WHEN we think about nuclear industry, we usually picture a large-scale nuclear power plant (NPP) that produces energy.
However, there are other types of nuclear facilities that are designed for scientific and commercial purposes, starting from education and training to radiopharmaceuticals production and other high-end activities.
In the foreseeable future, one of such projects named the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) will be implemented in Zambia in several stages in partnership with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, one of the leading players on the global nuclear stage.
CNST configuration may vary depending on country’s specific needs. The project is shaped from different elements such as laboratories, training and even commercial facilities.
Zambia chose to proceed first with the Multipurpose Irradiation Center (MIC) as part of CNST which will become a valuable asset for a country’s healthcare system and may be additionally utilized by agricultural sector.
“There is no doubt that today more than ever many countries seek for most efficient and safe technologies to elaborate their healthcare systems.
With its cutting-edge solutions, nuclear industry can also help countries progress in this direction. Zambia has rightfully decided to take advantage of a well-established technology for sterilization of medical devices which will be applied at the Multipurpose Irradiation Center. Equipped with the Industrial Gamma-ray installation, this facility allows to process a wide variety of goods including syringes, surgical gloves, gowns, masks, sticking plasters, dressings, raw materials for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This is just at a glance, a full list is much more extensive. Treated products are absolutely safe for use while the technology itself doesn’t have any negative effect on the environment”, said Dmitry Vysotsky, Vice President for CNST Projects at Rusatom Overseas (Rosatom Group).
It is worth noting that the worldwide use of disposable medical devices is largely growing these days, which in turn drives the demand for the facilities providing sterilization services.
Unlike some other methods, gamma-irradiation technology allows sterilization of the final packaged product. Thus, there is no need of an aseptic room for packaging sterilized goods.
According to IAEA, worldwide, over 200 gamma irradiators are in operation for a variety of purposes in more than 55 countries.
Mr. Vysotsky also highlighted that in addition to medical goods, common applications for HYPERLINK “https://www.steris-ast.com/services/gamma-irradiation/” \t “_blank” gamma processing include food and agricultural products treatment to prolong their shelf life and remove pathogens that can lead to humans’ intoxications.
“In future, our Zambian partners can also benefit from this option of MIC as well as incorporate other CNST elements. We are happy to support Zambia in developing its national nuclear program development at a pace and direction it has chosen”, stated Rusatom Overseas Vice President.
For reference
Rosatom and the Republic of Zambia signed a general contract for the construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST). The signing took place during the 10th international Atomexpo-2018 forum in Sochi. Construction of the center is the first joint project of Russia and Zambia in the field of nuclear technologies.
As planned, the center will be located 10 kilometers away from the capital of Zambia, Lusaka. The project will be implemented in several stages, starting with a Multipurpose Irradiation Center.
