Abstract: A particle beam target for producing radionuclides includes a target body, a target cavity, parallel grooves, peripheral bores, and radial outflow bores. The parallel grooves are formed in a back side of the target body and include respective first and second groove ends. The peripheral bores extend through the target body from the plurality of grooves generally toward the front side that receives a particle beam. Each groove communicates with a peripheral bore at the first groove end and another peripheral bore at the second groove end. The radial outflow bores extend radially from the plurality of peripheral bores. The target body defines a plurality of liquid coolant flow paths. Each liquid coolant flow path runs from a respective groove to at least one of the first groove end and the second groove end of the respective groove, through at least one peripheral bore, and through at least one radial outflow bore.

Abstract: A particle beam target for producing radionuclides includes a target body, a target cavity, parallel grooves, peripheral bores, and radial outflow bores. The parallel grooves are formed in a back side of the target body and include respective first and second groove ends. The peripheral bores extend through the target body from the plurality of grooves generally toward the front side that receives a particle beam. Each groove communicates with a peripheral bore at the first groove end and another peripheral bore at the second groove end. The radial outflow bores extend radially from the plurality of peripheral bores. The target body defines a plurality of liquid coolant flow paths. Each liquid coolant flow path runs from a respective groove to at least one of the first groove end and the second groove end of the respective groove, through at least one peripheral bore, and through at least one radial outflow bore.

Abstract: In a method for producing a radionuclide, a target chamber is filled with target fluid and pressurized. A particle beam is applied to the target chamber to irradiate target material of the target fluid, and the target fluid becomes heated. The heated target liquid may expand out from the target chamber through a lower opening. A space including target fluid vapor may be created in an upper region of the target chamber. The upper region is sealed to maintain the vapor space.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a radionuclide includes a target chamber, a particle beam source operatively aligned with the target chamber, and a regenerative turbine pump for circulating a target fluid through the target chamber via first and second liquid transports. During bombardment of the target liquid in the target chamber by the particle beam source, the target liquid is prevented from reaching vaporization due to the elevated pressure within the target chamber and/or the rapid flow rate through the target chamber. A cooling system can be provided to circulate coolant to the first and second liquid transport conduits, the target chamber and the pump to ensure that the target liquid is cooled upon recirculation back into the target chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a radionuclide includes a target chamber including a beam strike region for containing a liquid and a condenser region for containing a vapor. A particle beam source is operatively aligned with the beam strike region, and a lower liquid conduit communicates with the beam strike region. The condenser region is disposed above the beam strike region in fluid communication therewith for receiving heat energy from the beam strike region and transferring condensate to the beam strike region. The lower liquid conduit transfers liquid to and from the beam strike region. In operation, the target chamber acts as a thermosyphon that is self-regulating in response to heat energy deposited by the particle beam source. A portion of the liquid expands into the lower liquid conduit prior to boiling. After boiling begins, a vapor void is created above the liquid and an evaporation/condensation cycle is established, with additional liquid being displaced into the lower liquid conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a radionuclide includes a target chamber, a particle beam source operatively aligned with the target chamber, and a regenerative turbine pump for circulating a target fluid through the target chamber via first and second liquid transports. During bombardment of the target liquid in the target chamber by the particle beam source, the target liquid is prevented from reaching vaporization due to the elevated pressure within the target chamber and/or the rapid flow rate through the target chamber. A cooling system can be provided to circulate coolant to the first and second liquid transport conduits, the target chamber and the pump to ensure that the target liquid is cooled upon recirculation back into the target chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a radionuclide includes a target chamber including a beam strike region for containing a liquid and a condenser region for containing a vapor. A particle beam source is operatively aligned with the beam strike region, and a lower liquid conduit communicates with the beam strike region. The condenser region is disposed above the beam strike region in fluid communication therewith for receiving heat energy from the beam strike region and transferring condensate to the beam strike region. The lower liquid conduit transfers liquid to and from the beam strike region. In operation, the target chamber acts as a thermosyphon that is self-regulating in response to heat energy deposited by the particle beam source. A portion of the liquid expands into the lower liquid conduit prior to boiling. After boiling begins, a vapor void is created above the liquid and an evaporation/condensation cycle is established, with additional liquid being displaced into the lower liquid conduit.

Abstract: A system and process for the production of nitrogen-13 ammonium ions from a target material in the form of a dilute solution of ethanol in natural water by the reaction of protons with oxygen-16 within the target material. The system includes a device for producing a proton beam which travels along a preselected path and strikes the target material in a target chamber. This target chamber is positioned in the path of the proton beam such that subjection of the target material to the beam produces nitrogen-13 atoms in a predetermined form. These nitrogen-13 atoms are converted in the aqueous solution to ammonium, ions and oxides and are conducted from the target holder to a purification device for collecting a purified product containing such ammonium ions. A cooling system serves to dissipate heat generated during the production of the nitrogen-13 atoms by the reaction of protons with the oxygen. Other solutes for the target material are discussed.

Abstract: A system and process for the production of nitrogen-13 atoms from carbon-13/fluid slurry is provided. The system (10) includes a device (14) for producing a proton beam (15) which travels along a preselected path and strikes a target in slurry. This target is positioned in the path of the proton beam (15) such that subjection of the target to such beam produces nitrogen-13 atoms in a predetermined form. The nitrogen-13 atoms are conducted from the target area and carried to a purification device for collecting a purified product containing such atoms. The cooling system serves to dissipate heat generated during the production of such nitrogen-13 atoms.