Cadmium-109 is usually produced at cyclotrons with energies 15-25 MeV. Cadmium-109 is mainly used in the facilities of X-ray-fluorescent analysis, in flaw detectors and in the devices measuring sheet thickness.

In Kazakhstan Cd-109 production is small while there is some potential for expansion of its production. In order to produce Cd-109 commercially at the cyclotron facilities available in the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP), one needs to assure the cost for its production is reasonably low to allow its sales at the prices currently established at the international market. According to our data, Cd-109 in form of CdCl2 water solution is in the highest demand while the prices for the solution are lower than those for sealed sources. Since the main contribution to the cost of Cd-109 product comes from the cost of irradiation at cyclotron, extraction and purification of the isotope, it becomes reasonable to consider development of technologies for production of both Cd-109 forms - in form of solution and in form of sealed source. In this case we would have consumers of the solution and in case there appears a client for sealed source we would be able to produce theirs required amount using basically the same equipment.

At performance of the project the following results are expected:

• An output on the European market with an isotope of cadmium-109.
• Maintenance of the greatest possible loading a cyclotron on manufacture of cadmium-109.
• An operating time of long-term partners - buyers in the European market.
• Finishing the cost price of cadmium-109 up to commercially favourable.
• Interaction with consumers with the purpose of optimization delivery of cadmium-109

INP has already supplied 109Cd to QSA GmbH in the solution form. It has a contract with QSA to supply 3Ci during 2006 and is negotiating for a further contract in 2007. This may include the supply of 109Cd in capsules and electroplated onto a silver substrate.