Technology and economy of radiation facilities for food processing

Till 1980, almost all the available experience on the technology and economy of radiation facilities was based on radiation sterilization and on the chemical applications. The needs related to food processing are quite different, and new analyses and concepts were then emerging progressively after the JEFCI of 1980, which are worth describing. From the technical point of view, important progress was achieved for optimizing the gamma facilities in view of their intended use, and for designing fully industrial facilities of small size. On the other hand, the possibility appeared of using high energy electron beams in good economical conditions. From the economical point of view, it now appears possible to estimate realistic processing costs with satisfaction. Examples show that this possibility does exist in the whole range of food processing, in spite of the very wide range of economical conditions to which they are corresponding. (author). 11 figs