![]() ![]() Ruslan Smirnov, deputy head of the Radiation Technology Department at Smolensk NPP noted that the cobalt absorbers have two functions: economically feasible isotope production for the production of gamma radiation sources, and ensuring the safe operation of the reactor by maintaining the steam reactivity coefficient within limits set by the technological regulations. The process of irradiating cobalt to obtain the desired isotope takes about five years. On 30 September 2017, the first additional cobalt absorber was loaded into the RBMK reactor at Smolensk 1 (a subsidiary of Rosenergoatom Concern, part of the Rosatom Electric Power Division) as part of a large-scale development programme to increase Co-60 supplies for medicine and industry.ĭeputy Chief Engineer for Safety and Reliability at Smolensk, Alexander Abaimov explained that “the design features of the RBMK (high-capacity channel reactor) allow the loading and unloading of additional cobalt absorbers at any time, irradiating a large amount of starting material without disrupting the technological cycle”. NIIAR is Russia’s most prominent research facility, with six research reactors on site.Ĭobalt-60 production is also being increased at other Russian facilities. NIIAR was established in 1956, and in 2008 became an open joint-stock company state research centre under integrated company Atomenergoprom (part of state nuclear corporation Rosatom). "Most of the equipment for the site and all construction and installation work were carried out by the staff of the Institute." In July the new facility was completed, licensed and commissioned for trial operation, explained Deputy Production Director Alexander Zvir. The manufacture of sources of ionising radiation based on cobalt-60 had been ongoing at the Institute for more than 15 years, from 1995 to 2012 but in 2013 the original plant was decommissioned and then dismantled. Commissioning of the new installation will boost the Institute’s export prospects, he added. NIIAR director Alexander Tuzov said it was “an important stage in the development of the Institute's production base”, noting that more than RUB180m ($3m) had been invested in the project, which was undertaken within the framework of a Chinese-Russian joint venture, Beijing KiaE-NIIAR company of radioisotopes with limited liability”. There are 30 channels 68mm in diameter in the beryllium reflector, 27 channels 12mm in diameter in the central moderating area and 24 channels 12mm in diameter in fuel assemblies. ![]() SM-3 is a high-flux water-cooled vessel-type research reactor with a neutron trap that operates in the intermediate neutron spectrum. The new production facility is located in the building of the SM-3 reactor which produces a range of radioisotopes, including Co-60. or death.Russia’s Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (NIIAR) has started the industrial production of ionising radiation (gamma) sources based on cobalt-60 (Co-60), which are widely used for medical purposes for cancer treatment. ![]() Mishandling of a large industrial source of Co-60 could result in an external exposure large enough to cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness radiation sicknessA serious illness that can happen when a person is exposed to very high levels of radiation, usually over a short period of time. ![]() Cobalt-60 absorbed by the liver, kidneys, or bone tissue can cause cancer from internal exposure to gamma radiation. Most Co-60 that is ingested is excreted in feces however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys and bones. Cobalt and Healthīecause it decays by gamma radiation, external exposure to Co-60 can increase cancer risk. Such exposures are carefully controlled to avoid adverse health impacts and to maximize the benefits of medical care. Most exposure to Co-60 takes place intentionally during medical tests and treatments. Though relatively rare, exposure has also occurred by accidental mishandling of a source at a metal recycling facility or steel mill. Accidental exposures may occur as the result of loss or improper disposal of medical and industrial radiation sources. It is also used for radiation therapy in hospitals. Cobalt-60 is used as a radiation source in many common industrial applications, such as in leveling devices and thickness gauges. ![]()
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