Radiation Safety of Accelerator Based Radioisotope Production Facilities


Book Description

Radioisotopes are used worldwide in a range of medical, industrial, research and academic applications. A large proportion of these radioisotopes are produced in particle accelerators, and the number of institutions that operate linear accelerators or cyclotrons and manufacture and distribute radiopharmaceuticals, for example, is significant and increasing. The production of radioisotopes using particle accelerators poses significant radiation hazards to workers, members of the public, and the environment when accelerators are operated without adequate radiation safety measures. This Safety Guide provides practical guidance for implementing radiation protection and safety measures in such facilities involved in the production and use of radioisotopes.




Alternative Radionuclide Production with a Cyclotron


Book Description

Cyclotrons are currently used for the preparation of a wide variety of radionuclides that have applications in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Consequently, there is high demand from IAEA Member States for support in the area of radiopharmaceutical production using cyclotron produced radioisotopes. This publication describes the potential radionuclide production routes using cyclotrons in different energy ranges and provides methods for the development of targets and provides details of the chemistry for the separation of radionuclides from target materials. The readership of this publication includes scientists, operators interested in putting this technology into practice, technologists already working with cyclotrons who wish to enhance the utility of existing machines, and managers in the process of setting up radionuclide facilities in their countries. Students working towards higher level degrees in related fields may also benefit from this publication.




Cyclotron Produced Radionuclides


Book Description

Cyclotrons are used for preparation of a wide variety of radionuclides that find application in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as well as in positron emission tomography (PET). This publication gives comprehensive guidelines for the planning and decision making processes and design and implementation of a cyclotron based radionuclide production facility. It will enable Member States to plan such facilities in a cost effective manner.




Isotopes for Medicine and the Life Sciences


Book Description

Radioactive isotopes and enriched stable isotopes are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, where their application allows us to perform many tasks more accurately, more simply, less expensively, and more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, in many casesâ€"for example, biological tracersâ€"there is no alternative. In a stellar example of "technology transfer" that began before the term was popular, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors has supported the development and application of isotopes and their transfer to the private sector. The DOE is now at an important crossroads: Isotope production has suffered as support for DOE's laboratories has declined. In response to a DOE request, this book is an intensive examination of isotope production and availability, including the education and training of those who will be needed to sustain the flow of radioactive and stable materials from their sources to the laboratories and medical care facilities in which they are used. Chapters include an examination of enriched stable isotopes; reactor and accelerator-produced radionuclides; partnerships among industries, national laboratories, and universities; and national isotope policy.







Radiation Safety of Accelerator Based Radioisotope Production Facilities


Book Description

Radioisotopes are used worldwide in a range of medical, industrial, research and academic applications. A large proportion of these radioisotopes are produced in particle accelerators, and the number of institutions that operate linear accelerators or cyclotrons and manufacture and distribute radiopharmaceuticals, for example, is significant and increasing. The production of radioisotopes using particle accelerators poses significant radiation hazards to workers, members of the public, and the environment when accelerators are operated without adequate radiation safety measures. This Safety Guide provides practical guidance for implementing radiation protection and safety measures in such facilities involved in the production and use of radioisotopes.




Molybdenum-99 for Medical Imaging


Book Description

The decay product of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), technetium-99m (Tc-99m), and associated medical isotopes iodine-131 (I-131) and xenon-133 (Xe-133) are used worldwide for medical diagnostic imaging or therapy. The United States consumes about half of the world's supply of Mo-99, but there has been no domestic (i.e., U.S.-based) production of this isotope since the late 1980s. The United States imports Mo-99 for domestic use from Australia, Canada, Europe, and South Africa. Mo-99 and Tc-99m cannot be stockpiled for use because of their short half-lives. Consequently, they must be routinely produced and delivered to medical imaging centers. Almost all Mo-99 for medical use is produced by irradiating highly enriched uranium (HEU) targets in research reactors, several of which are over 50 years old and are approaching the end of their operating lives. Unanticipated and extended shutdowns of some of these old reactors have resulted in severe Mo-99 supply shortages in the United States and other countries. Some of these shortages have disrupted the delivery of medical care. Molybdenum-99 for Medical Imaging examines the production and utilization of Mo-99 and associated medical isotopes, and provides recommendations for medical use.




Safety for Particle Accelerators


Book Description

The use of non-standard technologies such as superconductivity, cryogenics and radiofrequency pose challenges for the safe operation of accelerator facilities that cannot be addressed using only best practice from occupational safety in conventional industry. This book introduces readers to different occupational safety issues at accelerator facilities and is directed to managers, scientists, technical personnel and students working at current or future accelerator facilities. While the focus is on occupational safety – how to protect the people working at these facilities – the book also touches on “machine safety” – how to prevent accelerators from doing structural damage to themselves. This open access book offers a first introduction to safety at accelerator facilities. Presenting an overview of the safety-related aspects of the specific technologies employed in particle accelerators, it highlights the potential hazards at such facilities and current prevention and protection measures. It closes with a review of safety management and organization at accelerator facilities.




Status of Accelerator Driven Systems Research and Technology Development


Book Description

One of the greatest challenges for nuclear energy is how to properly manage the highly radioactive waste generated during irradiation in nuclear reactors. Accelerator Driven Systems (ADSs) may offer new prospects and advantages for the transmutation of such high level nuclear waste. ADS or accelerator driven transmutation of waste (ATW) consists of a high power proton accelerator, a heavy metal spallation target that produces neutrons when bombarded by the high power beam, and a sub-critical core that is neutronically coupled to the spallation target. This publication provides a comprehensive state of the art of the ADS technology by representing the different ADS concepts proposed worldwide in the last 15 years, as well as the related R&D activities and demonstration initiatives carried out at national international level.




Cyclotron Produced Radionuclides


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive treatment of cyclotrons, with a special emphasis on production of radionuclides. Individual sections are devoted to accelerator technology, theoretical aspects of nuclear reactions, the technology behind targetry, techniques for preparation of targets, irradiation of targets under high beam currents, target processing and target recovery. This book will appeal to scientists and technologists interested in translating cyclotron technology into practice, as well as postgraduate students in this field.