A new 5 MeV–300 kW dynamitron for radiation processing

Abstract

The high beam power required to deliver reasonably effective levels of X-rays for processing food and medical products has driven the development of a new high-power Dynamitron ® system. For many years, RDI accelerators have been providing up to 200 kW of DC electron beam power at energies up to 5.0 MeV. This new system, designed to operate at 300 kW of beam power at 5.0 MeV, is also capable of producing up to 75 mA of beam current when operating at lower voltages. Achieving this high power level and maintaining the high reliability that Dynamitrons are known for has required new designs offering lower power losses yielding higher efficiency and reducing stress in critical components. Improvements in beam control and optics add to the stability and reliability of the system providing a basis for a highly reliable high-power system.