First sterilization plant to be commissioned in 2015
By Nigar Orujova
The first sterilization plant in Azerbaijan is planned to be commissioned in 2015.
The news was announced by Director of the Institute of Radiation Problems of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Adil Garibov on November 13.
The plant is constructed within a project jointly implemented by Azerbaijan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on launching a sterilization facility with a strong gamma-ray emission.
Gamma radiation sterilization, one of the most penetrative types of energy, cause significant cell damage at even low dosage, thus killing germs, without damaging the material.
According to Garibov, the equipment necessary for construction and frame installation have been already delivered to Baku.
The construction of the plant has started in Gobu settlement near Baku by the Institute of Isotopes of Hungary which won the construction tender announced by the IAEA.
Dosimetric and microbiological laboratories which will control quality will also be added to the plant. After sterilization, the presence or absence of microorganisms in the products will be checked in the laboratories.
"The work on the building, where radiation will be produced, is almost over. However, laboratory buildings and offices should also be ready in order to start operating the plant. These works will be completed in 2015, and the installations can be put into operation," Garibov said.
The organization of the laboratories may take three to four months, and special buildings need to be constructed for laboratories.
After launching the plant, different items will be exposed to radiation with gamma rays, and the period of their use will be increased.
Sterilization plants operate in all the developed countries, increasing the shelf-life of many products.
There is an international list of products that can be subjected to radiation and their harmless doses. The list includes wheat, dried fruit, spices, meat and meat products, wine, potatoes, and other agricultural goods.
According to Garibov, irradiation carried out in a sterilization plant is the most advanced method of killing germs.