1.2 Structure of 99Mo production system with solution irradiation method

The schematic diagram of the 99Mo production system with the solution irradiation method is shown in Fig. 1. The system consists of an irradiation system, a supply and circulation system, and a collection and subdivision system. In the irradiation system, an aqueous molybdenum solution in a capsule installed in a reactor core is irradiated with neutrons under static or circulation condition, and 99Mo is generated. In the supply and circulation system, the solution is supplied to the capsule through pipes and is circulated by a circulator in irradiation operation. A gas disposal device and a heat exchanger are installed in order to take measures against the radiolysis gas and heat generated from the solution by irradiation. The system is designed so as to minimize unirradiated solution. In the collection and subdivision system, after the solution including the generated 99Mo is collected from the capsule through pipes, it is treated so as to be products such as PZC-99Mo columns or 99Mo transport containers.

The detailed design of the 99Mo production system is carried out based on the results of future investigations and tests.