Medical equipment sterilization using superhigh dose rate X-ray irradiation

The results of sterilization tests made at the RS-20 generator of Bremsstrahlung for sterilizing purpose are reported. The measurements were done under different conditions in the area of 10-30 kGy dose levels at 1 MGy/s peak dose rate range for various microorganisms. The immediately irradiated volume was 0.036 of cubic meter with average dose rate at 1 kGy/hour provided in the center of the volume. The Bremsstrahlung was created by 2.0 MeV 10 kA 100 ns pulsed e-beam directed toward the target at 2 Hz. The tests were compared with those made simultaneously at continuous radionucleic radiation source using Co-60 isotope providing same dose values. It was found that full sterilization effect at RS-20 using 1 MGy/s peak dose rate takes 2-5 times lesser dose against radionucleic source and increases total efficiency of the system. Total dose decrease down to 5-12 kGy allows to reduce radiation loads on the equipment and broadens the area of sterilizing application.