DOST-PNRI to establish electron beam accelerator

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) is establishing an electron beam or “e-beam” irradiation facility at the agency’s compound in Quezon City, seen to allow the country’s scientists and researchers to pursue radiation research on food, medicine, agriculture, industry, and wastewater treatment.

The PNRI’s 2.5 MeV electron beam accelerator will be the first in the country intended for full-scale research and development and semi-commercial e-beam services.

The establishment of the electron beam facility received financial support from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Japanese and US governments, and the DOST. 

The DOST-PNRI targets to complete the installation and commissioning of the facility by the middle of this year, after which trial runs on different samples and products are scheduled to be done.

With the new facility, the DOST-PNRI has taken the next step in its use of irradiation technologies in various research and development initiatives.

The PNRI has leveled up from its cobalt-60 multipurpose irradiation facility that has been used in radiation processing using gamma rays and in serving clients from the food, packaging, medical products, and pharmaceutical industries. 

The e-beam accelerator will allow researchers to tap radiation to cross-link molecules in various materials, instead of using chemicals to harden, cure or change the composition of polymer and plastic-based products.