Electron beam systems are a type of particle accelerator. They produce ionizing radiation to modify the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials.

E-beams are commonly used in industry, medicine and scientific research. Along with gamma and X ray irradiation, e-beams are widely used for sterilizing medical products, for the safety of food items and for preserving cultural artefacts. As e-beams can help make materials more durable in extreme temperatures or resistant against chemicals, they are also used in the automotive and aerospace industries. There is also growing interest in applying e-beams for treating wastewater and sludge, and for mitigating greenhouse gases.

The IAEA’s new transportable e-beam system is versatile: it can treat liquid, gaseous and solid materials, enabling the development of safer and higher quality products and processes.

Research and development activities conducted in the e-beam system will support IAEA work in areas as diverse as:

• NUTEC Plastics (upcycling of plastic waste and production of bio-based plastics),
• Atoms4Food (ensuring food safety and avoiding plant pest dissemination),
• ZODIAC (inactivating microorganisms for the creation of vaccines),
• Atoms4Climate (wastewater, sludge, odour, greenhouse gases treatments),
• Cultural Heritage Preservation

E-beam technology offers several advantages: the accelerators can be turned on and off for safety and have minimal security risks. Since there are no radioactive sources involved, the technology does not produce radioactive waste.

Electron accelerators are usually stored in concrete bunkers, and in this case the radiation is contained with heavy layers of lead shielding – leaving a 40-foot container with a total weight of over 31 tonnes.

The transportable e-beam system underscores the power of global partnerships: ?it was procured with extrabudgetary funds from the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.

“The mobile electron beam accelerator stands as a symbolic achievement, demonstrating how the peaceful applications of nuclear technology can address pressing global challenges,” said Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-Chae, of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, speaking at the event. “The Republic of Korea is honoured to walk this path together with the international community.”

Teresa Robbins, U.S. Department of Energy Acting Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Acting Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, stressed the impact of the system. “For more than six decades, the United States has been a steadfast champion of the IAEA’s mission to bring the benefits of nuclear technology to the world while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the transformative impact this system will have in Member States.”

The new system aims at bridging gaps in accessibility to and know-how of e-beam technology across the world.

The transportable e-beam container will be on display at the Vienna International Centre during the 69th General Conference this week. IAEA experts will be available to guide visitors on its applications and technical specifications.