Electron Beam Sterilization

The electron beam sterilization process begins with an electron beam accelerator.

Electron beam sterilization.

This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. In line and stand alone systems. As the product material being sterilized passes the e beam energy from the electrons is absorbed altering various chemical bonds damaging the dna and destroying the reproductive capabilities of the microorganisms. Electron energies typically vary from the kev to mev range depending on the depth of penetration required.

Electron beam processing or electron irradiation is a process that involves using electrons usually of high energy to treat an object for a variety of purposes. The beam a concentrated highly charged stream of electrons is generated by accelerators capable of producing continuous or pulsed beams. An in line system is one in which the electron beam irradiation equipment is integrated directly into the production process. The beam is scanned back and forth to create a curtain of fast electrons which shower and safely ionize the materials that they strike.

Electron beam irradiation is a flexible and high speed process that can be used for a variety of applications including. There are two basic system approaches used to sterilize medical devices with electron beam technology. Sterilization of single use medical devices and pharmaceutical contamination control in packaging cosmetics and toiletries strengthening of polymers due to cross linking and or breaking down of polymers. Possible uses for electron irradiation include sterilization and cross linking of polymers.

While most materials manufactured for use in the sterile healthcare products are formulated for radiation stability some materials certain polypropylenes for example experience less breakdown and long term aging effects as a result of e beam s shorter exposure time.