How does e-beam processing work?
Electron beam (“e-beam”) processing induces change in materials by use of accelerated electrons as the ionizing radiation source of the process. In ionization, atomic electrons are removed from molecules, thus breaking bonds in the material.

Is a radioactive source used for the electron beam accelerator?
No, the phenomenon is produced electrically. As with any electrical equipment, the electron beam accelerators can be shut down at any time. When the accelerator is off, it is completely safe to enter the irradiation area and work anywhere near the equipment. Furthermore, there is no handling, licensing, shipping, disposal or use of radioactive material. E-beam processing is a proven technology introduced more than 50 years ago and is safe and ecologically friendly.

What is the unit of measure with respect to e-beam processing?
Dose is the energy absorbed by the material or product – not what is emitted by radiation source or E-beam accelerators. Dose is measured in terms of a unit called the gray, which is the absorption of 1 Joule of energy per kilogram of material. The practical unit is the kGy (kilogray).

What affects the penetration of the electron beam?
The total distance which electrons can penetrate into a given material is generally a linear function of the energy of the electrons and the density of the material.

Is it advantageous for the electron energy to be as powerful as possible?
No. The authorized maximum is 10 MeV (million electron volts), in order to avoid any risk of the disintegration of the atomic core in the treated product.