Fields of application

 

  • The technology of ionization by means of accelerated electrons is already widely used throughout the world in the fields of medical product sterilisation and polymer processing.
  • Within the farm-produce industry, ionization is often used in decontamination processes. Many other applications are envisaged but their development is dependent upon untangling the knot of regulations existing within Europe.
  • World-wide, many projects for applications linked to the environment are in progress and pilot installations have already been installed.
  • Finally, selective applications linked to specific markets (doping of semi-conductors, colouring of glass in bottle-manufacturing…) provide worthwhile opportunities for development.

Sterilisation of medical and pharmaceutical materials

Action of the radiation

- Destruction of micro-organisms.

  • Sterilisation, either directly or through the wrapping, of single usage medical/surgical equipment (gloves, syringes, scalpels), prostheses and implants, laboratory equipment…
  • Decontamination of fine pharmaceutical products: talc, biological powders.

Decontamination and conservation of food products

Action of the radiation

-

  • Microbic decontamination of vegetables and dried fruits.
  • Conservation and pasteurisation of vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses.
  • Destruction of salmonella (poultry, white of egg).
  • Inhibition of germination of bulbous vegetables.

Industrial applications

Action of the radiation

- Optimisation of physical-chemical properties by molecular transformation.

  • Polymerisation of composite materials, impregnated wood and concrete, resins, inks, paints and adhesives.
  • Reticulation of products made from polythene, elastomers, silicones, rubber, magnetic supports.

Pollution removal

Action of the radiation

- Destruction of micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria.

  • Disinfection of sludge after sewers have been cleaned out.
  • Decontamination of waste water.
  • Removal of pollution from smoke.
  • Sterilisation of hospital waste.