Method and Apparatus for Gas Phase Transport of Metal Elements

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This patent describes a method and device for the production, provision, and transport of metal elements in their gaseous phase by utilizing a carrier gas containing carbon monoxide. In a reaction chamber, the metal elements react with carbon monoxide to form volatile metal carbonyl complexes, which can then be transported efficiently in the gas phase to remote areas for various uses, even under moderate temperature and pressure conditions. This approach allows efficient and selective transport of even short-lived, refractory, or radioactive metal elements without them adhering to surfaces or requiring extreme environmental conditions.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Transporting radioactive or short-lived metal isotopes from nuclear reactors or particle accelerators to shielded experimental or medical facilities.
• Producing radioisotopes for nuclear medicine applications, such as scintigraphy (tracer-based diagnostic imaging).
• Remote analysis and measurement of the physicochemical properties of newly created or rare metal elements.
• Supplying precursor compounds for radiopharmaceuticals and tracers in radiochemistry and radiopharmacology.
• Applications in tribology where specific metal elements need to be introduced in controlled environments.
• Safe transport of hazardous or rare metal elements in fundamental research laboratories.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows the efficient and selective transport of even very short-lived or highly refractory (hard-to-vaporize) metal elements.
• Significantly reduces the likelihood of metal elements sticking to chamber or pipeline walls, thus improving yield and enabling transport over long distances.
• Operates under moderate pressures and temperatures (including near room temperature), removing the need for extreme operational conditions.
• Enables remote experimentation or use, minimizing radiation exposure or contamination risk at the place of metal element production.
• Offers flexibility and selectivity through adjustment of carrier gas composition and process parameters, allowing targeting of specific elements or isotopes.
• Simplifies processes in nuclear medicine, radiochemistry, and fundamental inorganic chemistry by providing a practical method for in-gas-phase handling of elusive metal species.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for producing, providing, and transporting metal elements in the gaseous phase, wherein the carrier gas contains carbon monoxide and the carrier gas and the metal elements are brought together in a reaction volume and the metal elements and carbon monoxide combine to synthesize metal-element carbonyl complexes.