Foundation stone laid for augmentation of Oxygen-18 (O-18) facilities at Heavy Water Plant, Manuguru

Secretary Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission Ajit Kumar Mohanty on Saturday laid the foundation stone for augmentation of Oxygen-18 (O-18) facilities at Heavy Water Plant (HWP), Manuguru, in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Heavy Water Board S. Satyakumar and General Manager, HWP, Manuguru, G. Srinivas were among those present.

According to HWP sources, India’s first “O-18 enriched water” production facility for medical/societal use is already under operation at HWP, Manuguru, the largest Heavy Water Production facility in India. O-18 is required for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning, used for detecting cancer cells.

The HWP had taken up diversification activities like production of Boron-10 and Boron-11 enriched powder and Boron Carbide pallets and “O-18 enriched water.”.

After obtaining certification from Radio Pharmaceutical Committee (RPC), the product was tested by Radiation Medicine Centre for confirming its suitability in medical cyclotron and the product has been accepted by Radiation Medicine Centre. It is India’s pride to join such an elite group of O-18 producers. Handing over of 0-18 enriched water produced by HWB to BRIT for Healthcare marked the occasion, sources added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohanty said these facilities will not only support domestic demand but also cater to the global demand for Oxygen-18 enriched water.

With this facility, India joins the ranks of nations which have the capability of production of Oxygen-18 (O-18) enriched water not only for meeting in-house requirements but also meeting the global demand.