On 19 Jun 2005 09:49:37 -0700, wrote:

It may not sound like a serious question, but it is.

Can one sterilise food using a beta emitter? I assume alpha would not
have the necessary penetrating power. Where could one get such beta
emitter, if anywhere?

Or might xrays be better?

The application is to extend food storage times in 3rd world countries,
and reduce bacterial contamination.

If its workable to put an emitter in a box with a lead or conrete lid,
with attached tongs to enable food to slde in and out without getting
fingers in there, it might possibly be a way to sterilise food with no
run cost and no energy use.

However... the probable showstoppers a
how much beta emission would be needed?
where can it be got from, if anywhere?
is the output level low enough to make it handleable in this way?

I think the answer is no to all of those, but worth asking


X rays are certainly more available, but a 25-50kV driver to power it
is not ideal. Could this be an option? A TV could produce +&- 24kV for
the job, not sure what sort of tube to go for though.


Thanks, NT

A device to do this has been made, and was published a few years back,
but the feeling was that the UK market was not ready for food treaded
in such a way.

I belive a seach of New Scientest will find the article for you, but
it was a while ago, so it may be a different magazine.

Rick