Preliminary investigations for technology assessment of 99Mo production from leu targets

This paper presents the results of preliminary studies on the effects of substituting low enriched uranium (LEU) for highly enriched uranium (HEU) in targets for the production of fission product 99Mo. Issues that are addressed include (1) purity and yield of the 99Mo/99mTc product, (2) fabrication of LEU targets and related concerns, and (3) disposal of radioactive waste. Laboratory experimentation was part of the efforts for issues (1) and (2); thus far, radioactive waste disposal has only been addressed in a paper study. Although the reported results are still preliminary, there is reason to be optimistic about the feasibility of utilizing LEU targets for 99Mo production. (author). 37 refs, 1 fig., 5 tabs