Radiation technology (CNBX) is one of the highly effective research and application fields of the nuclear industry in Vietnam as well as in many countries around the world.
Vietnam's chemical industry has been researched and applied since 1983 with the introduction of the first experimental Cobalt-60 source (Gamma Cell) at the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute (NCHN) and has continued to develop until now. . During the past 35 years, with great achievements, especially the applications of CNBX in socio-economic such as irradiation services, production of preparations, the Nuclear industry has made a significant contribution to the development of the nuclear industry. development of the country.
In the nuclear industry of our country, one of the applications put into production on an industrial scale is the application of CNBX in sterilization of medical instruments (DCYT), sterilization of foodstuffs (TP), manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, etc. agricultural products and environmental protection.
An overview article on scientific and technological services of the Center for Radiation Technology Research and Development (VINAGAMMA), which mainly deals with irradiation and sterilization services, sterilization of articles, food and produce preparations for export and domestic consumption at VINAGAMMA. Simultaneously with the above services, VINAGAMMA also provides the service of providing industrial irradiators with Cobalt 60 sources manufactured in VINAGAMMA.
Historical milestones of CNBX in Vietnam in general and irradiation services in particular.
Since the 80s of the last century, researchers and technicians of CNBX in Vietnam have conducted researches and applied ionizing radiation in sterilization and sterilization.
In 1983, at the Institute of NCHN, initial implementation studies were conducted on the Gamma Cell device. Research results during this time create reliable theoretical bases for investment decisions to build large-scale irradiation facilities.
In 1991, at the Hanoi Irradiation Center of the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (Science and Technology), a semi-industrial irradiation device with Cobalt-60 source used for food preservation (the original purpose was anti-inflammatory irradiation). potato sprouting) has been put into operation. This equipment has now been upgraded to irradiate most products required by the market.
In 1999, at VINAGAMMA, the multi-purpose industrial irradiator Cobalt-60 source was put into operation. This was the result of the efforts of the entire nuclear industry, determination and courage from the Ministry of Science and Technology (at that time the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment), the Board of Directors of the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment, and the collective. scientists and technicians of the Nuclear Center of Ho Chi Minh City and of VINAGAMMA. From this point on, the sterilization of DCYTs and the sterilization of TP goods have been applied on an industrial scale in our country.
Thanks to the highly efficient operation, superior service quality and assurance at the two irradiators mentioned above, Cobalt-60 irradiation technology has become familiar to DCYT manufacturers, oriental medicine, seafood processors and exporters. With the advantage of advanced technology, reasonable prices, and increasing market demand, the two state-owned irradiation facilities have been an example and an example for private investors in investment calculation. equipment in the field.
In 2004, at Son Son Trading Co., Ltd., a high-power electron beam accelerator with X-ray emission for the purpose of food sterilization was put into operation. This is the largest accelerator equipment in Southeast Asia and also the largest investment in the field of CNBX application by the private sector in our country.
In 2005, An Phu Irradiation Joint Stock Company (Binh Duong) invested and put into operation a Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator used for the purpose of sterilizing DCYT and sterilization of goods in Ho Chi Minh City. This is the second equipment invested from the private sector.
In 2006, due to the need for irradiation to sterilize food for export, Son Son Co., Ltd. installed a large-capacity electron beam accelerator with X-ray emission (5MeV, 120 kW) and Joint Stock Company. An Phu Irradiator (Binh Duong) has installed and put into operation the Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator with 500 kCi source activity.
In 2009, for the first time in the Mekong Delta, Thai Son Group invested and put into operation a Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator with 500 kCi source activity in Can Tho.
In 2011, An Phu Irradiation Joint Stock Company (Binh Duong) invested more and put into operation a Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator with 500 kCi source activity in Vinh Long.
In 2012, Thai Son Group invested more and put into operation the Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator with source operation of 800 kCi in Can Tho and the Center for Research and Development of Radiation Technology has invested. additional investment and put into operation the UELR 10-15S2, 10MeV, 15kW electron beam irradiator.
In 2017, the Institute of Natural Resources and Environment has a project to build an irradiation facility in Da Nang, which is currently being completed to put into operation the Cobalt-60 source industrial irradiator. At the same time, Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology also has a project to build a Cobalt-60 industrial irradiator with 400 kCi source activity in Cam My district - Don.
