Electron Beam Dosimetry Using Magnetic Electron Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation measurement systems, such as alanine pellet dosimeters, are not capable of providing real-time dosimetry for radiation-emitting systems, limiting the ability to accurately monitor and adjust radiation dosage during processes like electron beam sterilization of food and medical products.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic sensors positioned near an electron beam horn to detect electrons and calculate radiation dosage by measuring the magnetic fields induced by electron movement, allowing for real-time dosimetry through detectors like balun-type electron detectors that convert electron motion into electrical current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If alanine pellet dosimeters are used to measure radiation exposure, then dosage measurement is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-based alanine pellet dosimetry system with an electromagnetic detection system using magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensors detect electrons directly through their magnetic fields, converting the measurement from a chemical change process to an electromagnetic detection process, thereby enabling real-time monitoring while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic sensors as intermediary devices that detect electrons via their magnetic fields before the electrons reach the product. This intermediary detection method allows for real-time dosage monitoring without requiring post-exposure analysis of alanine pellets, bridging the gap between accurate measurement and real-time feedback.
2Loss of time
If magnetic sensors are positioned near the electron beam horn to detect electrons in real-time, then real-time dosimetry capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensors serve multiple functions: they detect electrons in real-time, measure dosage, and provide feedback for process control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement and control systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving real-time dosimetry capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensors automatically detect and count electrons as they pass by, providing self-service real-time dosage measurement without requiring manual intervention or complex post-processing analysis. The sensors continuously monitor and provide immediate feedback, simplifying the overall system operation despite the added sensing capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of radiation dosage, ensuring accurate sterilization of products by detecting electron counts and dosage, thereby improving process control and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic sensors positioned near an electron beam horn to detect electrons and calculate radiation dosage by measuring the magnetic fields induced by electron movement
Implementation Method 2
As an electron travels at a speed and direction, the electron will create a magnetic field. As the electron passes by the electron sensor, the magnetic field of the electron disturbs the magnetic field of the current carrying coil of the electron sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for real-time dosimetry. An electron beam irradiation system includes one or more detectors. The detectors have coils that, when an electron travels by a sensor pad in the detector, the electron induces a current into the coils. The current is detected, and the electron is counted. The number of electrons counted at the one or more detectors is compared to the number of electrons leaving an electron gun, giving a dosage of the workpiece being irradiated.