E-BEAM STERILIZATION

Sterility and germ reduction through radiation.

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E-Beam

RADIATION STERILIZATION

Our Pittsburgh facility offers E-Beam radiation. The high-energy beta rays destroy the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless. Sterilization with radiation is therefore the only process to sterilize products in their packaging without significantly increasing the temperature and without using chemicals, which always carry the risk of residues. Even the inner surfaces of closed packaging or components with complex geometric shapes are safely and reliably sterilized by high-energy radiation. These advantages make radiation sterilization a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to other methods.

IONIZING RADIATION

RADIATION WITHOUT RESIDUE

From a radiation source, energy is transmitted by radiation. This high-energy, ionizing radiation triggers chemical reactions, renders microorganisms harmless and improves the properties of a wide range of products. At BGS US, we use beta radiation, also known as E-Beam or radiation with electrons, for radiation sterilization. Due to physical limitations, the radiation we use does not generate any radioactivity. The treated products are also completely free of residues and can be used immediately.

   
Parameters E-Beam Radiation
Dose Rate High
Penetration Depth Medium
Irradiation Time A few seconds
Energy Source Electric current
Irradiation Unit Single cartons or multiple boxes
Plastic Compatibility Medium to high
Procedure Description Electrons are emitted in a hot cathode and accelerated to a very high speed in a high vacuum by a strong electric field. As it leaves the accelerator, the electron beam is guided across the product at high frequency by a magnetic field.

OVERVIEW E-BEAM

Radiant Energy Icon

           Radiant Energy

  • E-Beam or electron radiation
  • Products are exposed to high-energy electrons
technical parameters icon

Technical Parameters

  • Radiation energy
  • Precise dose adjustment
Product Factors Icon

           Product Factors

  • Suitable for the irradiation of products with low to medium density
  • Compatible with a wide range of plastics

STERILIZATION

Fast TREATMENT WITH RADIATION

Beta rays (E-Beam) are characterized by their medium penetration depth at high dose rate. Individual packages can be treated with beta rays within a few seconds. Under optimal conditions, a complete truckload can be treated within a few hours.

The advantage: Products can be processed efficiently, i.e., fast turnaround time. The penetration depth of the beta rays makes it necessary to unload the packaged products from the transport pallets, process them and repallatize them. At our site in Pittsburgh, a fully automated system processes large quantities of products in a very short time.

Beta rays (aka accelerated electrons) are generated by electron accelerators, which are comparable to a Braun tube: A hot cathode emits electrons, which are accelerated in a strong electric field in a high vacuum. BGS uses resonance accelerators of the Rhodotron® type. In these, electrons are accelerated in a cyclic alternating field in several stages up to a maximum energy of 10 MeV. The electron beam emerging from the accelerator is deflected in an alternating magnetic field so that it hits the products to be irradiated in a fanned-out manner. These products are passed under the beam using a compatible transport system.

Typically, products undergo irradiation in the transport packaging as individual boxes. This process only takes a few seconds. The possible configuration of the irradiation unit depends on its density, its packing scheme, and the energy of the electrons.

E-Beam or electron beam treatment is best suited for:

  • Sterilization of uniformly packaged products with a low density (e.g., medical products in boxes)
  • The bioburden reduction of uniformly packaged products with low density
  • Modification of polymers, refinement or crosslinking of plastics, and refinement of semiconductors

Key advantages of E-Beam or electron beam treatment are:

  • Customized dosing and fast product release without waiting time
  • Meeting time-sensitive supply chain requirements
  • Vast processing capacity

FAQ

PRODUCT RADIATION:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are products radioactive after irradiation?
No! For physical reasons, the radiation can only trigger chemical reactions in the products. The energies used in the BGS systems are too low to generate radioactivity in the products.
At what temperatures does the irradiation take place?
Depending on the radiation dose applied, there is no significant heating of the products during irradiation. At higher doses, which are normally necessary for crosslinking, there is a slight increase in temperature.
What do the terms "MeV" and "kGy" mean?
The energy of the rays is expressed in millions of electron volts (MeV), which describes the strength of the electric field used to accelerate the electrons. It is directly related to the penetration depth of the beams. Our equipment’s design is limited to a maximum of 10 MeV to prevent activation of the products. The dose (amount) of radiation is expressed in Gray (Gy), which determines the desired effect of the irradiation. For radiation sterilization doses in the range of 25 kGy are often sufficient, while for radiation crosslinking doses of over 100 kGy are typical.
Is treatment with beta rays (E-Beam) limited to the product surface?


No, depending on the material density and the energy of the beta rays (electron beam), the rays can penetrate a whole product or device, not only its surface.
How high are the reproducibility and reliability of treatment with radiation?
BGS has developed equipment and maintenance systems that ensure high reliability.

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