Member Focus

There is growing interest in electron beam and X-ray technology and leading equipment manufacturers are members of the International Irradiation Association. When considering equipment our members will be able to offer advice and support. The iia publication "Industrial Radiation with EB and X-ray" will also assist readers who wish to improve their understanding of the technology. The publication can be accessed via the iia website news posting dated 7 October 2014.

IBA

IBA is a world leader in electron, X-ray and proton accelerators for industrial applications. A diverse range of medical devices are sterilisted using IBA's well known Rhodotron and Dynamitron accelerators. IBA has recently introduced the Rhodotron Duo  X-ray sterilization platform combining 10 MeV E-beam and 7 MeV X-ray using one accelerator. This configuration allow customers to provide highly efficient E-beam irradiation services whilst also introducing X-ray capability. IBA manufactures its equipment in Belgium and in New York and provides regional support from US, China, Japan and Belgium.

Dasheng

Dasheng was established in 2007 and has since installed a considerable number of electron beam systems in the range 1.0 MeV to 4.5 MeV. Dasheng is based in Shanghai, China but also has offices in Vancouver, Canada. Dasheng offers turnkey solutions which can include the design of the facility, manufacture of the accelerator, design and construction of the under-beam transport system. Dasheng undertakes research and offer in-house customer training. 

CGN Zhongke HI-WITS Technology Development Co. Ltd was established in 2009. Hi-Wits has relationships with the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and with Nanjing University, The company specializes in the development and production of various industrial electron irradiation accelerators. The company is involved in the production and sale of high-frequency and high-pressure accelerators with high energy, medium energy and low energy.

MEVEX

Founded in 1986 Mevex is a well established Canadian company which uses engineering leadership to design and build high performance linacs of any energy and power (up to 40 KW per E-beam) integrated into compact and economical facilities. The E-beam is either used directly or converted to X-ray for treatments requiring deeper penetration. Adaptable energy (3 to 8 MeV) via a single scan horn and E-beam and X-ray in the same room are natural features of Mevex systems. The company has gained a global reputation for high quality, extensive maintenance and support and unique value for money. 

NUCTECH

Nuctech Company Limited based in Beijing, China has its origin in Tsinghua University. The company manufacturers security inspection equipment and provides security solutions using radiation imaging technology. Nuctech owns all of the intellectual property rights to its core technologies, with an ethos of being self-reliant on its own innovations. The company aims to expand its already well established global presence. Markets include civil aviation, customs, urban subways, railways, highways, ports and key buildings and facilities.

RadiaBeam

RadiaBeam Technologies manufactures particle accelerator components, diagnostics and turnkey accelerator systems. The company also provides terahertz optics and detectors. RadiaBeam is actively developing new technologies to complement its existing product line, as well as performing R&D into accelerator systems to expand the number of commercial applications for its products. The company is based in Santa Monica, USA.

Wuxi El Pont

WuXi El Pont Radiation Technology Co. Ltd, designs, develops and manufactures electron accelerators in the 0.5 MeV - 10.0 MeV range. The company has supplied a large number of accelerator systems to customers in China and internationally. Wuxi El Pont supplied the machines for national demonstration projects in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin under the National Development and Reform Commission. The company has its own engineering and technology research centre for accelerators and collaborates with the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Science. WuXi El Pont is based in WuXi a city located near Shanghai, China.

 NICSTAR 2015

The iia registration system for NICSTAR 2015 is now operational and can be accessed via the following link:

The NICSTAR conference will provide a valuable and timely opportunity to review current trends and changes within our industry. Cobalt supply, disposal and transport are all particularly topical issues. The loss of Reviss as a cobalt supplier along with the introduction of JSC Isotope and a change in the ownership of Nordion create interesting dynamics and have intensified interest in electron beam and X-ray technology. A variety of initiatives are being pursued under the US Department Energy's Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI). These and other topical issues will be considered and debated at the conference.

 The NICSTAR conference will be accompanied by an exhibition where leading suppliers and support service companies can promote their business offering. Companies wishing to exhibit at the conference should make contact with Yves Henon or Paul Wynne.

 IMRP 2016 

The next IMRP meeting with be held in central or west coast North America rather than Puerto Rico. Current plans are for the conference to be held in early September 2016. The location will be selected in a few months time and will be chosen in order to facilitate easy access by all attendees especially those coming from outside North America. 

IMRP 18 is likely to have a strong academic program as well providing foundational training for those who are new to the industry. 2016 will mark the 40th anniversary of the first IMRP conference and will coincide with the introduction of a host of changes which will ensure that the event remains the leading conference for those involved in the safe and beneficial use of irradiation technology. 

At the present time many industries continue to rely heavily on gamma irradiation to enable their products to be brought to market. Healthcare is the most important of these industries where it is estimated that 40% of all single use medical disposables are sterilized using the technology. Even in areas such as food irradiation approximately 95% by volumes of current processing is undertaken using gamma irradiation. X-ray technology is advancing and may, in time, offer an alternative to gamma. At present gamma remains vital to for many manufacturers who wish to bring their products to market. 

iia recently attended a workshop "End of Life Management of Radioactive Sources" organised by WINs. The meeting was well attended by source suppliers, regulators and companies involved in support services. An update for our members has been posted on the iia website and more information will shortly be made available. The meeting highlighted a number of initiatives that are designed to improve safety and security. Regulations governing the manufacture, transport use and disposal are of interest and concern to all involved in the beneficial use isotopes. 

iia is actively engaging with regulators, the IAEA and other organisations who are involved in establishing standards, regulations and best practice guidance.   

Ron Eustice, who used to work for the US Minnisota Beed Council, continues to promote the benefits of food irradiation. He has recently written an article - "Hunger in a world of plenty and what can we do about it". The article can be accessed via the link.