Chinese electron beam device proves effective against coronavirus

China is trialing  an electron beam device intended to dispose of medical wastewater safely.

The electronic beam technology is being tested as a means of eradicating the coronavirus. 

The device has passed expert review and acceptance tests in Shiyan, central China’s Hubei Province, the China Atomic Energy Authority said Thursday.

The equipment was developed by the China General Nuclear Power Corporation and Tsinghua University.

The device has been in trial operation in Shiyan’s Xiyuan Hospital for several months and has proved effective in clearing viruses.

The technology provides an effective and safe solution to prevent the spread of pathogens including coronavirus in medical wastewater.  

Chinese researchers have developed a set of equipment that could inactivate coronavirus with electron beam irradiation.

The technology has passed an expert panel review and is set to be applied in cold chain food packaging disinfection, informed in a press conference held in south China’s Shenzhen City on Monday.

China General Nuclear Power Corporation, Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen were involved in the electron beam sterilization project.

Electron beam sterilisation is a high-voltage potential established between a cathode and an anode in an evacuated tube. The cathode emits electrons, as a cathodic ray or electron beam. A high intensity of electrons is produced. These electrons are accelerated to extremely high velocities. These accelerated electron intensities have great potential as a bacteriocide.  

Wastewater flows past the beam, and harmful microorganisms are completely inactivated with minimal effect on the medical devices. As the electrons penetrate the products, the radiation dose diminishes so less radiation leaves the box than entered.

The electron beam inactivates microorganisms that cause destruction of biomolecules, and results in death of microbes by an indirect chemical reaction. Irradiation by gamma rays is a similar mechanism.