High intensity electron accelerators in radiation processing

Electron accelerators for radiation processing throughout the world in the energy range 0.1 to 10 MeV numbered about 85 in 1967 and delivered 300 kW of beam power. The present total is about 200 delivering 3 MW of power. Approximately two thirds of these machines are used for commercial processing, giving a processing power considerably greater than that available from installed 60Co γ-irradiation plants. This growth, in the face of competition from more conventional techniques, has arisen largely because of the increased reliability of accelerators and the reduced cost resulting from increased accelerator power outputs. The various types of accelerator commonly used in electron beam processing and the techniques of beam production, handling and dose rate control are described. Also discussed are various aspects of radiation shielding, safety procedures and a range of techniques adopted in irradiating different products. (author)