VDL KTI is going to produce crucial components for the new medical isotope reactor

VDL Groep is making progress in broadening and strengthening its high-tech activities. The industrial family business, headquartered in Brainport Eindhoven, is taking its first significant steps into the nuclear sector, an important growth market. Operating company VDL KTI in Mol (Belgium) will produce and supply crucial components for the new PALLAS reactor in Petten. With the arrival of this new isotope reactor, the supply security of medical isotopes is ensured, allowing the Netherlands to continue helping millions of people over the next 50 years and further consolidating its position as a global leading producer.

Over 30,000 patients worldwide rely daily on the production of medical radioisotopes from Petten. VDL KTI, a specialist in, among other things, large and highly welded devices, is set to produce the so-called reactor pool and 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 of utmost importance. Medical isotopes are radioactive substances used for the diagnosis or treatment of, among other things, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Isotopes are, for example, used in scans to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells.

Protected against 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 maintenance and inspection of reactor components and can also be employed for the temporary storage of irradiated materials before they are processed or disposed of. The pools are up to 14 meters high and have a diameter of 5 meters. The tanks are used for the temporary storage of radioactive water and ensure that this water can be safely ‘decayed’, thereby also reducing radiation levels. The tanks reach up to 8 meters in height and have a diameter of up to 5 meters.

Order value

The production and delivery of the pools and tanks involve tens of thousands of man-hours of work, spread over 2 to 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 at NRG PALLAS: “After a comprehensive tendering process, we selected VDL KTI for the manufacturing and delivery of the reactor and service pool. With VDL KTI, we have found a partner who, through their high-quality components, will make a significant contribution to our project. Together, we are one step closer to realising the PALLAS reactor and securing the future supply of medical isotopes.”

Added value

Chief Executive Officer Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “We are proud that with our knowledge of industrialization, system integration and our manufacturing competencies we are able to supply critical components for the new PALLAS isotope reactor. It is fantastic that we can contribute in this way to the medical treatment of tens of thousands of people each day. This order is also a significant step in the nuclear sector, an important growth market for VDL Groep.”