System, emanation generator, and process for production of high-purity therapeutic radioisotopes
An isotope production system, emanation generator, and process are disclosed for production of high-purity radioisotopes. In one implementation example, high-purity Pb-212 and/or Bi-212 isotopes are produced suitable for therapeutic applications. In one embodiment the process includes transporting gaseous radon-220 from a radium-224 bearing generator which provides gas-phase separation of the Rn-220 from the Ra-224 in the generator. Subsequent decay of the captured Rn-220 accumulates high-purity Pb-212 and/or Bi-212 isotopes suitable for direct therapeutic applications. Other high-purity product isotopes may also be prepared.
1. A method of producing radioisotopes, the method comprising:
preparing a composition comprising an Ra source isotope and sorbent particles;
loading the composition onto a solid support material to form a mixture comprising the Ra source isotope, the sorbent particles, and the solid sorbent material;
while within the mixture, decaying at least some of the Ra source isotope to yield one or more radioactive Rn daughter isotopes in a gaseous state;
separating the gaseous Rn daughter isotopes from the mixture; and
collecting the separated Rn daughter isotopes.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the source isotope comprises one or more of Radium-224, Radium-223, and/or Radium-226.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the radioactive gas comprises one or more of Radon-220, Radon-219, and/or Radon-222.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising forming decay products of the collected Rn daughter isotopes.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the decay products comprise one or more of Pb-212, Bi-212; Pb-211, Bi-211, Pb-214, and/or Bi-214.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the sorbent particles comprise magnetic and/or paramagnetic metal oxide particles.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the solid sorbent material is gas-permeable.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the collecting the separated Rn daughter isotopes further comprises cooling the daughter isotopes.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the collecting the separated Rn daughter isotopes further comprises binding the daughter isotopes to a support having an affinity for the daughter isotope in gaseous form.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the support comprises a soluble salt configured as a thin film or a packed salt.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the support comprises a lipophilic liquid configured as a thin film.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the support comprises a thin film coating on a solid support.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the collecting the separated Rn daughter isotopes comprises collecting the daughter isotopes in a liquid solution.