Production has since been moved to Amsterdam UMC Imaging Centre.
More information on the decommissioning of cyclotrons in the Netherlands can be found on the RIVM website or on ANVS.nl.
Production of medical isotopes guaranteed
After all necessary tests and checks, the relevant government bodies approved the production of medical isotopes at the Imaging Centre. Because these drugs must always be in stock, the last cyclotron in the W&N building was switched off only after the production was fully transferred.
Safety
The decommissioning of the cyclotrons was done according to the laws and regulations of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ANVS). The licence set out the conditions for decommissioning and regular inspections took place. This allowed the decommissioning to take place safely and without risk to the environment. The additional radiation released during decommissioning is comparable to an X-ray at the dentist's or a plane trip to southern Portugal.
Reusing cyclotrons and recycling materials
The cyclotrons from the W&N building that were still suitable for reuse were sold and given a second life in Romania. The old Philips cyclotron will be dismantled and then transported to and safely stored at COVRA. The very slightly radioactive concrete of the cyclotron housing is processed into new raw material for concrete, for example for dyke reinforcement and foundations. This method of production results in much less waste and CO2 emissions. This is also done with the agreement of the ANVS.
Questions & answers decommissiong cyclotron centre
A Q&A has been prepared on the decommissioning of the cyclotron centre.