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Compact Shield Linear Accelerators

What are compact shield linear accelerators?

Compact shield linear accelerator systems (linacs) deliver electron beam (E-beam) radiation, suitable for a wide range of applications, from research and development (R&D) to full-scale production. 

The compact shield linac’s steel shielding reduces the total footprint, providing an alternative to addressing in-house irradiation requirements, while retaining the ease-of-use and features of a large-scale irradiator. 

The compact system can be easily integrated into an existing production facility without the use of traditional concrete bunker construction requirements.

What industries utilize compact shield linear accelerators?

Mevex equipment supports manufacturers across a variety of industries, including:

  • Sterilization of single-use medical devices and pharmaceuticals
  • Processing of consumer goods and industrial products
  • Phytosanitary treatment of plant and plant-based products
  • Microbial reduction of food
  • Crosslinking and materials modification for industrial products and consumer goods

What is the typical energy level of a compact shield linear accelerator?

Compact shield linacs can accommodate adjustable E-beam energies from 2-7 MeV and power capabilities of 14kW or greater.

Estimated production volumes of a compact shield linear accelerator:

Product DetailsProcessing RequirementsThroughput

25 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm boxes

Homogeneous, 0.1 g/cc

Single sided

25 kGy target dose

500,000+ boxes annually

2750 Tonnes/27,500 m3 per year

30 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm boxes

Homogeneous, 0.2 g/cc

Double sided

25 kGy target dose

250,000+ boxes annually

3300 Tonnes/16,500 m3 per year

Trays of subcomponents

Complex 3 cm x 3 cm units

Single sided, 25 kGy

200+ subcomponents/tray

500,000+ trays annually

100M+ subcomponents per year

What are the key features of a compact shield linear accelerator?

  • Compact design: complete irradiator footprint of 12m x 15m including the linac, shielding, modular room, and an area for spare parts and dosimetry equipment
  • Can be integrated into an existing production facility
  • Flexible dosing
  • Shield and accelerator certified by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
  • Can be re-deployed (disassembled and moved)

What are the benefits of a compact shield linear accelerator?

  • Reduced surface area (footprint) requirements (12m x 15m)
  • Reduced construction requirements compared to traditional concrete bunker
  • Ability to efficiently apply a wide range of doses from 100s of Gray (Gy) to 100s of kiloGray (kGy)
  • Supply chain efficiencies through in-house irradiation, which may result in reduced transportation, lead times, and inventory stocking requirements
  • Certified shield may streamline regulatory process
  • Potential for reduced lead times and cost should there be a need to redeploy equipment

Why choose a compact shield linear accelerator?

STERIS AST Equipment and Technologies supports radiation processing through our Mevex equipment and Konnexis technologies

Compact shield linear accelerators feature flexibility in energy, power and dose delivery, reduced facility space requirements, versatility in treated product, ability to relocate, and more. 

Advanced processing control systems from Konnexis technologies allow for tailored irradiation parameters, helping ensure each Customer’s unique processing requirements are met. 

The combination of Mevex equipment and Konnexis technologies provides a comprehensive offering that includes accelerator equipment and process control software designed to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

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