DOST-PNRI boosts nuclear safety & research facilities

The 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. Particularly, PNRI inaugurated its Electron Beam Facility and received the Environmental Radiation Monitor at the PNRI Compound in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Warming up the event, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo opened the celebration with the weather update on Typhoon Hagupit. "When we speak about the weather, let's believe in PAG-ASA, when it's about nuclear, let's believe in PNRI. Let's believe in ourselves," he cheered the audience composed of institutional partners, stakeholders, media, students, DOST-PNRI personnel, as well as foreign dignitaries from Argentina, Russia, France, USA and Japan.

Secretary Montejo also 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. This 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 our capabilities, not only in nuclear research but also in radiation protection and nuclear safety." 

Congressman Francis Gerald Aguinaldo-Abaya, First District Representative of Cavite and Keynote Speaker during the opening program, said, "You might be wondering what a congressman and an architect are doing in this highly scientific occasion.   To be honest, it is my brother Sec. Jun Abaya who is the science wiz in the family,” referring to Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communication who himself is also a former House representative.

“In the 14th Congress, one of (my brother’s) legacies to me is the pursuit of the passage of the Comprehensive Nuclear Energy Law,” beamed  Abaya who is a member of the House committees  on information and communications technology, and science and technology. 

House Bill 147 or the Comprehensive Nuclear Law will create a separate Regulatory Body independent of PNRI.

On the said law, he said, “I am proud to work with PNRI in shepherding (its) passage... in Congress …the bottomline is, there is a need for the Philippines to be internationally compliant with our nuclear regulatory practices.”

He then pledged to the audience that he will “continue to work hard to push for its passage during this congress.”

Ma. Lilibeth P. Padilla

Public Affairs Unit, Communication Resources and Production Division

Science and Technology Information Institute

Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII)

PNRI offers Gamma-ray scanning technology for local industries

The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is offering its services using Gamma Ray Column Scanning Technology to assist the local industries, such as oil refineries and petrochemical plants, in the inspection and investigation of process vessels. This technology makes it possible to “see” inside a process vessel, such as distillation columns in refineries or petrochemical industries, and quickly identify its problems without interrupting normal plant operations. Such technique saves the client company time, money, and other resources.

Called density profile, the technique provides significant information on the condition of the whole process and the vessel itself. Engineers, using the technology, can identify damaged or missing trays and their positions, extent of flooding and its location, liquid weeping and foaming, liquid levels, and blockages, among others. Thus engineers and operators can determine the status of the column and consequently make arrangements for maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent emergency shutdown.

Since the process does not involve direct contact with the insides of the vessels, it also avoids potential corrosion, temperature or pressure problems.

This precision nuclear tool could prove useful beyond troubleshooting structural problems. The data gathered may also be used to improve the structures and processes of the plant, thus making them more efficient and reducing production down-time in cases of programmed shutdowns.

Meanwhile, process columns are crucial components in refining crude oil to turn it into valuable fuel, as well as in sustaining the plant’s cooling systems, among others. Plant shutdowns for maintenance could cost around $1,200 per hour overseas, translating into millions of pesos in losses everyday for the local operators.

Prospective clients of the gamma-ray column scanning service range from members of the oil industry to operators of chemical plants.

Since the late 1990s, PNRI experts have provided gamma-ray services to major oil companies with local operations in the Central and Southern Luzon and local petrochemical companies. The Department of Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid project also kept the service and equipment upgraded with automated data-logging software and scanning systems.

For more information on gamma column scanning, please contact Section Head Adelina Bulos of the PNRI Isotope Techniques Section in Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City or call us at 929-6011 local 225 or 240. You can also send your queries at isotopetechnques@pnri.dost.gov.ph  (S&T Media Service)