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The mechanical design and development of a Krypton gas target system for the production of Rubidium-81
Author(s)
Stevens, C.J.
Date Issued
1992
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Technikon
Abstract
This research project involved the design, development and manufacture of a krypton gas target
system for the production of the radioisotope Rubidium-81 at the National Accelerator Centre
(NAC).
The newly designed system had to be linked to the existing production facilities, which set certain
restraints and fIxed parameters to the design approach. The highl'ressure krypton-filled gas
target was designed to link up to the existing transport system which is used for the
transportation of all targets to and from the target bombardment station and· the hot-cells where
processing takes place. Radiation resistant materials had to be selected for the target, as it would
be exposed to high radiation doses during bombardment in the target bombardment station.
Target cooling aspects also had to be taken into consideration due to the heat generated during
bombardment.
A cryopump system for transferring the krypton gas from a gas storage reservoir to the gas target
and back during loading and unloading was developed. A further development was a system
which would retrieve the formed radioisotopes in a water suspension after bombardment. This
demanded the design of a set of spray nozzles which were mounted inside the gas target chamber,
a suitable water circulating pump and ruters to trap the suspended radioisotopes. Due to the
high radiation levels] which are, of course, dangerous to operating personnel, the whole system was
constructed inside a hot-cell, and thus required the design of a fully remote control system
together with gas monitoring and safety components. The processing system itself required many
switching and monitoring opera.tions which ha.ve to be carried out accurately and sequentially and
this further demanded making use of a microcomputer control system.
Material strengths, manufacturing methods, performance and selection of the VarIOus components
in the system were investigated, as well as the respective routine maintenance and repair aspects.
system for the production of the radioisotope Rubidium-81 at the National Accelerator Centre
(NAC).
The newly designed system had to be linked to the existing production facilities, which set certain
restraints and fIxed parameters to the design approach. The highl'ressure krypton-filled gas
target was designed to link up to the existing transport system which is used for the
transportation of all targets to and from the target bombardment station and· the hot-cells where
processing takes place. Radiation resistant materials had to be selected for the target, as it would
be exposed to high radiation doses during bombardment in the target bombardment station.
Target cooling aspects also had to be taken into consideration due to the heat generated during
bombardment.
A cryopump system for transferring the krypton gas from a gas storage reservoir to the gas target
and back during loading and unloading was developed. A further development was a system
which would retrieve the formed radioisotopes in a water suspension after bombardment. This
demanded the design of a set of spray nozzles which were mounted inside the gas target chamber,
a suitable water circulating pump and ruters to trap the suspended radioisotopes. Due to the
high radiation levels] which are, of course, dangerous to operating personnel, the whole system was
constructed inside a hot-cell, and thus required the design of a fully remote control system
together with gas monitoring and safety components. The processing system itself required many
switching and monitoring opera.tions which ha.ve to be carried out accurately and sequentially and
this further demanded making use of a microcomputer control system.
Material strengths, manufacturing methods, performance and selection of the VarIOus components
in the system were investigated, as well as the respective routine maintenance and repair aspects.
Additional information
Thesis (Masters Diploma (Technology)--Cape Technikon, Cape Town,1992
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