IPEN (Instituto Peruano de Energía Nuclear)

Nuclear Center Overview

Introduction to the Nuclear Center

• The nuclear center is introduced, highlighting its role in nuclear production and the management of the RP 10 reactor, which has a power output of 10 megawatts, marking it as a significant facility in Latin America.

Reactor and Production Facilities

• The main pool and auxiliary pool are described; the primary pool houses the reactor core containing uranium fuel elements that undergo fusion to release neutrons.

• A complex machine is mentioned that produces neutrons for various applications in physics, chemistry, and quality control.

Radioisotope Production

Medical Applications

• The plant specializes in producing radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear medicine since its establishment in 1990.

• Products include sterile and non-sterile items such as technetium and sodium iodide, essential for medical diagnostics.

Safety Measures

• The facilities are designed with lead shielding (50 to 100 mm thick), equipped with air injection/extraction systems to maintain negative pressure, preventing radioactive material from escaping.

Calibration Laboratory Insights

Unique Calibration Facility

• The secondary calibration laboratory is noted as the only one in Peru responsible for maintaining reference standards related to ionizing radiation.

Calibration Services Offered

• It comprises six distinct areas dedicated to dosimetric calibrations for equipment used across various sectors including medicine, mining, and radiation protection.