cereals and pulses
phytosanitary treatment with ionizing radiation to mAximize shelf life

STERILIZATION COMPLEX FOR CEREALS AND PULSES PROCESSING


Beamcomplex has developed a prefabricated complex for irradiation of food products, such as cereals, pulses and others, to ensure safe storage and extended shelf life.

Such complex can be equipped with any electron accelerator with the required power and energy. The complexes can be installed near or inside a facility.

Being a part of such a complex, an electron accerator operates in two modes (E-beam and X-ray), which makes it possible to irradiate products packed in various types of packages (on pallets, in boxes, in bags) or unpacked (in bulk in one thin layer to be transferred to a silo or packed after the treatment).

The capacity of the complex is up to 600 t/h.

CONFIGURATION
The complex has 4 MODULES (40ft containers):

MODULE 1 (radiation module) consists of:
- Electron Accelerator (5 MeV, 50/100 kW). Operation mode: E-beam/X-Ray
- Built-in Conveyor
- The module casing is filled with concrete at the site of installation.

MODULE 2 - Electronics
MODULE 3 - Accelerator's cooling and ventilation systems
MODULE 4 - Complex's control room
CONSTRUCTION STEPS
  1. Quick installation of the modules on a prepared area inside a facility.
  2. Installing a formwork around the radiation module and filling it with concrete.
  3. Сonnection of all systems of the 4 modules to each other.
  4. Connection to an external cooling systems (chiller).
  5. Connection of an ozone exhaust system to an exhaust system outside the facility perimeter.
  6. Connection to the power supply and commissioning.
RADIATION MODULE

FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY
Launched in 1994, the Special Programme for Food Security aims to decrease rates of hunger and malnutrition. This requires comprehensive action at national and regional levels. Implementation of food irradiation technologies contributes to food security programs worldwide and is essential for product quality assurance and maximum shelf life extension.

Source: FAO. National and regional programmes for food security


Benefits of Having Sterilization Complex in Country
  • Creation of funds of food products with ultra-long shelf life.
  • Maximizing food shelf life, which helps reduce product losses and diposal costs.
  • Extended shelf life helps achieve the Zero Hunger objective.
  • Supporting the Food Security Programmes in terms of the extension of food shelf life. This enables food stocks to be replenished after longer periods of time, which enables lower state budget expenses on buying food products.
  • Low risk of hunger during emergency situations (pandemic, wars, natural disasters, etc.).
  • Phytosanitary treatment of large volumes of agricultural products during the harvest period within a short period of time due to high productivity.
  • Reduction in the level of intestinal diseases in the population of the country.
IONIZING RADIATION TECHNOLOGY FOR PHYROSANITARY TREATMENT OF CEREALS AND PULSES

Electron accelerators generate E-beam and X-ray that penetrate the product and cause breaks in DNA of pathogens, insect pests and their larvae, thus eliminating them.

    Irradiation by electron accelerators uses high energy of electrons and X-rays to eliminate pathogens, bacteria, insect pests
    Benefits of Ionizing Radiation Technology
    • Compared to Co-60 sources:
    • No radioactive isotopes thus no need to replace and utilise them every 5 years.
    • Electron accelerator can be turned on and off as needed, providing greater operational flexibility. In contrast, Co-60 sources continuously emit radiation.
    • Faster processing times, which leads to higher throughput and increased efficiency in handling large volumes of products
    • Compared to gas fumigants and other chemicals:
    • Enables to treat products in sealed packaging
    • Enables to treat products that cannot be treated with gas fumigants
    • Eco-friendly technology
    May operate in E-beam and X-Ray modes, providing greater versatility in the processing of any foods.

    The only technology that enables to treat products in hermetically sealed packaging, which eliminates the risk of recontamination and spoilage of products, ensures product quality for the entire shelf life.
    Benefits of Using Ionizing Radiation
    • Processed cereals and pulses in hermetically sealed packages can be stored for up to 8 years at 25°C or up to 10 years at 10°С
    • Guaranteed destruction of all insect pests, their larvae, pathogens, etc.
    • The processing does not change the organoleptic properties of the processed product and affect its taste. All nutrients and vitamins are retained for the entire processed product shelf life.
    • No residual radiation and free radicals in treated products. This technology has been used worldwide for over 50 years and is recommended by FAO and IAEA.

    OPTIONS OF CEREAL AND PULSE TREATMENT WITH IONIZING RADIATION

    IN BULKAfter treatment, products irradiated in bulk in one layer may be transferred to a silo or packed in bags.
    IN 50 KG BAGS
    IN BOXES
    ON PALLETS