Automation System for Quality Control in Manufacture of Iodine-125 Sealed Sources Used in Brachytherapy

作     者：Samir Luiz Somessari Anselmo Feher Francisco Edmundo Sprenger Maria Elisa Chuery Martins Rostelato Carlos A. Zeituni Joao A. Moura Osvaldo Luiz da Costa Wilson Aparecido Parejo Calvo 

作者机构：Radiation Technology Centre Nuclear and Energy Research Institute National Nuclear Energy Commission (1PEN-CNEN/SP) SaoPaulo 05508-000 Brazil 

出 版 物：《Journal of Physical Science and Application》 (物理科学与应用（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2013年第3卷第6期

页      面：380-386页

学科分类：080802[工学-电力系统及其自动化] 0808[工学-电气工程] 08[工学] 0835[工学-软件工程] 0802[工学-机械工程] 080201[工学-机械制造及其自动化] 

主　　题：Iodine-125 seeds quality control brachytherapy automation system (Nd:YAG) laser welding automation system. 

摘      要：The objective of this work is to develop an automation system for quality control （QC） in the production of Iodine-125 sealed sources, after undergoing the process of laser beam welding （LBW）. These sources, also known as Iodine-125 seeds are used, successfully, in the treatment of cancer by brachytherapy, with low-dose rates. Each small seed is composed of a welded titanium capsule with 0.8 mm diameter and 4.5 mm in length, containing Iodine-125 adsorbed on an internal silver wire. The seeds are implanted in the human prostate to irradiate the tumor and treat the cancerous cells. The technology to automate the quality control system in the manufacture of lodine-125 seeds consists in developing and associate mechanical parts, electronic components and pneumatic circuits to control machines and processes. The automation technology for Iodine-125 seed production developed in this work employs programmable logic controller （PLC）, step motors, drivers of control, electrical-electronic interfaces, photoelectric sensors, interfaces of communication and software development. Industrial automation plays an important role in the production of Iodine-125 seeds, with higher productivity and high standard of quality, facilitating the implementation and operation of processes with good manufacturing practices （GMP）. Nowadays, the Radiation Technology Centre at IPEN-CNEN/SP imports and distributes 36,000 lodine-125 seeds per year for clinics and hospitals in the whole country. However, the Brazilian potential market is of 8,000 lodine-125 seeds per month. Therefore, the local production of these radioactive seeds has become a priority for the Institute, aiming to reduce the price and increase the supply to the population in Brazil.