Specific Activity 99Mo Research Articles

Solvent Extraction Technology of 99Mo–99mTc Generator System 1. An Indian Experience: Process Design Considerations

The solvent extraction method of separating and purifying Na99mTcO4 from low specific activity 99Mo is rarely employed in developed countries, whereas in India Na99mTcO4 has been separated, purified and used in an injectable form for the past decade using low specific activity 99Mo and an indigenous separator system. The entire operation was previously carried out by a manual method. In order to decrease the radiation burden to the personnel performing these operations the process assembly was redesigned to incorporate additional safeguards against radiation. The paper decribes the modifications introduced and our experiences with this ‘semi-automated’ system.