Decay tanks

The radioactive decay tanks designed by Lemer Pax are intended for the storage of radioactive waste during decay periods before their release into the normal wastewater circuit. From the shielded chambers for Iodine-131 radiation therapy and all Vectorised Internal Radiation therapy (VIR) treatments in general. As well as from the laboratories, sinks, showers and hot toilets of the nuclear medicine service.

The size and capacity of the tanks can be adapted to meet the needs of the user services with individual tanks from 100 to 15,000 litres.

In order to adapt to the geometry of the premises, the design of these tanks is customised for perfect integration and ergonomic installation in premises of all sizes. The customised manufacture of the tanks allows for a wide variety of designs in size and shape.

Materials used: PE, HDPE, reinforced polyester and stainless steel offer great resistance and very efficient sealing properties, as well as easy maintenance and decontamination.

The monitoring of the filling level of each tank is optimised by a touch screen reporting system and a configurable alarm, according to the applications and the evacuation rules defined by the services.

Decay tanks: a specific secure monitoring system

Lemer Pax assure la conception et la fabrication du dispositif complet ainsi que l’installation et les maintenances grâce à des équipes dédiées.

Le système sécurisé de surveillance spécifique, de gestion des effluents radioactifs testé et breveté permet de correspondre aux préconisations ASN (Autorité de Sûreté nucléaire) et IRSN (Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire) afin de garantir une utilisation pérenne en toute confiance. Ce coffret de gestion permet notamment, selon les options choisies, d’automatiser la rotation des vannes à distance, ainsi que de monitorer et visualiser les mesures d’activité avant rejet, sans nécessiter d’intervention manuelle des utilisateurs ce qui leur assure une radioprotection élevée.

Lemer Pax’s dedicated teams ensure the design and manufacture of the complete device as well as the installation and maintenance.

The tested and patented specific secure monitoring system for the management of radioactive waste is proposed to correspond to the recommendations of the ASN (French Nuclear Safety Authority) and IRSN (French Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety) in order to guarantee long-lasting and trouble-free use. Depending on the options selected, this management unit can automate the rotation of the valves remotely, as well as monitor and display the activity measurements before discharge, without requiring manual action by the users, thus ensuring a high level of radiation protection.

REGULATORY FOCUS – SPECIFIC TO ¹⁷⁷Lu:

Within the framework of the “Circular letter on the changes in the conditions of authorisation of nuclear medicine services by the ASN for the possession and use of lutetium-177”, the connection of toilets to a decay tank is recommended for all nuclear medicine services carrying out vectorised internal radiation therapy treatments with ¹⁷⁷Lu labelled radiopharmaceuticals.

The urine of treated patients should be collected for at least the first 6 hours after administration of the radioactive drug, even if the service does not have a shielded chamber.