News
DOST-PNRI boosts nuclear safety & research facilities
Friday, December 12, 2014 12:00 AM Views : 1918PIAThe Philippine Nuclear Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology (PNRI - DOST) strengthened its capability in monitoring and irradiation through the latest additions in its stable of nuclear facilities.
During the opening of the Atomic Energy celebration recently, the PNRI inaugurated its Electron Beam Facility and received the Environmental Radiation Monitor in its Compound in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Science & Technology Secretary Mario Montejo thanked the Korean Government for the turnover of the radiation monitor, and the international community including the USA, Japan, Russia, and Argentina for supporting the PNRI's project on the Electron Beam Facility.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country, will be useful for research, semi commercial electron beam services, and other radiation processing related applications.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Radiation Monitor System called EFRD-3300 provides continuous and real-time monitoring of ambient gamma radiation. It will be part of a nationwide early-warning system for monitoring radiation emergencies such as that which transpired at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Station in 2011.
According to PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. Dela Rosa, the additional facilities and equipment will be very helpful in improving their capabilities, not only in nuclear research but also in radiation protection and nuclear safety.
The ceremonies were attended by Dr. Sunil Sabharwal, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical officer, Dr. Young Yong Ji, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute senior researcher, and Dr. Bumsoo Han, CEO EB Tech., Co. Ltd.
Running until Friday this week, the Atomic Energy celebration will feature the Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz (PNSQ) for high school students on December 11 (Thursday), and closing/awarding ceremonies with A Night at PNRI on Friday, December 12.