Da Lat nuclear reactor has been operating with a capacity of 500 kWt since 1984, used for scientific research, sample analysis, production of radioactive drugs for medicine, industry and human resource training.
The information was said by Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat in a speech at the 40th anniversary of the inauguration of the Da Lat nuclear reactor restoration and expansion project, on the morning of March 23.
According to the Minister, over the past 40 years, the Da Lat Nuclear Reactor has operated safely. Along with the main equipment, the Nuclear Reactor, a system of modern specialized laboratories was formed and put into operation, serving basic and applied research, introducing nuclear and isotope techniques. Radiation serves economic development.
Technical staff supervises reactor operations. Image: Hoang Truong
The Institute has researched technology and prepared radioactive isotopes, successfully developed technologies to produce radioactive drugs for diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as radioactive drugs containing I-131, Tc-99m, P-32 and some other isotopes.
Many types of radioactive tracer kits used in diagnosing brain diseases, bone cancer, hepatobiliary diseases, early Parkinson's disease, neuroendocrine tumors... have been successfully researched and produced. There are currently 9 types of products included in Vietnam's drug list; certified by the Ministry of Health to meet "Good Practices in Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing" WHO-GMP.
According to the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute, there have been about 17.500 CI of radioactive drugs prepared to provide all kinds of drugs to domestic hospitals, serving the diagnosis and treatment of about 500.000 patients/year.
The Institute's scientists have researched, developed and successfully applied a number of nuclear and isotopic techniques to determine the causes and mechanisms of sedimentation of ship channels in the estuary. This technique is also applied to determine the sedimentation rate of hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs to assess the lifespan and safety of works; Determine the sedimentation process in coastal saline areas; Determine the rate of erosion and degradation of agricultural land; Determination of diffusion coefficients and retention times of liquid waste in coastal waters.
Scientists are researching techniques from stable isotopes to determine the water needs of crops; trace and authenticate the origin of agricultural products; Research on climate change…
The TRIGA Mark-2 nuclear reactor with a capacity of 250 kWt was built by the US in Da Lat in 1963. Before April 30, 4, all of the reactor's fuel rods were dismantled to be shipped to the US, so the reactor was not still able to function. Since 1975, the (former) Soviet Union has helped restore and expand the Da Lat nuclear reactor. On March 1982, 20, the reactor with the new name Da Lat Nuclear Reactor was put into operation with a nominal capacity of 3 kWt, twice the capacity of the previous TRIGA reactor.
Bao Chi
