Expanding research capacity for theranostics: TRIUMF Vancouver

To support their continued pioneering work in nuclear medicine, TRIUMF Life Sciences partnered with Von Gahlen to significantly expand their research capacity in Vancouver, Canada. Faced with physical space constraints, the client required advanced shielding solutions to house their expanding theranostics and diagnostic nuclide programs. Von Gahlen successfully designed, manufactured and installed two fully equipped, state-of-the-art laboratories featuring six custom hot cells and three shielded fume hoods, engineered to seamlessly fit into their workflows and lay the foundation for future medical breakthroughs. 

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  • Project: Two fully equipped laboratories fitted with six hot cells and three Shielded Fume Hoods
  • Customer: TRIUMF Life Sciences
  • Place of installation: Vancouver, Canada

Von Gahlen’s hot cell lines and shielded fume hoods provide high-performance radiation shielding tailored to complex radiopharmaceutical workflows. For the TRIUMF facility, the systems were engineered using the strict V-model methodology to guarantee complete traceability from the initial User Requirements Specification (URS) to final validation.

Reference TRIUMF

Collaborative design phase

From the outset, the collaboration was characterized by close technical cooperation and a strong focus on practical, future-proof solutions. The design process was thorough, well managed and solution-oriented. Clear explanations and thoughtful guidance helped both teams arrive at exactly the configuration needed for TRIUMF’s research environment. 

“The collaboration has been outstanding. The technical expertise your team brought to the project, particularly through Bas Kuemmeling’s leadership during the design phase, was invaluable. Bas’s technical expertise and engineering skills were clearly reflected in a design that fits our purpose exceptionally well and aligns perfectly with our research needs.” - Dr. Esther Schirrmacher, Director – IAMI Operations & Deputy Laboratory Director – Life Sciences at TRIUMF.

"The communication is fantastic. Questions are answered quickly, timelines are realistic, and the project is right on schedule. It's refreshing to experience this. The FAT test went exactly as expected. I didn't anticipate any unpleasant surprises." - Joe Huser, Quality Assurance Specialist at TRIUMF.

Dr. Esther Schirrmacher: “The site visit was another step towards the very successful completion of the project, providing both sides with clarity on expectations and next steps. It set the stage for a smooth and well-coordinated installation. Following successful factory testing, the site installation and IQ/OQ validation proceeded seamlessly."

Reference TRIUMF

Transparent project management & execution

To optimize the tight spatial footprint, the hot cells were structured to form a completely hermetic, sealed wall between the clean laboratory environment and the rear service areas, with custom stainless steel panels filling the remaining wall space. Throughout this process, progress was tracked with total transparency via weekly updates and visual reports.

“We want to acknowledge your excellent project management; the regular updates Von Gahlen provided gave us confidence that everything was progressing on schedule. It was refreshing never to have to ask for status information.” Dr. Esther Schirrmacher.

Project Highlights

  • The project includes two labs, each equipped with three hot cells featuring vertical front doors and three shielded fume hoods (PET) explicitly designed for TRIUMF’s needs.
  • Each lab’s hot cell forms a sealed wall between the lab and service area, with three cells per lab creating the bench and stainless steel panels filling the remaining wall space.
  • The progress was maintained with total transparency and full client confidence through weekly updates accompanied by visual reports.
  • The contract was awarded in December 2024, with the installation and IQ/OQ completion successfully planned for May 2026.
  • This project strengthens the long-term partnership between both parties, focusing heavily on research, safety, and innovation within nuclear medicine.

The installation itself was exceptionally well planned and flawlessly executed. Von Gahlen’s installers worked professionally, efficiently, and with a high level of safety awareness throughout their time on site. Any minor issues identified during validation were resolved quickly and without complication.” TRIUMF has had a truly excellent experience working with Von Gahlen." - Dr. Esther Schirrmacher

Key Features

  • Custom vertical sliding doors designed without hinges to slide vertically, with the ability to remain half-open during operation to optimally support manual access and user workflow.
  • Three modular hot cells featuring 75 mm lead shielding, internal dose monitoring, safety interlocks and a provision for a dose calibrator in cell 2. Complemented by two 50 mm lead-shielded PET fume hoods equipped with built-in flow alarms.
  • Three heavy-duty hot cells with 100 mm lead shielding, 100 mm lead glass viewing windows, integrated telemanipulators, an internal CCD camera and a specialized system for the safe transfer of irradiated targets. Complemented by one 50 mm shielded fume hood.
  • Advanced material and waste management featuring a dedicated Kydex transfer tunnel with chemically resistant Halar-coated stainless steel doors. Includes a complete container docking station equipped with a shielded docking port, lifting system, transport cart, and a 50 mm lead-shielded waste container.
  • All hot cells incorporate robust, fully shielded connections for liquid and gaseous radioactive materials along with dedicated storage and disposal systems.

“On behalf of everyone at TRIUMF, I want to express our sincere appreciation for the exceptional experience we’ve had working with your team throughout the hot cell project. We are absolutely delighted with the hot cells and cannot wait to begin using them in our research program.” - Dr. Esther Schirrmacher.

If you have similar needs for your facility, please do not hesitate to discuss the possibilities with us: sales@vongahlen.com.