Operating Cost

Due to the relatively high capital investment and low staff requirements, sterilization systems are normally operated around the clock on a two or three shift basis. Most electron beam systems maximize their effective performance above 7,000 operating hours per year. The cost of operating an electron beam system can range from as low as $50.00 per hour for a smaller in-line system to $150.00 per hour for a large volume capacity stand-alone system. Normal operating cost categories include:

• Staffing - Dependent on the system size, the operation will require from one to four material or box handlers. A trained electronics technician should be on call during system operation and would also perform routine preventative maintenance and equipment calibration tasks.
• Electrical Power - The system power consumption is directly related to the accelerator kilowatt power with the smaller in-line systems running at $4.00 per hour and the larger systems at $15.00 to $20.00 per hour.
• Maintenance and Replacement Parts for wasting electronic components makes up the majority of this expense, with most components having fairly well known lives ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 hours (MTBF).
• Supplies - Dosimetry supplies make up the bulk of this category and include radiachromic dosimeter film, which cost $3.00 per hour on average