Dowload Presentation in PDF Format

Q. Can an electron beam sterilization system be retrofit to an existing aseptic line?

A. For certain configurations, it may be possible to retrofit an existing line with a system that incorporates AEB's technology.  In particular, for web based sterilization, there may be sufficient line space to incorporate a sterilization system.  Careful consideration must be made in ensuring the electron beam system is properly mated to the aseptic environment.  A process authority would need to be consulted to determine the most appropriate way to engage the FDA for a retrofit.

Q. How does electron beam sterilization impact the packaging material?

A. For most sterilization applications, the electron beam dose required for sterilization (typically 25 kGy) is lmuch lower than the dose where one would expect to see any changes to chemical or mechanical properties.  The manufacturer must ensure that the treated packaging material continues to pass relevant extractable and fitness for use testing.  While each unique blend of resin, pigments, and other additives must be tested when treated by electron beams, there is significant history of successful use for a wide range of materials.

Additionally, electron beams have been used for a wide range of non-polymer materials including metal cans and cartoboard laminates. 

Q. Is special shielding required for an electron beam sterilization system?

A. Electron beam systems create x-rays in the treatment zone that must be shielded from the operating environment.  Typically, 0.25 (6mm) of lead, clad in stainless steel, is used as the shielding.  The product path is engineered so that any x-ray created in the treatment zone loses substantially all of its energy before entering the operator environment.  AEB provides guidance on designing systems that comply with global health and safety standards, emitting virtually no radiation to the operating environment.  A single plane flight will expose passengers to more radiation from cosmic rays than an operator working next to an AEB system would receive in an entire year.

Q. How does AEB technology deliver sterilizing energy to the interior surfaces of a beverage bottle?

A. AEB provides solutions for sterilizing the exterior and interior of beverage bottles with its unique electron beam emitters.  In order to sterilize the inside surface of a bottle, filling equipment manufactures incorporate an array of small emitters that are designed with "nozzles" that reach through the bottle finish and cycle through the length of the bottle - actually, the bottle cycles over a stationary emitter.  Through early testing, AEB has been able to show a largely uniform dose distribution to all interior surfaces.  To see a video of this techology, click here.

How reliable are AEB's solutions for aseptic packaging systems?

AEB's emitters are rated for a 2000 hour life in most operating environments.  Systems are designed so that emitters can be swapped out with minimal downtime.  AEB offers service contracts on installed emitters to create a predictable and easy to manage maintenance expense.