Impact Of Electron Accelerator Technical And Economic Parameters On Unit Cost Of Radiation Processing

Electron beam processing can be accepted if it has clear economic advantages over existing processes. Industrial products modified by radiation with favorable economic indicators must meet all the criteria of suitability according to market expectations. Annual cash flow projections are common techniques used for analyses of economic options. This analytical method was applied to evaluate certain impact of electron accelerator performances on unit cost of radiation sterilization process and support the statement that in spite of are many different types of accelerators offering a wide range of performances ratings, only few would be suitable for particular application. Among others of accelerator parameters electrical efficiency, electrical power consumption, accelerator reliability, electron beam utilization coefficient, applied dose level, number of facility operation shifts, cost of accelerator, higher investment cost where evaluated in respect to unit cost of radiation processing.