China breaks world record in medical isotope reactor vessel production

On Jan 26, Dongfang Electric (Guangzhou) Heavy Machinery Company, based in Guangzhou's Nansha district, delivered the world's most powerful solution-type medical isotope test reactor vessel.

The core equipment of the medical isotope test reactor. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

The equipment will be transported to a project site in Jiajiang county, Sichuan province, and is expected to begin operating by 2027, enabling large-scale domestic production of key medical isotopes such as Molybdenum-99 and Iodine-131. This achievement marks a critical step toward transforming China from a net importer to a potential exporter of these essential materials.

Medical isotopes are fundamental to nuclear medicine diagnostics and treatments for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Currently, over 80 percent of the world's medical isotopes are produced in reactors, and in this area, China has long relied heavily on imports. Through breakthroughs in key technologies, including deep blind-hole manufacturing and high-precision welding, Dongfang Heavy Machinery has achieved full domestic mastery in manufacturing this advanced equipment.

This milestone not only strengthens the self-reliance of China's supply chain for medical isotopes and reduces domestic healthcare costs but also highlights the country's growing capabilities in high-end equipment manufacturing. The project provides vital support for national health initiatives and represents a significant leap forward in China's advanced industrial technology.