What is Gamma Radiation Sterilization?
According to top global industry experts, The Gamma Radiation Sterilization process is one of the most common and
popular forms of the commercial radiation sterilization process practiced today. During the gamma irradiation
sterilization process, the gamma rays and electrons emitted mainly from Cobalt 60 or Cesium 137 forms of radioactive
elements pass and flow around different medical products, materials, and devices. The gamma radiation from the
radioactive elements carries high penetrating energy to decimate microorganisms, viruses, and more. Due to this
peculiar high penetrating form of energy, sterilization of sealed and packed medical products and devices can also be
possible.
As per the current Radiation Sterilization Market reports, around 40% to 50% of all medically disposable products are
sterilized, by radiation. For example, these include sutures, surgical gloves, gowns, face masks, syringes, sticking plasters,
dressings, and more.
The Benefits of Gamma Radiation Sterilization
The prominent use of gamma radiation sterilization has been in practice since the 1950s. Since then, along with
technological advancement and empirical practices its use, its application, and its growth have skyrocketed to new
heights. To accentuate, here are some of its stellar galore benefits.
High Penetrating Energy
The gamma radiation released from Cobalt 60 or Cesium 137 forms of radioactive elements possess high penetrating
energy. This high penetrating energy is instrumental in limiting and decimating the presence of microorganisms and
pathogens embedded in medical and industrial products, even when they are fully sealed or packaged.
Cold Method/Cold Process
The application and implementation of the gamma radiation process for sterilizing the desired industrial or medical
products induce or instill no temperature change on the product. Hence, it is applicable for heat-sensitive materials such
as pharmaceuticals and biological samples.
Chemical Independence
During the gamma radiation sterilization process, there exists no use of any toxic or harmful chemical that can lead to
detrimental repercussions through even a slight callous approach.
No Residual Effect
The gamma irradiation sterilization process is known to leave no residual effect on the product.
Flexibility
The process can be carried out, on the products of any phase viz gaseous, liquid, or solid materials, irrespective of the
material size, density, or temperature.
Time Efficiency
Time is the currency of the 21st-century gamma radiation sterilization process, through the E- Beam (Electrons Beam)
The sterilization process facilitates the completion of the sterilization process within seconds.
Application of Gamma Radiation Across Industries
The growing implementation of gamma radiation has been felt and seen in the Industrial and Manufacturing sectors. It is
known as Industrial Radiography. Where in gamma sterilization method detects cracks and flaws in materials. Through a
detector that creates pictures of cracks and flaws, in the material, upon the pointing of gamma rays or x-rays at the
intended industrial item or material. The derived images from this process are called radiographs. Industrial Radiography
seems to be highly efficient and productive, as the gamma rays seamlessly travel through different industrial materials
viz soil, water, air, and more.
Industrial Radiography is used to test the following:
- Gas and Oil pipelines
- Metal Welding
- Boilers
- Vehicle Parts
- Aircraft Parts
The principle working and function of Industrial Radiography is pretty similar to that of medical x-rays. Like how medical
x-rays help doctors and surgeons to understand and locate the cracks and fractures in the human bones, similarly
through the gamma radiation sterilization method, cracks and flaws in the industrial materials and final products can be
traced and located.
The sole purpose behind the usage and implementation of Industrial Radiography by manufacturers and industrialists is
to ensure that their products are not under any damaged or brittle conditions before they are sold.