NUCLEAR MEDICINE
material into the new production cells and the existing laboratory cells. The material exits the cells as finished
radiopharmaceuticals. A portion of the production goes to quality control, another is taken to the packaging sector for external distribution, and the majority is used for patient applications within the institution.
HVAC system The HVAC system has been one of the most critical aspects of the project due to the specific requirements of this type of equipment, which not only necessitates the use of treated air but also involves various pressure types: positive, negative, and neutral. It also requires a special filtration system (activated carbon filters) to prevent the emission of radioactivity into the environment. According to CNEA and ARN
regulations, all spaces where radioactive material is handled must have negative pressure to prevent radioactive leakage. The cyclotron room has negative pressure, and the building also features different degrees of negative pressure, creating a cascade of pressures. For example, to enter the room, one passes through a lock with -15PA, then a labyrinth with -30PA, and finally into the most critical area where the accelerator is located with -
60PA.Some laboratories, despite handling radioactive material, have positive pressure. According to ANMAT, as these are pharmacies producing medications to be injected into patients, they must not be contaminated by any external agents. To meet the requirements of each
sector, the thermo-mechanical project includes 10 AHUs (air handling units), three chillers, two water tanks, an activated carbon filter battery, and specially constructed air ducts, as critical radiation areas must be 100 per cent airtight. These ducts were made from folded black sheet metal, welded at all joints, and internally painted with epoxy after sandblasting. Between duct sections, sealed bolted flanges with gaskets were installed, and multiple tests were conducted to ensure proper functionality.
Volumetric spatial organisation The project faced two major constraints: a very limited surface area and the functional importance of the building, which did not allow for much spatial innovation but required strict adherence to regulations. From my perspective, this is the challenge of being the project architect: transforming a pure engineering project into a pleasant, easily navigable space, open to the city, reflecting to its inhabitants all the technology occurring within. Therefore, a glazed entrance with double height was designed, protected by a ventilated façade that envelops the
46 Corner façade.
Night façade.
entire building. This façade is specifically designed to abstractly represent the movement and transformation of atoms, symbolising the processes occurring within the building. This skin not only filters the light entering through the windows but also serves to laterally cover the machine room, protecting the equipment, allowing for ventilation, and concealing their visibility.
Structural design Mendoza is a seismic city, so in addition to the structural challenge posed by the reinforced concrete bunker necessary to prevent radiation leaks, seismic calculations were also required. The structure of the entire building, except for
Stair interior.
the bunker, is metallic and was designed to be constructed entirely with the same structural tubing. This approach aimed to avoid waste and supply issues, which our country has experienced due to the political and economic situation. The bunker had to be designed and
constructed on-site with a reinforced concrete structure, with concrete that had to be prepared and tested over several months to achieve the specific characteristics needed to prevent radiation leaks. Aggregates from different quarries were used to achieve the appropriate weight and density, along with specific additives and fibres. The bunker’s formwork could not be tied, as nothing could penetrate the wall
IFHE DIGEST 2025
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