The development of industrial Linacs with the capacity to open new horizons for electron processing

Electron linear accelerators (Linacs) can produce low cost radiation (albeit less penetrating than gamma rays) in large quantities and at dose rates three to six orders of magnitude greater than existing technologies. These beams can also be converted to photons (albeit at slightly higher cost today). Thus, one can postulate that radiation could displace chemicals in future for bulk materials sterilization, disinfestation and polymer processing, provided that reliable industrial electron linacs can be demonstrated and their costs are acceptable for the processes. Real market forces are stimulating interest in these radiation processes, including bans and disenchantment with chemicals, public health concerns, and the desire for new and more efficient processes. A new Radiation Applications Centre has been set up at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment to focus on accelerator applications, and partners are sought from industries with interests in process development