Electron Beam Processing
The electron beam (E-beam) irradiation process uses high-energy electrons for a variety of applications, such as the sterilization of single-use medical devices, contamination control of consumer products, and modification of materials, such as heat shrink tubing, wire and cables and molded parts.
What is Electron Beam Irradiation?
In the electron beam process, a product is bombarded with high-energy electrons, resulting in a cascade of these electrons moving through the target material.
The E-beam process utilizes high energy electrons as its radiation source. The electrons, which are produced by normal electrical current, are accelerated to near the speed of light by means of an accelerator. The electrons are focused to a scan horn of a defined size and scanned in a sweeping motion, creating a curtain of electrons. The product is then conveyed through the scan curtain at a tightly controlled and measured speed.
The process itself takes place behind a radiation shield, typically a large concrete structure, which prevents radiation from leaving the cell. As scanning occurs, the accelerated electrons inactivate any viable microorganisms.
What is Electron Beam Irradiation Used For?
Electron beam irradiation is a flexible and high-speed process that can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Sterilization of single-use medical devices and pharmaceutical
- Contamination control in packaging, cosmetics, and toiletries
- Strengthening of polymers due to cross-linking and/or breaking down of polymers
What are the Benefits of Electron Beam?
E-beam irradiation can penetrate a wide range of materials and deliver the required irradiating dose in just a few seconds, meaning the entire process can take place in minutes. As a result of this short exposure period, the following benefits have been found:
- Optimized processing times
- Improved supply chain efficiencies
- Considerably less oxidative damage to the product
- Reduced color change in any present polymers
- No chemical residuals or induced radioactivity remain on processed products
Electron beam sterilization is supported by the internationally recognized consensus standard, ISO 11137, which describes the approach to validating a process to achieve a defined sterility assurance level (SAL).
Electron Beam Irradiation Support Services:
In addition to irradiation sterilization, STERIS AST provides our Customers with laboratory testing and technical support solutions at every stage of the sterilization design process, from product development through routine processing.
Our Radiation TechTeam® guides Customers through the irradiation validation process, provides solutions for unique project needs, and supports routine processing through quarterly dose audits.
The Radiation Technology Center (RTC) supports our Customers with radiation test activities such as product trials, dose establishment and dose verification. The RTC provides high-precision dose delivery for validation, dose mapping, dose audit, and research purposes.
Our testing services provide Customers with validation support and microbial testing of their products processed with irradiation. As part of our complete radiation validation program, we will develop a protocol, assemble all testing and validation data, summarize results and make recommendations based on your product, as well as provide on-going support through a dedicated Radiation TechTeam Project Manager. Go here to learn more about our testing services available.
View our TechTeam Resources to learn more about the electron beam process.
Electron Beam Irradiation Summary
Electron beam irradiation exposes products to high-energy electrons
- Orientation to beam
- Beam energy
- Beam power
- Product conveyance
- MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
- Compatible with most materials
- Moderate to low penetration on dense products
Lower possible materials effects than gamma and X-ray
- (time varies based on dose requirements)
Why STERIS AST?
As a global leading sterilization and decontamination specialist, STERIS AST has over 40 years experience in providing safe and effective electron beam irradiation sterilization.
Activation Assessment (X-ray and electron beam)
Background Radioactive material of natural origin is abundant and varies widely in both type and amount. The energy from these materials, plus that of cosmic or cosmogenic origin, is called background radiation. Artificial radioactivity is the result o
Radiation Verification Dose Transfer
Industrial radiation facilities are designed to achieve a dose uniformity inside a process load between the sterilization (minimum) dose and the maximal acceptable dose established during the validation process. To demonstrate continued effectiveness o
Radiation Dose Setting: Single Lot vs. Full Validation of Minimum Sterilization Dose
This TechTip will explain the differences between single lot validations and full validations of minimum sterilization dose, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches to dose setting.