X-ray irradiation system for a sterilization application

Abstract Electron beam accelerators are extremely useful tools for crosslinking plastics and in some limited situations are successfully used for the sterilization of medical devices. These accelerators provide us with a very high throughput capability but are limited to relatively thin materials, because of the electrons low penetrating power. In order to process thicker or more dense materials, it is necessary to convert the high energy electrons to X-rays. The Nissin High Voltage Co. has developed an X-ray conversion system to be used in conjunction with a 5 MeV electron beam accelerator. This paper will discuss the details of this X-ray conversion system and will also discuss the performance of the system in a sterilization application.