E-beam Irradiation: How Does It Work?

In principle, this technique is very similar to gamma treatment: it is a form of sterilization by radiation, where products are conveyed into a concrete protective cell to be exposed to the rays for a predetermined duration.

In practice, however, this solution differs in several ways. Unlike gamma, which has significant penetration ability for a low dose, ebeam has a more limited penetration depth but delivers a higher dose.

In practical terms, this means that product treatment is done by cartons rather than pallets, and only for tools and accessories with low density and homogeneous packaging.

Ebeam rays (or electron beams) are produced by electrical generators similar to cathode ray tubes. These generators produce electrons that are accelerated between two electrodes and focused into a beam a few centimeters in diameter using electromagnets.

The generator is generally located at the top of the installation to direct the beam downward toward the products to be irradiated.

The process is carried out at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Products are continuously conveyed to the cell via an automatic conveyor system. Exposure to the rays lasts a few seconds, with each carton receiving two passes: the first upright, the second inverted. During irradiation, ebeam rays destroy microorganisms and pathogens (bacteria, fungi, molds, etc.) on the products and in their packaging, rendering them completely sterile.

Ebeam Treatment: Numerous Advantages

E-beam irradiation offers many advantages for professionals.

First and foremost, it is a clean sterilization method that leaves no residues after exposure to the rays. Your products are thus immediately available after treatment, once the team has verified its effectiveness by checking the delivered dose.

Moreover, this solution is both fast and cost-effective, as the treatment of each carton takes only a few seconds compared to several hours with gamma sterilization or ethylene oxide. This significantly reduces storage costs.

E-beam sterilization is suitable for a wide variety of products and materials: single-use medical devices, pharmaceutical products, packaging, etc. It also reduces secondary oxidation reactions compared to gamma treatment, making it preferable in some cases.

Preliminary tests ensure that the chosen technique is appropriate to guarantee safe sterilization without degrading the product or its characteristics.