Table 12 Food irradiation technologies [98]
From: A review on mechanisms and commercial aspects of food preservation and processing
Factors | Electron beam | X-Ray | Gamma ray |
|---|---|---|---|
Source | Accelerated electrons, typically 5–10 MeV | Induced by impingement of electron beam onto a metal plate. Conversion efficiency is 5–10% | Radioactive decay of Co-60 (2.5 MeV) or Cs-137 (0.51 MeV) |
Processing time | Seconds | Seconds | Minutes |
Penetration | 6–8 cm, suitable for relatively thin or low-density products | 30–40 cm, suitable for all products | 30–40 cm, suitable for all products |
Shielding for operator | >2 m concrete or 0.7 m steel/iron/lead | >2 m concrete or ~0.7 m steel/iron/lead | >5 m water or > 2 m concrete or 0.7 m steel/iron/lead |