VDL to Produce Crucial Components for New Medical Isotope Reactor

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VDL Groep is working to further broaden and strengthen its hightech activities. The industrial family business with its headquarters in Brainport Eindhoven is taking its first, substantial steps into the nuclear sector, a key growth market. Operating company VDL KTI in Mol, Belgium, will produce and supply crucial components for the new PALLAS reactor in Petten. The arrival of this new isotope reactor will secure the supply of medical isotopes and allow the Netherlands to continue helping millions of people over the next 50 years and further strengthen its position as a top global producer.

Every day, over 30,000 patients worldwide depend on the production of medical radioisotopes from Petten. VDL KTI, a specialist in bulky and high-quality welded equipment, among other things, will produce the reactor pool and the service pool as well as several pressure vessels. These pools are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the medical isotope reactor where safety and accuracy are paramount. Medical isotopes are radioactive substances used to diagnose or treat cancer and cardiovascular diseases, among others. For example, isotopes are used in scans to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells.

Protected from radiation

The reactor pool contains water that keeps the research reactor at a safe temperature and protects technicians from radiation. The service pool is used for the maintenance and inspection of reactor components and can also be used for the temporary storage of irradiated materials before they are processed or disposed of. The pools are up to 14 metres high and 5 metres in diameter. The barrels are used for the temporary storage of radioactive water and allow it to 'decay' in a controlled manner, also reducing radiation levels. The pods are 8 metres long and 5 metres in diameter.

Order value

The production and delivery of the pools and barrels will involve tens of thousands of man-hours of work, spread over 2-3 years. The order value runs into millions of euros. The new PALLAS reactor should be ready around 2030.

Procurement

Alex Rood, Procurement & Contracts manager of NRG PALLAS: "After an extensive tender, we selected VDL KTI to manufacture and supply the reactor and service pool. In VDL KTI, we have found a partner whose high-quality components will make a significant contribution to our project. Together, we are another step closer to realising the PALLAS reactor and securing the future supply of medical isotopes."

Added value

VDL Groep President & CEO Willem van der Leegte says: "We are proud to be able to supply critical components for the new PALLAS isotope reactor with our knowledge of industrialisation, systems integration and our manufacturing competences. It is amazing that we can contribute in this way to the medical treatment of tens of thousands of people every day. This order is also a great step into the nuclear sector, an important growth market for VDL Groep."