International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Research Applications and Utilization of Accelerators
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SM/EB-04 Growing Industrial Applications of Electron Accelerator in Japan S. Machi Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Tokyo, Japan Corresponding Author: machi.a-s@marble.ocn.ne.jp Japan is a pioneer for application of electron accelerators. There are 248 electron accelerators used for industrial applications and 148 for research/development in Japan. The first commercial production of radiation cross-linked heat resistant wires was started in 1971. All major wire and cable companies are using several electron accelerators each for production of heat, flame and chemical resistant wires. More than 90% of automobile tires are produced by partial crosslinking of rubber using electron accelerator. Electron beam cross-linked heat shrinkable tubes and sheets are also extensively produced. More recently commercial production of electron beam crosslinked PVA hydrogel wound dressing has been commercialized. Only Japan is applying radiation grafting by using accelerator for commercial production of battery separator and deodorant, and further developing new applications. Curing of surface coating and printing inks by low energy self shielded accelerator is increasing in Japan because of better quality of products, non emission of VOC and energy saving. Efficient sterilization of medical products and food packages including PET bottles is new and growing application of accelerator in Japan. Accelerator application for cleaning environment is an important challenge. Removing SO2 and NOx by using electron accelerator was first developed in Japan and successfully being used industrially in Poland and China. Moble electron accelerator is used for removing smell from drying of sewage sludge at waste water treatment plant in Japan. Major R/Ds for electron accelerator applications in Japan are (1) radiation grafted absorbent for recovery of uranium from sea water and rare metals from hot spring water, (2) cross-linked hydrogel, (3) VOC removals from flue gases for environmental protection, and (4) processing natural 2 polymers to value added products such as plant growth promoter or elicitor. Challenges of electron accelerator application are (1) expansion of commercial application in developing countries to enhance of industrial development through technology transfer, (2) improvement of accelerator design and production in terms of reliability and cost, (3) enhancement of R/D of new technology and application to meet social needs, such as environmental protection and energy saving.
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