Industrial Applications and Chemisty Section
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The programme on Radioisotope Production and Radiation Technology has two sub- programmes: SUBPROGRAMME I.2. Radiation technology for industrial applications and a safer environment
SUBPROGRAMME I.1. TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TO RADIOISOTOPES, RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS AND RADIOANALYTICAL SERVICES Rationale: Radioisotope products are major tools for delivering the benefits of nuclear applications in diverse fields of health care, industry, food and agriculture, biotechnology, etc. Use of radioisotopes in the form of radiopharmaceuticals and sealed sources has been well established in medicine. This sector is characterized by continuing evolution of techniques and new procedures requiring development and production of new radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Globally, the number of medical procedures involving the use of radioisotopes is growing with increasing emphasis towards radionuclide therapy, using radiopharmaceuticals labelled with particle (beta, auger electron, alpha, etc.) emitting radioisotopes for treatment of cancer. Nuclear and radioanalytical techniques contribute in many fields, such as geological prospecting, environmental survey, biomedical investigations, forensics and archaeology. Over the years the Agency’s R&D and technical cooperation activities have significantly enhanced the capabilities of many developing Member States in the field of radioisotope production and nuclear analytical techniques. However, with growing economic development there is an increasing demand from other developing Member States for such services. Because of the rapid progress of technologies, the majority of Member States still lack trained and qualified personnel, appropriate equipment and radiopharmaceuticals production technology and they need support to develop these locally to effectively improve their health care systems and sustain their economical development. Strong national capabilities are necessary to sustain and expand the technology support to beneficial applications of radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals and accelerator based radiation sources in Member States in health care, industry and radioanalytical services for field applications including surveillance for hazardous/prescribed materials. Member States need continued assistance in the establishment of an efficient quality system in radioisotope production and the provision of nuclear and radioanalytical services. Improvement in processing methods, developing new products and enhanced quality assurance is a worldwide effort, which is well facilitated by Agency coordination. Developing Member States are increasingly seeking Agency assistance in harnessing the benefits of such technology. Research activities under this subprogramme are based on recommendations and conclusions of different research coordination, consultant, technical and international meetings, as well as consultation with SAGNA members on the overall objectives of the programme. CRP activities are either of the applied research type with the aim to enhance the R&D capability of Member States using indigenous resources, or the adaptive research type for progress towards technology transfer to developing Member States. Objective: To enable Member States to benefit from radioisotope products and radioanalytical applications by supporting development/adaptation of appropriate technology/strategy as well as strengthening national capability in Member States to establish the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel.
SUBPROGRAMME I.2. RADIATION TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND A SAFER ENVIRONMENT Rationale: Applications of radioisotopes and radiation technology in many areas of industrial processes and environmental protection are contributing significantly towards sustainable development by improving the quality of life and ensuring cleaner and safer industrial processes. Identification of landmines for humanitarian demining and detection of bulk explosive materials is a major concern of several Member States. Advanced nuclear detection techniques, including the use of special neutron sources have the potential to help locate such materials and facilitate their safe disposal. The increasing industrial activity worldwide to cater to demands of the growing population tends to place a heavy burden on the environment and radiation technology contributes in this regard towards achieving safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial processes, for example by conversion of noxious gases into useful fertilizers and removal or inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Studies in recent years have also demonstrated the effectiveness of ionizing radiation as such, or in combination with other methods, in the decomposition of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. Radiation treatment provides a means to process nano-structured materials, a significant impact of which is anticipated in many industries and biomedical applications including radiotherapy, as well as to develop controlled drug delivery systems. Radioactive tracers continue to be a powerful tool for developing and improving industrial process engineering and for natural resources exploration and exploitation. Radiography, digital radioscopy and tomography are advancing non-destructive examination of metallic and concrete structures. A large number of Member States with programmes in these areas will benefit from Agency support and coordination. The Agency, through its technical cooperation and research activities, has significantly enhanced the capabilities of many developing Member States in the field of radiation technology. More than 40 pilot and industrial scale Co-60 gamma irradiators, as well as several electron accelerators which are being widely used for sterilization, food irradiation, polymer/rubber processing and effluent treatment have been established with the cooperation of the Agency. However, because of rapid progress of technologies, the majority of Member States still lack trained and qualified personnel and facilities, and they need support to develop and adopt radiation technology to effectively alleviate their industrial and environmental problems and cost effectively integrate radiation technology into their overall sustainable industrial development programme. Research and field trials have shown the need for a broader based evaluation of the application of nuclear techniques for landmine identification. New efforts using combinations of techniques will be pursued to supplement the individual techniques tested hitherto. The emphasis of the Agency’s work is towards strengthening national capabilities and assisting national institutions achieve self-sustainability in those areas of radiotracers and radiation technology with promising new developments. Research activities under this subprogramme are based on recommendations and conclusions of different research coordination, consultant, technical and international meetings as well as consultation with SAGNA members on the overall objectives of the programme. CRP activities are either of the applied research type with the aim to enhance research and development capability of Member States using indigenous resources, or the adaptive research type for progress towards technology transfer to developing Member States. Objectives: To extend the benefits from radiation technology and radiation processing applications for industrial processes and tackling pollutants/biohazards by strengthening national capabilities in Member States.
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