National Nuclear Research Center’s Gamma Radiation Complex for Sterilization opened
The Gamma Radiation Complex for Sterilization of the National Nuclear Research Center CJSC under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan was opened.
Within the framework of the national project of the technical cooperation program of the International Atomic Energy Agency (AZB 8002), it was decided to create in Azerbaijan a gamma radiation complex for sterilization. According to the project, the Azerbaijani side was supposed to build a building to accommodate the installation and laboratories, as well as provide it with electricity, water supply, sewage and other communication equipment, and the IAEA has committed itself to supply the installation itself and the Co-60 isotope with an activity of 100,000 curies, as well as on conducting trainings for employees and providing expert assistance. Both sides have complied with their obligations, and as a result, a unique gamma radiation facility was created which fully complies with international requirements.
The gamma sterilization complex is located in Gobu settlement of Absheron district and covers an area of 3 hectares. The plant capacity is 38 m3 / day or 1548 liter / hour. The initial activity of the Co-60 radioisotopes loaded on the installation is 300,000 curies. The maximum load of the installation is 2 million curies.
In the gamma radiation complex, radiation processing can be carried out to increase the chemical and mechanical strength of polymer-rubber products used in the oil and gas industry, machinery and equipment. In addition, it is possible to carry out radiation sterilization of medical equipment, all surgical instruments, especially plastic-polymer materials, disposable syringes, natural medicinal plants.
One of the most pressing problems of our time is the storage of food products. Most food products spoil during a long-term storage. Today, our country needs radiation treatment of local production and imported products. Food sterilization can also be done in the complex.
It is scientifically proven that pre-irradiation of seeds of cotton, tobacco, soy and other industrial plants increases their resistance to diseases and productivity. Since Azerbaijan is an agricultural country, radiation in this complex is necessary before sowing all the seeds used in the republic.
Gamma radiation is of great importance for protecting valuable wood species from internal insects, improving the quality and competitiveness of furniture made from them, long-term storage of medicinal plants, as well as protecting against insects and microbiological hazards.
Through gamma radiation of packages of finished cable and polymer-plastic products, the production of which is growing in Azerbaijan, it is possible to increase the durability of their coating system. And this in turn contributes to the competitiveness of exports and domestic use.
Note that gamma radiation can also be used in the field of protection of historical and cultural monuments, material and cultural heritage.
