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TR-24 Cyclotron

Medium energy cyclotron that bridges the gap
between PET and SPECT cyclotrons. First cyclotron in the market to allow production of PET and SPECT isotopes with the footprint of a PET cyclotron.

Revolutionizing cyclotron technology

Launched in 2012 this cyclotron was a revolutionary development in cyclotron technology. With extended energy range packaged in the size of the standard PET cyclotron, this model has become the choice of many research labs and regional production facilities seeking flexibility at an affordable cost.

Features of the TR-24

Variable and extended energy range

Real variable energy spectrum, on each target port, extended to 12 to 25 MeV (original model was 15 to 25 MeV). It offers unique flexibility and added convenience for production of isotopes such as Ga-68, Cu-64 and Zr-89, without the use of beam energy degraders.

Highest beam current and high output

TR-24 available in 3 modifications: 300 μA, 500 μA and 800 μA. Making it a small but very powerful machine that generate more beam current that any of the commercial target systems can handle. High current translates in a high production output. TR-24 holds an absolute record in F-18 production – 45 Curies in 2 hour run.

Upgradeable to 30 MeV

The maximum energy of the latest TR-24 cyclotron modification can be field upgraded from 25 MeV to 30 MeV. Provides a cost effective solution for production of the full range of PET and most of the SPECT radioisotopes.

A complete line of fully integrated solid, liquid and gas targets

ACSI can provide a wide variety of PET and SPECT targets that are compatible with the TR-24 beam power and energy. Fully integrated beam lines and automated transfer systems for both PET and SPECT radionuclides are available in standard and custom configurations. Up to 6 beam lines can be installed on the TR-24 cyclotron.

Providing worldwide solutions with unique innovations

As a response to the worldwide shortage of 99mTc due to the aging of the nuclear reactors, ACSI proposed to develop a commercial approach to production of 99mTc and to build a national network of medium energy cyclotrons, which could meet the needs of all Canada not only for 99mTc, but for other radionuclides used in clinical practice and research.

  • The TR-24 cyclotron is uniquely positioned for 99mTc production
  • The TR-24 forms the basis of the Canadian CycloTecTM network that can serve as an alternative source of 99mTc, capable of supplying this radionuclide to over 90% of the Canadian population
  • This concept can be easily implemented in other countries around the world allowing for a complete independence or as an alternative to the conventional 99mTc supply chain.

Have a Question?

Please view the list of frequently asked questions below. If you still can’t find an answer to your question(s), please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What isotopes can be produced on the TR-24 cyclotron?

The energy range of the TR-24 cyclotron is suited for production of the full range of PET isotopes (F-18, N-13, C-11), including radiometals (Cu-64, Zr-89, Ga-68), as well as most of the SPECT isotopes routinely used in Nuclear Medicine, such as In-111, Ga-67, I-123, Ge-68, Zn-67, etc.

The TR-24 cyclotron still holds an ultimate record in F-18 production – 1700 Gbq in 2 hours.

Higher energy also allows direct production of O-15 water from regular O-16 water. Over 30 Gbq of O-15 water can be produced in a 5 minutes run.

What advantages does the TR-24 offer compared to a “PET cyclotron”?

The TR-24 cyclotron has an extended range of beam energy, 15 MeV to 25 MeV,  compared to a typical “PET cyclotron”. Higher energy allows production of a wider variety of radioisotopes using (p,2n), (p,pn) and other nuclear reactions. The other advantage of the TR-24 cyclotron is the higher current. The high current model of TR-24 cyclotron can operate at 800 µA of beam current, compared to 300 µA for PET cyclotrons. To take full advantage of the TR-24 high current capability this cyclotron can be equipped with beam lines and high current solid target stations.

How many beam lines can be installed on the TR-24 cyclotron?

There are two typical beam line configurations for the TR-24 cyclotron:

  • Two beam lines. In this configuration a Y-shaped (two-branches) beam line is installed on one side of the cyclotron, while the opposite side has a target selector mounted directly on the cyclotron.
  • Four beam lines. In this configuration, both sides of the cyclotron are equipped with Y-shaped beam lines making the total number of beam line branches equal to four.
Is there a deuteron option for the TR-24 cyclotron?

No. The TR-24 cyclotron is only offered in proton configuration.