Transport of Dis-assembled Cyclotron

Cyclotrons are usually operated to produce radioisotopes for medical researches and clinical diagnostic nuclear medicines in Korea. Until the end of 2012, 38 cyclotrons have been installed and some of them operated more than 15 years in Korea. Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) has operated a model Ebco TR-13 cyclotron for the same purpose since 1994. And following the operation of new cyclotron, they became to decommission it from June 2011 to autumn of 2012. According to 18 years operation, the cyclotron magnet, shieldings and other components had been activated. However, SNUH decided to donate the cyclotron to Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in Suwon, Gyeonggido, for research and education rather than disposal. After decommissioning, they had to follow the transport regulations to carry all components from SNUH to SKKU. Because cyclotron magnet and other components were different shaped, weighed from 0.23 to 20 metric tons, showed various radiation levels, it was difficult for SNUH to select transport packaging. SNUH asked ‘approval of special arrangement’ to the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS).