Successful FAT for TRIUMF Life Sciences
In Zevenaar, TRIUMF’s Life Sciences representative Joe Huser (Quality Assurance Specialist) from Vancouver, Canada, visited Von Gahlen for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).
Joe assessed the quality during our FAT test with Theo Bouwman (Project Manager) and Bas Kummeling (Lead Engineer). To support their continued research in theranostics and diagnostic nuclides, TRIUMF is expanding its research department with new facilities at its Vancouver site.
About TRIUMF Life Sciences
TRIUMF Life Sciences is dedicated to the production of radioisotopes and the development of novel, more powerful radiochemicals and radiopharmaceuticals (radiotracers). Their work provides the scientific community with radiotracers that are often commercially unavailable. These tracers are essential for imaging biological targets and for the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in nuclear medicine.
Customer Needs
Although the existing facility is fully functional, space limitations restrict further research and development. The new hot cell lines will provide the additional capacity required to continue their ambitious research goals.
The Hot Cell Line
The project includes two labs, each with three hot cells featuring vertical front doors and three shielded fume hoods (PET) explicitly designed for TRIUMF’s needs. These hot cells will directly contribute to safe and efficient development of radiopharmaceuticals, thereby strengthening TRIUMF’s capacity for research and innovation.
The FAT process consisted of:
- Test instrument data
- Verification of system documentation
- Construction and design checks
- Main equipment specification verification
- Functionality and interlock testing
The FAT allowed both teams to fine-tune details before shipment and prepare for seamless revalidation during the upcoming Site Acceptance Test (SAT).
“The FAT test is going as expected. I didn’t anticipate any unpleasant surprises,” said Joe Huser.
During the engineering phase, TRIUMF worked closely with Von Gahlen’s lead engineer, Bas Kummeling. For example, the customer requested sliding doors that could remain half-open during operation – a non-standard requirement. This led to a custom-built solution that is perfectly adapted to their workflow.
Collaboration with Von Gahlen
TRIUMF has long-standing experience with hot cells from different suppliers. However, the collaboration with Von Gahlen stood out.
“The communication is fantastic. Questions are answered quickly, timelines are realistic, and the project is right on schedule. It’s refreshing to experience this,” said the customer.
Weekly project updates, including visual status reports, ensured transparent progress monitoring. This gave TRIUMF full confidence in the delivery and performance of their new hot cells.
Next Steps
After the FAT, all systems will be dismantled and prepared for shipment by sea. The transport is scheduled to occur before Christmas, with assembly planned for February, approximately 8 weeks after shipping. This timeline depends on the readiness of the new building and the involvement of third parties.
With this project, TRIUMF Life Sciences and Von Gahlen are continuing their long-term partnership, building on a shared commitment to research, safety, and innovation in nuclear medicine.
If you have any hot cell inquiries, please get in touch with our sales team at: sales@vongahlen.com.
