University of Michigan
Cyclotron Building Addition
Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan’s Cyclotron, the positron production site and its by-product of radioactive exhaust gas, is in the midst of a dense research and clinical campus and no casual observer would ever know it. The building infills an existing courtyard and blends beautifully into the campus landscape by creating a rooftop garden plaza for casual collaboration.
The building replaces the University’s existing production facilities for PETtrace radiochemistry (radio pharmaceuticals), which are used in both clinical and research applications. Lord Aeck Sargent’s deep understanding of research and testing facility requirements and close collaboration the University of Michigan physicists and facility managers was critical to the successful delivery of this building. The facility includes:
- Shielded cyclotron vault configured to house two GE, 16.5 MeV cyclotrons, which are used to create radioisotopes
- Chemistry receipt and research lab, where chemistry is prepared for production
- Radiochemistry production labs – The radioisotopes produced by the cyclotron are mixed in shielded hot cells, then transported pneumatically to the nearby hospital
- Radiochemistry QC lab – Radiochemistry is analyzed before being delivered for clinical or research applications
- Laboratory ante room – Used to control access to and the environment of the laboratory spaces.
- Underground decay maze – Delays exhaust until radioactive isotopes have decayed to safe exhaust levels.