Evaluation of various operational and dosimetric parameters of an industrial electron beam accelerator of 2 MeV energy

• A graphite calorimeter was used for calibrating CTA strip dosimeters under 1.6 MeV electron beam.
• Energy of the beam was estimated from depth–dose distribution in aluminium and graphite block.
• Dose response as a function of various operational parameters is reported.
• Operational parameters have been optimized by dosimetry method to deliver desired dose.

An industrial type 2 MeV/20 kW ILU-6 electron beam accelerator is operational in India for development of applications and technology demonstration to the Indian Industry in the field of polymer modifications (cross-linking and degradation). In order to adjust the treatment conditions and to control the good operation of the accelerator, it is necessary to study dose response as a function of various operational parameters. An experimental procedure for calibrating Cellulose Triacetate (CTA) film strip dosimeters in electron beam using total absorption graphite calorimeters is discussed and compared it with the results obtained from gamma calibration. Dosimetry data for process application, where the irradiation target is plane polymer sheet, have been obtained under various operational parameters.