a radioisotope comprising means for maintenance and method of maintenance for said apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 ION BEAM APPL

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a radioisotope by irradiating a target fluid comprising a precursor of said radioisotope with a particle beam produced by a particle accelerator, the apparatus comprising: —a housing comprising a target cavity for receiving said target fluid, said housing having an opening for allowing the passage of the said particle beam into the said cavity; —a dual foil flange for closing said opening of the target cavity, said dual foil flange comprising: —a standoff comprising a central hole; —a first and a second foil able to allow the passage of the said particle beam and located respectively on a first side and a second side of the said standoff, covering the said central hole and forming a cooling cavity; —a first flange and a second flange for sealing respectively the said first and second foil on said standoff; —at least an inlet channel and at least an outlet channel, for flowing a cooling fluid through the cavity of the dual foil flange; —guiding means for positioning said dual foil flange in an in-line position in which a said foil is facing said opening of said housing.