Rotating Drum Container Storage for Radioisotope Decay Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radioisotope production systems have reduced productivity due to the need for a decay time after the dissolution step, as containers emitting high levels of radiation cannot be manually handled, necessitating a pause before subsequent processing can occur.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit for containers with a rotating drum system that allows containers to decay safely within a shielded isolator, integrated into the handling unit, enabling continuous processing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are manually handled after dissolution, then operators can perform processing operations, but radiation exposure becomes hazardous to human body
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm equipped with a gripper serves as an intermediary device to transfer containers between the dissolution station and storage positions. The robotic arm operates within the shielded isolator, allowing automated handling that eliminates direct operator exposure to radiation while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical handling system is replaced with an automated robotic arm system. The robotic arm uses motorized control instead of manual operation, enabling precise positioning and container transfer while maintaining the shielded environment that protects operators from radiation exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If containers are stored for decay time, then radiation levels reduce to tolerable levels, but production process must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent positions (first position, second position, third position) arranged around the dissolution station. This segmentation allows containers to be distributed to different decay positions simultaneously, enabling multiple containers to be processed at different stages without interrupting the overall production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous production by implementing a pipeline where containers move from dissolution to various decay positions without stopping the process. While one container is being dissolved, others are being transferred to decay positions, and the robotic arm continues to handle containers, ensuring the useful action of radioisotope production remains uninterrupted.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple containers are stored in shielded isolator, then decay can occur safely, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielded isolator serves multiple functions: it provides radiation shielding for operator protection, houses the dissolution station, contains the robotic arm operation area, and accommodates multiple storage positions for container decay. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage positions are nested within the shielded isolator structure, with the robotic arm operating within the same enclosed space. The first, second, and third positions are arranged concentrically or in sequence within the shielded environment, allowing multiple containers to be stored in the decay phase within the same protective structure without requiring additional external shielding components.
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
Facilitates continuous operation by allowing radioactive containers to decay within the shielded isolator, enhancing productivity by eliminating interruptions for manual handling and decay periods.
Implementation Method 1
a shielded isolator, also commonly referred to as a cell, which houses therein
Implementation Method 2
a first vacuum generator, which is connected to the gripping head for transferring the container from the irradiation station to the transfer port
Implementation Method 3
an irradiation station comprising a cyclotron for emitting a proton beam against the solid target material
Implementation Method 4
a dissolution station, which comprises at least one centring support for the container arranged on the worktop and a related movable dissolution head to be arranged on the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A storage for containers for a solid target material for a radioisotope production system, the storage (23) comprising: a container body (36), the bottom of which has a first opening (47) for the passage of a container (2); a shelf (52), which is movable to and from a position in which the shelf (52) obstructs the first opening (47); a lid (39), which closes the container body (36) and comprises a second opening (49) coaxial to the first opening (47) for the passage of a container (2); and a drum (40), which is coaxially housed in the container body (36), comprises a plurality of seats (41) to hold respective standing containers and is adapted to rotate to position each seat (41) between a transfer position, in which the seat (41) is aligned with the second opening (49) to receive a container (2) when the shelf (52) obstructs the first opening (47) or to allow direct passage of a container (2) between the first and the second opening (47, 49), and a plurality of storage positions, in each of which the seat (41) is not facing the second opening (49).