加速器生产68Ge的铌镓胶囊靶制备工艺

Fabrication Process of Niobium-Gallium Capsule Targets for Cyclotron Production of 68Ge

  • 摘要: 68Ge是制备医用正电子核素68Ga的关键母体核素,其靶件的设计与制备是加速器生产68Ge的关键。本研究围绕密封式铌镓胶囊靶的制备开展系统研究,首先基于FLUKA程序对设计的靶件进行产额模拟计算,结合制靶实验中镓空腔深度与装填度的梯度实验,确定最优靶件参数及真空电子束焊接安全距离;通过焊缝熔深和X射线衍射分析填充镓对于焊接性能的影响;通过计算机层析成像、氦质谱检验等技术评估靶件质量,借助热冲击等实验揭示高温失效原因,实现铌镓胶囊靶的质量控制;以加速器辐照及放化分离热实验,验证靶件可靠性。结果表明,过量镓会增大焊缝熔深,生成Ga5Nb4化合物导致靶件断裂失效,而当镓空腔深度为1.35 mm、镓装填度68%~72%时,靶件性能最优。靶件密封性良好(漏率<5×10−3 Pa·cm3/s),且在400 ℃以下表现出优异的热稳定性。热实验成功获得约2.7~3.9 GBq的68Ge核素,其放射性核纯度>99.9%,元素杂质含量<2 ppm。本研究形成了密封式铌镓胶囊靶制备工艺,并通过评价表明基于电子束焊接制备的铌镓胶囊靶性能优良,可为规模化、安全化生产医用68Ge核素提供关键技术支撑。

     

    Abstract: 68Ge serves as the pivotal parent nuclide for the medical positron emitter 68Ga, rendering target design and fabrication critical for cyclotron-based production. This study systematically investigates the preparation of sealed Niobium-gallium capsule targets. Firstly, yield simulations using the FLUKA were conducted to the target design. Gradient experiments on gallium cavity depth and filling ratio were performed to determine the optimal target parameters and electron beam welding safe distance. The effect of gallium filling on welding performance was investigated through weld penetration analysis and X-ray diffraction. Subsequently, quality control was implemented through computed tomography imaging, helium mass spectrometry leak testing, and thermal shock experiments to ascertain high-temperature failure reason. Finally, hot experiments verified reliability of targets. The results indicate that excessive gallium will increase weld penetration and form the Ga5Nb4 compound, resulting in fracture failure of the target component. The optimal target structure is achieved at a gallium cavity depth of 1.35 mm and a filling ratio of 68%-72%. The target exhibits excellent hermeticity (leak rate <5×10−3 Pa·cm3/s) and thermal stability below 400 ℃. Hot experiments yielded approximately 2.7-3.9 GBq of 68Ge with radiochemical purity higher than 99.9% and element impurities below 2 ppm. This study demonstrates superior performance of niobium-gallium capsule targets fabricated via electron beam welding, providing critical process support for the scalable and safe production of 68Ge.

     

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