The operation and maintenance of electron beam machines from nuclear Malaysia’s experiment.

First of all, we known that the first high energy electron beam machine (EPS3000) was installed in Nuclear Malaysia around 1991. At the beginning, it was a prototype machine that produced by Nissin High Voltage (NHV) with variable energies from 0.5 to 3.0 MeV and maximum power of 90 kWatt. The machine was initially used and operated for research purposes but later the irradiation service was opened for local industries.

Apart from the EPS3000, a smaller and self –shielded Curetron was also installed. It was having energy around 200 keV and maximum power about 0.4 kWatt. By the way, the machine is used only for surface curing or coating related research. The operation of the both machine have carried out by local technician. However, at the earlier stage, the major maintenance works were conducted by designated engineers that provided by the manufacturers.

Over time and experience gained, most of the maintenance are now being carried out by the local engineers and technician. In late 2009, a new 1 MeV, 50 kWatt manufactured by BNP of Russia was installed to complement the current  irradiation service. Lastly we can conclude, this is a different type of EB machine but in term of operational safety and maintenance, the requirements are almost similar.