RADIOACTIVE SOURCE ADAPTED FOR USE IN A GAMMA IRRADIATION PLANT FOR STERILIZATION, GAMMA IRRADIATION PLANT FOR STERILIZATION AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAID RADIOACTIVE SOURCE

Claims

The present invention relates to a radioactive source (3, 32, 50, 60, 70) adapted for use in a gamma irradiation plant for sterilization, comprising: an upper end (10) and a lower end (12), the upper and lower ends being separated from each other, wherein the radioactive source has a longitudinal source axis (X) extending between the upper and lower ends, and an intermediate portion (16) between the upper and lower ends, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a plurality of capsules (18, 20, 21, 56, 66, 76) of a radioactive activated material, wherein at least two of the plurality of capsules are arranged in the same intermediate plane between the upper and lower ends, wherein each capsule has a longitudinal capsule axis, wherein the at least two of the longitudinal capsule axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the source, wherein: - the capsules (20, 21,76) are shaped like a part of a circular cylinder, which is cut along the longitudinal axis; and / or - at least two of the capsules in the same intermediate plane are arranged in a common housing (22, 54, 64, 74), wherein the common housing is non-cylindrical in cross-section in the intermediate plane and / or - the intermediate part comprises a plurality of housings, wherein each housing includes at least one capsule in the same intermediate plane.