An electron accelerator with electrons of low-accelerating voltage for irradiating sewage sludge and waste-water

Large-scale irradiation of sewage sludge and waste-water with ionizing beams depends mainly on cheap, simple and sturdy electron beam sources. An accelerator with high-vacuum insulation and an operating voltage of 400 kV is described, based on the approved technique of beam generation in electron beam welding machines. The high-voltage strength of the accelerator is achieved by the interposing of screen cylinders maintained on definite potentials by resistors. A simple and cheap replacement of cathodes, connected with a vacuum system of a high air pumping speed, make this type of beam generator a tool easy to handle. Pressure gas for insulating the high voltage is not required. (Author)