Radiotracers are widely applied in industries to optimize processes, solve problems, improve product quality, save energy and reduce pollution. However, the radiotracer services are not readily available in many developing countries, mainly because of problems in timely availability of radiotracers as well as their suitability for use in harsh conditions of industrial processes. Producing and using long shelf-life radionuclide generators in a practical solution to the problem. The CRP will identify and coordinate development of industrial radionuclide generators and validate the radionuclide generator-based radiotracers for applications in industrial investigations with emphasis on applicability in field conditions. Guidelines for production of various radiotracers based ort the radionuclide generators will be also developed. The CRP will contribute to larger utilization of industrial radiotracer technology in MS through -the enhanced availability of radionuclide generator- based radiotracers.
To investigate the potential of radionuclide generators for industrial radiotracer applications with particular focus on usage in developing MS.
To develop techniques for the production of various industrial radiotracers from the IRG based radionuclides
To develop portable systems for production of specific radiotracers in connection with the IRGs
To develop techniques for enhancement of long-term stability of the IRGs to extend their shelf-lives
To provide guidelines for the preparation and validation of the IRG based radiotracers
The generators are of a huge importance and in many cases the only way to have available radiotracers for industrial applications due to the difficulties to obtain radionuclides for radiotracers applications especially in developing MSs. In TC cycle 2012-2013, the technologies and methodologies developed within the CRP will be applied in two regional TC projects (RCA and AFRA) and three national TC projects (in Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America regions). Beside these TC projects, technologies and methodologies developed within the CRP will be applied in MSs having participated in the CRP, but also transferred and applied in many MSs not involved in the CRP, for their national activities.
The CRP is relevant to the research priorities of the participating countries . They expressed high interest and involvement.