Process Overview

Electron beam processing involves the use of high energy electrons, typically with energies ranging from 3 to 10 million electron volts (MeV), for the radiation of single use disposable medical products. The electrons are generated by accelerators which operate in both a pulse and continuous beam mode. These high energy levels are required to penetrate product which is packaged in its final shipping container.

As the beam is scanned through the product, the electrons interact with materials and create secondary energetic species, such as electrons, ion pairs, and free radicals. These secondary energetic species are responsible for the inactivation of the microorganisms as they disrupt the DNA chain of the microorganism, thus rendering the product sterile.