Replacing Co-60 with Retrofit Low-Cost DC Electron Linacs for Pallet-Level X-Ray Irradiation for Existing Facilities

In this Phase I SBIR, Starfire will research a system-level solution to multiplex many small 2—5 MeV x-ray bremsstrahlung sources to retrofit existing facilities for pallet-level—and enable package-level— irradiation to replace Co-60. Food security and medical sterilization are critical to our nation. For phytosanitary applications, such as fruit and vegetable treatments, there is a requirement for disinfestation and quarantine. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices are trucked around the nation to several Co-60 irradiation sites for irradiation. This is an accepted solution; however, the Co-60 gamma source supply constrained (Rosatom sanctions) and China/Canada trade tariffs (Nordion, CIRC) and cost has increased 4X to $6.4/Ci in 2022 and projected to exceed > $10/Ci in 2025 due to supply and demand. Furthermore, industrial consolidation of MeV-class electron/x-ray sterilization leaves nearly all accelerator supply outside the US and constrained with 2-3X cost with >2-3-year lead times. Thus, there is commercial opportunity with pull and push, while addressing a national security need. Working with industrial partners, Phase I will generate an engineering specification, perform verification tests and generate a preliminary design for a “drop in replacement” for a Co-60 irradiation facility. In Phase II will lead to critical design and subscale x-ray system for Co-60 replacement at the package-level to validate panoramic irradiator replacement. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Co-60 market demand in North America was $110M/yr before the pandemic and sanctions; however, the supply is in Canada, Russia, Argentina, China and India so the signal has increased to >$500M/yr. This is pushing the demand to alternatives. This SBIR will generate small-enough systems to fit through doors to retrofit existing Co-60 facilities and accelerator irradiation facilities disrupted by global supply chain. Small size/power/cost enables distributed point-of-packaging irradiation, add-on to existing coldstorage/ container facilities, and industrial non-destructive testing. Greater availability of irradiation treatments will further decrease reliance on chemical and fumigation treatments for the import of fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, pet food, meats and seafood. Benefits: US accelerator supply chain, improved food security and safety, and anti-terrorism threat removal.