Twin Internal Ion Source for Cyclotron Uptime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclotrons with internal ion sources face challenges in maintaining uptime and reliability, especially during the production of short-lived radiopharmaceutical isotopes, as internal ion sources are fragile and require frequent replacement, exposing personnel to radiation and disrupting beam production.
Innovation Solution
A TWIN ion source system is integrated into the central region of the cyclotron, comprising two independent ion sources with optimized geometry and shape to minimize particle losses and collisions, allowing for simultaneous operation or switching between sources, reducing maintenance needs and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an internal ion source is used in a cyclotron, then the beam production efficiency is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to frequent replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclotron is divided into multiple independent ion source modules (at least two ion sources), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows one ion source to serve as backup while another is in use, eliminating single-point failure and enabling continuous operation without interruption to beam production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different ion sources based on operational parameters such as beam current requirements, ion source lifetime status, and maintenance schedules. This parameter-based switching optimizes both reliability and production efficiency by always utilizing available functional ion sources.
2Volume of moving object
If an internal ion source is installed in the cyclotron, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to difficult access and vacuum requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source system is segmented into replaceable modular units that can be independently accessed and maintained. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows maintenance personnel to work on one ion source while the cyclotron remains operational with the other source, reducing maintenance complexity despite the internal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclotron system is designed with preliminary preparation features including quick-connect interfaces, pre-positioned tool access points, and automated vacuum isolation mechanisms that are activated before maintenance begins. These preliminary actions reduce the actual maintenance time and complexity by preparing the system in advance.
3Reliability
If ion source replacement is performed frequently, then the reliability is improved by having functional sources available, but the loss of time increases due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclotron is equipped with multiple independent ion source segments (at least two), allowing one source to be maintained or replaced while another continues to provide beam production. This parallel operation eliminates downtime associated with ion source maintenance, as the system can seamlessly switch between sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual ion source configuration ensures continuous beam production by maintaining at least one functional ion source at all times. When one ion source requires maintenance, the system automatically or manually switches to the other source, maintaining uninterrupted operation and eliminating loss of time for beam production.
4Ease of repair
If personnel perform maintenance on internal ion sources, then the ease of repair is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source system is divided into multiple independent modules with automated handling capabilities. This segmentation allows maintenance operations to be performed on one module while radiation shielding and automated transfer mechanisms protect personnel from exposure during source replacement and maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated robotic manipulators and transfer mechanisms serve as intermediaries between personnel and the ion sources during maintenance operations. These intermediaries perform the physically demanding and potentially hazardous tasks of source removal, replacement, and positioning, minimizing direct personnel exposure to radiation while maintaining ease of repair.
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 TWIN ion source system significantly increases beam uptime and reliability, reduces maintenance interventions, and minimizes personnel radiation exposure by enabling fast and automated switching between ion sources, extending the global ion source lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field which causes the particles, coming from said source, to follow a circular path in a plane perpendicular to said magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a high-frequency alternating voltage applied to so-called Dee electrodes which impart to particles passing through it an increase of their energy
Implementation Method 3
The electrons lose part of their energy in the gas during their travel and create ionisation forming consequently a plasma column
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cyclotron including two internal ion sources for the production of the same particles. The second ion source can be used as a spare ion source which strongly increases the uptime and the reliability of the cyclotron and reduces the maintenance interventions. Advantageously, the cyclotron is further characterized by an optimized close geometry of the different elements within the central region of the cyclotron. The cyclotron of the invention may be further characterized by an adaptation and optimization of the shape of first and second internal ion source to avoid particle losses during the first turn of acceleration. The cyclotron may be further characterized by an adaptation and optimization of the shape of the counter-Dee electrode assembly and possibly the Dee-electrode assembly in order to improve the acceleration field in-between the gaps.