Electron Beam (E-Beam)
Electron Beam is a
versatile technology used for a range of applications such as
initiating a chemical change in polymers or for sterilising medical
devices, dressings and pharmaceuticals.
How does it work?
Electron Beam processing
utilises high energy electrons as its radiation source. The
electrons, which are produced by normal electrical current, are
accelerated to near the speed of light by means of a linear
accelerator. The resulting energies, ranging normally from 3 to 10
million electron volts (MeV) and coupled with 1 to 50 kW of power,
have sufficient energy to penetrate a range of materials.
Applications
Medical
Electron beams are able
energy to penetrate most medical devices in their final shipping
containers. As electrons are scanned through the product, they
reduce the microbial population in two ways: firstly by
directly breaking the microbial DNA chains as electrons are
separated from atoms in the DNA, secondly, by creating secondary
particles, including free radicals, which further react with the
microbial cell. The micro-organisms within the packaged product are
unable to reproduce due to their damaged DNA, thus rendering the
product sterile.
Specialist (industrial)
applications
For applications in this
sector, the Electron Beam process achieves a range of different
effects via its action as an ionising radiation source. The
electrons emitted from the source interact with molecules thus
modifying the polymers.
Locations
Applied Sterilisation Technologies (AST) operates
four Electron Beam (E-Beam) machines in the UK and Ireland:
and five within the Americas region:
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