Electron accelerators for radiation processing: Criteria of selection and exploitation

The most suitable type of accelerator for certain application is defined at first by required electron energy which is directly related to density and structure of irradiated objects and beam power which defines total capacity of the installation. Founds necessary for project realization and the timing of investment process depend on accelerator price, delivery time, accelerator type, installation terms, personnel training and warranty conditions. The other technical and economical parameters which are usually taken into account are related to criterion with auxiliary importance: electrical efficiency of the accelerator, physical size, reliability, maintainability, working position of the accelerator, spare parts, cost of exploitation. Those parameters well describe accelerator quality and its relation to the price level. (author)