 |
||
|
China first commercial reactor device for isotope production starts operation Xinhua, PUBLISHED 27.12.2024 China's first commercial reactor device for the online irradiation production of isotopes was officially put into operation Thursday at the Qinshan Nuclear Power Base operated by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), with the first batch of Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) medical isotopes produced there extracted from the reactor, according to China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). The heavy-water reactor, known for its high neutron flux in the core, continuous refueling without shutdown, and stable operation, offers advantages in isotope production, including high efficiency, large output, high specific activity, continuous production and stable supply. Leveraging the advantages of Qinshan's heavy-water reactor, CNNC developed and upgraded the commercial reactor irradiation production of short-lived isotopes, and successfully put the device into operation. The device can produce short-lived medical isotopes such as Lu-177, Strontium-89 (Sr-89), and Yttrium-90 (Y-90) on a large scale, continuously and stably without the need to shut down the reactor. Its future production capacity is expected to meet domestic demand, significantly enhancing China's autonomy in isotope production and supply, and increasing its participation in the international market. Lu-177, in particular, stands out as a star medical isotope in the field of precision cancer diagnosis and treatment. It can be combined with targeted drugs to accurately kill cancer cells and is widely used in targeted therapies for various types of cancer, including prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, offering effective treatment with low side effects and broad prospects in the field of medicine. Other news: Turbine installation completed at Unit 1 of Akkuyu NPP The Akkuyu NPP turbine-generating unit consists of a combined high- and medium-pressure module, two low-pressure modules, and a generator. Alexey Likhachev attended the launching ceremony of Chukotka nuclear icebreaker After the launch, construction of Chukotka will proceed in the water. WANO appoints Jose Gago as its new Chair Effective on 1 March 2025. |
Hero of the day 
Rosatom starts pilot operation of a fuel fabrication facility for the BREST-OD-300 fast reactor Currently, the facility operators are mastering the technology and gaining experience in fabrication of BREST-OD-300 bundles with depleted uranium fuel matrix in compliance with with the current license of Rostechnadzor (the Russian industrial and nuclear regulator). INTERVIEW
Rosatom OPINION
CNNC |