Any object being sanitized needs to be isolated. For this reason, electron beam emitters that help segregate and disinfect at the same time are rapidly becoming more common. This is especially true in Europe where the first unit went on-line in a manufacturing environment in 2002. Today, there are many of these machines around the world. They are used for sterilization purposes within various industries. One of the big questions these days is: How low of a dose is needed to provide good results? ASTM’s sixth annual international workshop on dosimetry for radiation processing (October 4th 2009 in Karlesruhe, Germany) will focus upon such issues.
Typically, an emitter creates a small cloud of extremely energetic electrons about a foot away from the source. Any living organism passing through this barrier gets ‘zapped’. In short, it ceases to exist as a an active biological entity. Amgen has done studies on the effectiveness of this electron cloud against viruses. Such pathogens are altered within milliseconds to a point where they no can longer operate or cause infection. Confidence in this purification step is along the lines of 10 to the minus 6th eradication level for spore reduction.
The electron cloud is transitory and only exists when the emitter is in operation. The cloud quickly disburses harmlessly. This eliminates the need for the use of hydrogen peroxide gas which is extremely volatile at high concentrations. With workplace safety an ever present concern, this is good news for end users. The new technology is also quicker and more efficient than other methods.
The introduction of small, low powered e-beam devices to the market dramatically increases the potential for new applications using this exciting technology. The pharma industry is especially interested in these low voltage units. While such low powered applications are probably only good for surface disinfection, they still represent a major advance.
How An E-Beam Fits Into The Typical Assembly Line
The e-beam is ideal for sterilizing the outside of trays at a rate of 6 per minute – keeping up with modern assembly line speeds for syringe filling applications. Reducing the amount of human contact with sterile packaging is one way to reduce contamination. Here is an example of how the e-beam is integrated into the process:
The automated de-bagger removes the outside bag from the tray or tub. It transfers the tray directly into the e-beam decontamination area. After this step, it moves on to a “peeler”. This device removes the lid from the tray. At this point there is still a second protective layer covering the syringe. The peeler strips this off as well. The next stop on the assembly line is the filling and stoppering area. After this the tray moves on to the inspection area. Last, the syringes are loaded into the individual cartons. All this happens without human contact.
Who Makes The E-Beam?
Skan is one company that is leading the development of e-beam technology and marketing in European countries. Skan is currently busy filling orders for nested syringe filling systems. Several of these will be the new AEB version featuring the latest proprietary technology. The company began its distribution in 2002 by building 4 units for GSK. Since then FDA approval has generated a great deal of interest. Now, new distribution ventures are planned in the U.S.
To keep up with the latest in sterilization technology, it helps to have access to information from specialists. You can take advantage of our report on autoclave and sterilizer selection free of charge.
