Comparison of Cobalt-60 and Electron Accelerators for Radiation Sterilization

Radiation sterilization by both electron accelerators and gamma sources is discussed. The fundamentals of radiation transport of electrons and gamma rays are compared. General design concepts of both 60Co and e-beam sterilization facilities are presented along with a brief discussion of sterility assurance. It is demonstrated that both radiation sources are viable commercially for industrial sterilization requirements and a choice depends primarily on the product line and specific process control requirements.