Beta Radiation

Beta Radiation: An Optimal Solution for Sterilizing Your Products

Beta radiation is often compared to gamma radiation as it is an ionizing solution that allows for the rapid treatment of large volumes of products.

However, it differs in the nature of its radiation, as well as its greater speed of execution and compatibility with resins and materials for which gamma radiation is not suitable.

IONISOS, a specialist in industrial sterilization, presents the advantages of this method and its tailored offering.

What Does Beta Treatment Involve?

Beta rays (or e-beam) are actually electron beams produced by electrical generators and accelerated within an exposure chamber.

In the case of e-beam sterilization, products are conveyed into the chamber inside packages loaded onto an automatic conveyor system, moving under the rays at a specific speed.

The dose and exposure time are predetermined by the teams at our treatment centers, based on the composition of the products, the density of their packaging, and other factors.

The products pass under the beams one or two times depending on the treatment dose applied. The cartons go through the chamber face up and then face down, with a few seconds per package per pass.

The treatment is carried out at room temperature and leaves no residue.

The Many Advantages of Beta Sterilization

The first advantage of beta irradiation treatment is its high speed of execution. Only a few hours are needed to process an entire batch, making it easy to use at the end of the logistics chain.

Indeed, as no degassing phase is required after treatment (unlike ethylene oxide treatment), you receive your products quickly and avoid disrupting the production line.

Beta radiation is also compatible with a wide range of resins and materials, including polymers. Degradation and oxidation are less common with this sterilization technique, making it a preferred choice when the product composition does not allow for gamma radiation.

This method can sterilize a wide variety of products, including packaging and pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, medical devices, and more.

It also allows for the cross-linking of plastics to make them more resistant—a practice commonly used by manufacturers in various sectors, including electronics and automotive.

This versatility has made beta treatment a popular choice, as it is now widely preferred by manufacturers, similar to gamma radiation.

3 Specialized Treatment Centers, Customized Service: IONISOS at Your Service

Founded in 1993 from the merger of the pioneering companies Conservatome and Amphytrion, the IONISOS group works daily with professionals in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, medical, and even food sectors, offering a high-end service of ionizing radiation sterilization.

We operate 3 accelerated electron beam treatment sites: in France, Spain, and Germany. Each site’s logistical tools, subject to rigorous controls, enable us to meet your needs while adhering to deadlines, even for large volume orders.

Most importantly, with IONISOS, you are assured of impeccable service quality and tailored advice throughout your collaboration with us. A single contact person oversees all your projects and advises you on the most suitable technique based on your objectives and the nature of your products. We also handle all controls in partnership with laboratories, in strict compliance with current European standards.

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