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Decommissioning cyclotron center

Part of the demolition of the W&N building is the dismantling of the cyclotron centre. Cyclotrons are necessary in the production of medical isotopes used in medical research and treatments, such as cancer detection.

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.

News

  • Successful symposium ‘Decommissioning cyclotron and demolition bunkers’

    On 29 November 2024, VU Amsterdam organised a symposium on the theme ‘Decommissioning cyclotron and demolition bunkers’. Various experts in a variety of fields shared their knowledge on decommissioning, decay storage, final disposal and the recycling of light activated concrete. The assessment framework for a permit application and communication with stakeholders were also discussed.

    The symposium was organised by Marten van Til (decommissioning project leader), Andy van Driel (radiation expert) and Robert Westland (Amsterdam UMC) on the occasion of the decommissioning of the cyclotron centre in the W&N building, which is currently in full swing. The aim of this symposium was to share knowledge on the various aspects of radiological termination of cyclotron bunkers in a sustainable way (including circularity). These were highlighted by radiation experts, recycling specialists, communication and by government representatives.

    Around 100 attendees, including radiation experts, as well as representatives from Koole (conducting decommissioning of Philipscyclotron), COVRA (decay and/or final disposal) and the Theo Pouw Group (processor of the concrete) enjoyed an informative day in an open and positive atmosphere.

    More information
    Read the most frequently asked questions and answers. You can also find more information on the decommissioning of cyclotrons in the Netherlands on the RIVM website or on ANVS.nl.

    If you would like to know more about the symposium, please email wninbeweging@vu.nl.

Do you have questions about the demolition?

Send an e-mail to:

wninbeweging@vu.nl

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