Radiation sterilization is a physical process of irradiation of medical items by ionizing radiation. The items are irradiated in specialized radiation installations using either gamma-radiation sources based on Co-60 and Cs-137 or electron accelerators. When passing through a substance, most of electrons’ energy is spent for ionization, which leads to destruction of microorganisms. As a result, the amount of malignant bacteria and viruses decreases. The radiation sterilization process is the final stage of manufacture of disposable medical items. But this is not the only area where this technique is applied. It is also suitable for disinfection of foodstuffs.
It is topical for India, because the country is one of the largest food producers in the world with an annual production volume of about 600 million tons. India is among the largest producers and exporters of fruit, vegetables, rice, wheat and peanuts. It is also in the top five leading producer-countries of coffee, spicery, grain and oil-bearing crops, and has a great potential for fishery development. Therefore, Rusatom Overseas, which promotes ROSATOM’s services in the international markets, the United Innovative Corporation (managed by Rusatom Overseas) and shareholders of the Indian company Gamma Tech have made the decision to build together a network of radiation sterilization centers in India.
ROSATOM has its share
The parties signed a shareholding agreement, which provides for the Russian party participation as a shareholder of Gamma Tech with an interest of 49%, for joint implementation of the project. The centers are planned to build in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. First two pilot irradiation centers are planned to open in the state of Tamil Nadu.
“Sterilization of medical items by using radiation treatment is just one of applications of up-to-date radiation technologies. These technologies can be used in agriculture as well and for sterilization of solid household waste and in petrochemical industry. Radiation technology services are in demand across the world. Now, Rusatom Overseas is completing construction of two radiation sterilization centers in Russia. So when the radiation treatment centers in India are up and running, we will have a perfect example of implementation of the ROSATOM’s competitive product offer as regards the specialized irradiation centers not only in this country but also abroad. The centers will specialize in sterilization of medical items, latex gloves in the first place, decontamination of fruit, berries and other foods, which are exported to developed countries,” Rusatom Overseas’ CEO Dzhomart Aliev noted.
The experience of cooperation
Russia and India have great experience of cooperation. In spring the parties agreed to build Kudankulam Phase II NPP, which includes Units 3 and 4. Kudankulam Phase I was also built by Russian specialists.
The first power unit of Kudankulam NPP in India was brought to 75% power in January this year. The unit was connected to the grid for the first time in October 2013 and on December 11 it was brought to 50% power.
“The power unit is in operation,” Valenting Bukanov, Chief Project Engineer of the engineering company Atomenergoproekt, says. “Power is attained in several stages. Now, the Indian nuclear specialists await regulatory bodies’ permits to reach 100%,” he says. The Indian site employs local personnel. “All specialists were educated in Russia. Representatives of Atomstroyexport work on the site as consultants. They provide follow-up and engineering support,” Bakanov continues.
