Electron Beam Sterilization

There are two basic system approaches used to sterilize medical devices with electron beam technology.

Electron beam sterilization.

The electron beam sterilization process begins with an electron beam accelerator. 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. The beam a concentrated highly charged stream of electrons is generated by accelerators capable of producing continuous or pulsed beams.

Electron beam irradiation is a flexible and high speed process that can be used for a variety of applications including. In line and stand alone systems. An in line system is one in which the electron beam irradiation equipment is integrated directly into the production process. 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.

This may take place under elevated temperatures and nitrogen atmosphere. 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. E beam services uses high power state of the art accelerators to create a powerful beam of electrons.

The beam is scanned back and forth to create a curtain of fast electrons which shower and safely ionize the materials that they strike.