A radiation service centre for research and large-scale irradiation

In the near future radiation processing of food may change from the present laboratory-scale to large industrial application. This step will require large irradiation facilities with high flexibility, a safe dose control system and simple food-handling systems. Some design parameters of such an irradiation facility have already been realized at the AEG-Telefunken Radiation Service Centre in Wedel. This centre came into operation in autumn 1976. It is equipped with one research-type high-power X-ray unit (200kV/32mA) and one industrial-type electron accelerator (1500kV/37.5kW). Handling systems are available for radiation crosslinking of wire and cable insulations, of plastic films, for irradiation treatment of components and parts of different types and coatings as also of sewage sludge and waste water. Some of these handling systems can be used for food irradiation too. Other handling systems will be added sometime later. As an additional service the Company's existing material and environmental testing laboratory will be available. The centre is already being used by many interested companies to investigate the effects of radiation on a broad range of organic and inorganic materials, to develop special processing equipment, to process supplied products and to perform R and D work and contracts. The service centre fills an existing gap and will have an impact on the commercialization of radiation processing techniques in Europe. (author)