Successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for Modular Hot Cell
UAB has acquired a custom hot cell from Von Gahlen to expand the production of medical isotopes like 203Pb for cancer research. The collaboration was successful, with a smooth Factory Acceptance Test and a solution tailored to the client’s needs. The system will soon be shipped and installed on-site.
Recently, we welcomed the team, represented by Mr. Jean-Pierre Appiah (Engineering Manager-Cyclotron) and Dr. Jennifer L. Bartels, PhD (Research Scientist Lead), from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Cyclotron Facility, led by Dr. Suzanne Lapi, to our facility in Zevenaar for a comprehensive Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). This purchase of a hot cell marks a significant step forward in the fight against cancer and other diseases by expanding the production capacity for critical medical isotopes.
The challenge and the solution
The UAB Cyclotron facility is supported through a grant (PI Lapi) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Isotope Program as part of the University Isotope Network for the production of Lead-203 (203Pb) and other isotopes, supplying customers worldwide. The need for this specialized Modular Hot Cell is required to expand capacity at the site. Initial discussions took place at the 2023 SNMMI congress with Henk Duiker, Consultant of Von Gahlen.
While the existing facility was already equipped with hot cells, there was a clear need to increase capacity and streamline processes to meet growing demand. With the addition of this new modular hot cell, the production of 203Pb and other isotopes can be significantly increased. Due to its longer half-life, this product can be shipped to international locations for use in SPECT and clinical trial applications by university, industrial, and medical partners.
Technical specifications: The MHC special
For this project, we are delivering a Modular Hot Cell (MHC Special) fully tailored to the customer's logistical and chemical processes. Key features of this customized solution include:
- Shielding: 75 mm lead shielding on all sides for the upper as well as the lower compartment.
- Configuration: The upper compartment is equipped with a Kydex box that is resistant to strong acids used during solid target processing, with an ionization chamber integrated at the bottom of this cell.
In the front wall are two manipulator arms for target handling. Also, a large lead-glass window in the front wall provides a full view of the interior cell.
There is a connection for tubing to the lower shielded compartment, which accommodates the synthesis/purification unit(s).
The synthesis cell has Swagelok valves for gases and compressed air.
There is a motor-driven vertical door at the rear side for access to the interior of the upper cell. The synthesis cell has a shielded door at the front.
The upper compartment features a shielded pass-through for transporting targets from the existing hot cell. - Expansion: An additional synthesis cell has been integrated below the main compartment.
- Operation: A large lead-glass window provides a full view of the interior, supported by various master-slave manipulators.
The FAT experience
Jean-Pierre Appiah: “I am pleased to report that the Hot Cell Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at Von Gahlen went exceptionally smoothly and exceeded our expectations. The Von Gahlen team showed outstanding professionalism, executed the test protocols precisely, and stayed committed to safety and quality standards. Their technical expertise was evident in the quality of the Hot Cell assembly, which showed strong engineering, smooth component integration, and adherence to all specified performance benchmarks. This level of excellence not only validated the equipment's readiness but also reinforced our confidence in this partnership.”
Tailor-Made Collaboration
For Von Gahlen, this is a new client. In this niche market, professionals know the major players and are happy to discuss their initial ideas. Jennifer Bartels noted: "We requested a specialized custom hot cell from the outset because we wanted a logistical chemical process from the target cyclotron with a transfer to other hot cells, which required a specific connection.
We saw that all our wishes were tailored to our specific needs. Attention was also drawn to issues we hadn't yet mentioned, allowing knowledge to be shared and everything to be discussed. They did truly excellent work. This is my definition of a good collaboration. All our wishes have been well implemented. Whenever a compromise was needed due to technical limitations, we found common ground. Communication was clear, honest, and safe," says Jean Pierre Appiah.
A Win-Win Situation: highly efficient processes
The atmosphere during the factory visit in Zevenaar was excellent. Theo Neuteboom, Project Manager at Von Gahlen, describes it as a "win-win situation." He explains: "Our client brings the practical experience and challenges, and we provide the expertise we have gained in the market. By combining these strengths, we have been able to establish highly efficient processes together."
Jennifer L. Bartels: “We are very pleased and excited. We still have tons of ideas, but we are obviously going to start working with this new product first.”
Next Steps
Following the successful completion of the FAT, the project enters its next phase. The hot cell stack will be disassembled, components will be coated, and then transported by sea, a journey of approximately six weeks. Our team will handle the on-site assembly and installation, ensuring the product is fully functional and meets all quality requirements.
We look forward to continuing this collaboration and witnessing the impact this installation will have on isotope production for cancer research and patient care worldwide.
If you are interested in learning more about our hot cells, or if you would like advice tailored to your needs, please reach out to our sales team at sales@vongahlen.com. We look forward to supporting your project.
