IRRADIATION FACILITY CONTROL SYSTEM

摘要

The present invention is directed to an article irradiation facility that comprises, within a cell, an accelerator for generating a radiation beam and a beam pass conveyor. In order to better control the dose delivered to articles treated at the facility, the current of the radiation beam is slaved to the speed of the beam pass conveyor. The actual (versus requested) speed of the beam pass conveyor is continuously monitored using a variable frequency drive. The drive infers the speed of the beam pass conveyor from changes in the induction, resistance, flux current and/or inertia off the motor for the beam pass conveyor. The drive is positioned outside the cell and eliminates the need for speed sensors within the cell that are susceptible to radiation damage.