Radioisotope Target Container Handling Unit for Sealed Dissolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radioisotope production systems expose operators to high levels of radiation due to the need for manual handling of irradiated containers with hermetically closed lids, which cannot be immediately transferred to dissolution stations, thus nullifying the radiation protection provided by the lids during the production cycle.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a degrading foil and hermetic sealing features, combined with a handling unit that automates the opening and closing of the lid, allowing safe transfer and dissolution of solid target material while minimizing operator exposure to radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the container lid is hermetically closed to protect against radiation, then operator safety is improved, but the container cannot be immediately transferred to dissolution station, causing loss of time and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two functional parts: a hermetic sealing portion for radiation protection and a degrading foil portion that allows controlled dissolution. This segmentation enables the container to maintain radiation protection while allowing immediate transfer to dissolution station, as the degrading foil automatically dissolves upon contact with acid solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The degrading foil is pre-installed in the lid structure before irradiation. This preliminary action ensures that when the container arrives at the dissolution station, the foil is already in position to allow acid penetration, eliminating any delay in the dissolution process while maintaining hermetic sealing during transport.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of irradiated containers is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operator radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is designed to be self-sufficient for radiation protection. The hermetic lid with degrading foil automatically performs the function of protecting both the target material and enabling controlled dissolution without requiring manual intervention during irradiation or transfer, thereby eliminating operator exposure while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container remains sealed during transfer, then radiation protection is maintained, but dissolution efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into hermetic sealing portions that remain closed for radiation protection and a degrading foil portion that dissolves upon contact with acid. This allows the container to be sealed during transfer (maintaining protection) while enabling immediate dissolution at the destination (maintaining efficiency).
Solution Approach 2:
The degrading foil changes its physical-chemical parameters upon contact with acid solution, transitioning from a barrier material to a dissolvable state. This parameter change enables the foil to switch between protecting the container during transfer and allowing acid penetration for dissolution, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealed transport and dissolution efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for handling a container for a solid target material having a support body and a lid screwed onto the support body and for dissolving the solid target material in the container, the unit comprising a shielded isolator and within it: a work surface having a transfer port for the container; an unscrewing and screwing station having a rotating support mounted on the work surface for supporting the container and rotating the support body and a gripping device for holding the lid while the rotating support rotates for unscrewing or screwing the lid; a dissolution station for feeding a dissolving solution in the container with the purpose of dissolving the solid target material; and a handling device for moving the container between the transfer port and the unscrewing and screwing station and between the latter and the dissolution station.