The development of Ac isotopic generator.

The paper describes a method of recovery of Ac tracer from an old thorium salt through sequential separation of Ra by sorption onto the MnO-CTA disk from thorium solution followed by Ac/Ra separation using the Axionit 507 extraction chromatographic resin. It was shown that the optimal conditions of radium separation from thorium nitrate solution are pH 4.7-6.1 and EDTA as a complexing agent for thorium stabilization as Th form at Th/EDTA molar ratio of 1:1. Since both Ra and Ra are separated from thorium solution, 25 days were calculated as the minimal time necessary for obtaining pure fraction of Ra. Separation of Ac from Ra generator solution by the Axionit 507 resin is possible at pH 2.4-2.9; actinium desorption can be performed by 4-10 mL of any mineral acid solution at pH 1-1.5. High selectivity of the Axionit 507 resin provided additional decontamination of Ra generator solution from Th. The Ac eluate with the average radionuclide purity of 98.8% containing no organic compounds and/or complexing agents was obtained.