PNRI operates the following irradiation facilities: the Cobalt-60 Multipurpose Irradiation Facility (MIF), the Gammacell-220 and Ob-Servo Sanguis Self-shielded gamma irradiators, and the Electron Beam Irradiation Facility (EBIF). PNRI extends the use of these facilities to various clients for food irradiation, medical products sterilization and for research purposes.

MULTIPURPOSE IRRADIATION FACILITY (MIF), OB-SERVO SANGUIS and GAMMACELL-220 IRRADIATORS

Gamma radiation coming from the cobalt-60 source in this facility can kill or prevent the multiplication of microorganisms in food, medical products, cosmetic raw materials and packaging. Radiation can delay sprouting of bulbs like onions and garlic or the ripening of fruits or reduce infestation of stored agricultural products. It also increases the incidence of genetic changes in plants, accelerating the development of useful mutants. These useful effects can be achieved by exposing the materials /products to gamma radiation using the Multipurpose Irradiation Facility (for bulk irradiation) or in the Gammacell-220 and Ob-Servo Sanguis irradiators (for small volume of samples). Before routine exposure of materials/products to be irradiated, tests are first made to determine the suitability of the materials to gamma radiation and to ascertain the appropriate radiation dose depending on the purpose of irradiation , i.e. for sterilization, reduction of microbial load or decontamination, induction of mutations or changes in the chemical/physical properties of the material.

ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION FACILITY (EBIF)

As the next step in PNRI’s use of irradiation technologies, the 2.5 MeV electron beam (EB) facility is the first of its kind in the country intended for full-scale research and development and semi-commercial EB services. The newly established EB facility opens more applications of radiation such as improving the quality of semiconductors, automobile parts/tires, O-rings, wires and cables and production of nanomaterials, among others. This can also be used in radiation sterilization of medical devices, food irradiation, radiation crosslinking, degradation or grafting of polymers and for surface curing.

For information on fees and charges, click Fees and Charges page.
For more information, please contact:

Irradiation Services Section
Nuclear Services Division
Trunkline: (+632) 8929-6011 to 19 local 243/248
Telefax: (+632) 8920-8789
Email: irradiation_services@pnri.dost.gov.ph