Simulation Study on the Production of Medical Radionuclide Technetium-99m Based on a 40 MeV Electron Accelerator Irradiated Molybdenum-100 Aqueous Solution

Finally, an technetium-99m isotope separation and purification system was adopted to continuously produce technetium-99m with high chemical and radionuclidic purity. The molybdenum-100 solution was then recirculated back into the irradiation chamber for reuse, thereby improving molybdenum-100 material utilization efficiency. [Results] This work optimized the electron-gamma conversion target, liquid molybdenum-100 target and chemical separation and extraction parameters using FLUKA simulation tool.

Under the conditions of a total W target thickness of 4 mm, a molybdenum-100 solution solution container side length of 100 cm, and a separation cycle interval of 6 hours, the batch production of technetium-99m is 2094.2 GBq (56.6 Ci), corresponding to an annual production of 3057.5 TBq (82,636 Ci) under continuous operation of a 40 MeV/1 mA electron accelerator. Considering the uncertainties such as the actual operating time of the accelerator, assuming that the annual production capacity is only 80% of the theoretical capacity, corresponding the maximum annual production is about 2442.0 TBq (66,000 Ci).

[Conclusion]​ The simulation results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of the proposed 40 MeV electron-accelerator-driven liquid target method for direct ⁹⁹ᵐTc production. The optimized system configuration, comprising a tungsten converter and a molybdenum-100 solution target, enables a batch yield of 2094.2 GBq (56.6 Ci) of technetium-99m with a 6-hour cycle. This corresponds to a substantial annual production estimate of approximately 2442.0 TBq (66,000 Ci), accounting for practical operational factors.

This study provides a viable theoretical foundation and design parameters for future engineering development.