Speaker
Description
For over 35 plus years, the TRIUMF designed 30 MeV compact cyclotron (named TR30) was the original on site prototype medical isotope cyclotron, used to accelerate H- beam to be delivered to a target stations (either metal electroplated solid targets, or enclosed gas/liquid-based systems) for isotope production. As with all cyclotrons, systems do degrade over time due to water erosion of cooling lines, high power sparking events damaging vital RF systems, radiation damage compromising vacuum seal integrity, among others. These problems accumulate to reduce cyclotron up time, reducing desired isotope production capacity which can impact medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, which can lead to more adverse outcomes.
This presentation will outline the problems encountered both due to the age of this machine and integrated micro-amp hours delivered. It will also discuss the comprehensive update of the TR30 that is planned for the coming year. This refurbishment represents a first-of-its-kind set of activities. New ancillary support systems will be upgraded relative to previous equipment along with other novel technologies. This refurbishment represents possible cost-effective saving schemes instead of decommissioning/replacement of aging accelerators that could be used in other facilities.