Compendium of Phase-I Mini-SHINE Experiments

Abstract

Argonne National Laboratory is assisting SHINE Medical Technologies in their efforts to develop the technology to become a domestic Mo-99 producer using low-enriched uranium (LEU). Mini-SHINE experiments are being performed with the high-current electron linear accelerator (linac) at Argonne. The target solution is a 90-150 g-U/L LEU uranyl sulfate at pH 1. In Phase 1, the convertor was tantalum with a maximum beam power on the convertor of 10 kW, and the target solution was limited to 5 L. This configuration generated a peak fission power density of 0.05 W/mL. Nine experiments were performed between February and October 2015. Results are reported and discussed for each experiment regarding the off-gas analysis system, the sampling and Mo-recovery operation, and the Mo-product concentration and purification system. In Phase 2, the convertor will be depleted uranium; beam power will increase to 20 kW; and the solution volume will be 18 L. This configuration will generate a fission power density of up to 1 W/mL.

AMORE Mo-99 Spike Test Results

“…The system components (gas handling system, LINAC, DU target, separation system, and BigFoot hot cell) for phase 2 of the AMORE system were described in previous reports [1][2][3][4].…”

“…We ran previous spike tests without irradiating the sulfuric acid target solution [1]. We describe phase 2 of the AMORE system in our previous reports [1][2][3][4].…”

Fission Induced Radiolysis of Uranyl Sulfate Solutions

“…At Argonne National Laboratory, an experimental pilot facility is being tested for the production of the medical isotope molybdenum-99 ( 99 Mo). AMORE (Argonne Molybdenum Research Experiment) [1] is an experimental pilot facility in which a 40 MeV electron beam from the LINAC strikes a depleted uranium (DU) target. The target generates high energy neutrons, which are thermalized in an 18-liter uranyl sulfate solution of low enriched uranium (LEU).…”

AMORE Mo-99 Spike Test Results

“…The strip solution from the concentration column is then purified with the LEU Modified Cintichem process. A full description of the process can be found elsewhere [1][2][3].…”