US 12,195,825 B2 · System and method for producing molybdenum 99

Abstract

The invention provides an automated method for isolating a targeted isotope, the method having the steps of supplying a dissolved uranium targets into a first reaction environment; precipitating non-targeted isotope within the first reaction environment transferring liquid phase targeted isotope to a second reaction environment; precipitating the liquid phase targeted isotope in the second reaction environment; dissolving the precipitated targeted isotope; transferring the dissolved targeted isotope to a third reaction environment; and precipitating non-targeted isotope (i.e., iodine), such that the targeted isotope remains in the solution. Also provided is an automated system for isolating isotopes, the system having a plurality of reaction environments adapted to pneumatically receive and disgorge reactants and products via remotely actuated valves positioned between each of the reaction environments.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An automated method for isolating a targeted isotope, the method comprising:

a) placing a liquor containing isotope source material into a closed loop pneumatic system;
b) contacting the source material to positive and negative pressures to transport the source material to a first environment for precipitating out non-targeted isotopes;
c) transporting remaining liquid containing targeted isotope to a second environment containing nitric acid for precipitating the targeted isotope;
d) transporting the precipitated targeted isotope to a third environment for re-liquifying the precipitated targeted isotope;
e) transporting the liquefied targeted isotope to a series of filters and sorbents to remove iodine, organics and other impurities from the liquefied targeted isotope;
and
f) transporting the filtered liquefied targeted isotope to a final product container wherein the automated method occurs within 120 minutes without physical movement of reaction vessels or bottles.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for producing molybdenum 99

Life of this patent

System and method for producing molybdenum 99

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11