System and Method for Ultra-Close Proximity Irradiation of Rotating Biomass

Abstract

An irradiation system is provided which comprises a cabinet housing one or more X-ray tubes providing an irradiation source for a biomass contained within a cylindrical container arranged on a rotating device. The X-ray tubes generate directional X-ray beams and are provided in ultra-close proximity to the container, and the X-ray tubes can be configured to traverse the container. The rotational movement and traversal during the irradiation process ensure a more even irradiation of the entire biomass in the container.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A method for sterilization of a biomass comprising: loading a container stored with a biomass to be sterilized onto a platform in a sterilization apparatus, the platform being configured for axial rotation; and performing a sterilization process configured to sterilize the biomass of the container with at least one X-ray tube of the sterilization apparatus configured to generate an X-ray beam directed towards the container; wherein the sterilization process comprises concurrently: rotating the container on the platform, generating the X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube and directing the X-ray beam towards the container, and traversing a length of the container with the at least one X-ray tube concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform so that over the sterilization process, substantially an entire length of the container is exposed to the X-ray beam.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein points on a perimeter of the container receive a higher level of radiation from the X-ray beam than a center of the container and are exposed to the X-ray beam for a shorter duration of time than the center of the container.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the container is cylindrical.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein generating the X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube comprises emitting a directional beam pattern in a single direction toward the container.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one X-ray tube is arranged in near surface contact with container, and the X-ray beam does not encompass the width of the container on an outer portion of the container.

29. The method according to claim 24, wherein a linear speed of the traversing the container with the at least one X-ray tube varies at a leading edge of the container to reduce traversal speed at the leading edge of the container.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein rotating the container on the platform comprises rotating the container 360° at a rotation speed between five to ten revolutions per minute.

31. The method according to claim 24, wherein a rate of the traversing of the container with the at least one X-ray tube is between four inches per hour and thirty inches per hour.

32. The method according to claim 24, wherein the container comprises a diameter of approximately twelve inches and a length between twelve to twenty-four inches.

33. The method according to claim 24, wherein the at least one X-ray tube comprises two X-ray tubes arranged on opposite sides of the container, and the method further comprises: generating the X-ray beams by the two X-ray tubes, the X-ray beams contacting opposing sides of the rotating container.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the traversing the length of the container with the at least one X-ray tube comprises: traversing the length of the container a first time by the two X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of the container in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the two X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of the container in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

35. The method according to claim 24, wherein the traversing a length of the container with the at least one X-ray tube comprises: traversing the length of the container a first time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of the container in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of the container in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

36. The method according to claim 24, wherein the traversing a length of the container with the at least one X-ray tube comprises: traversing the length of the container a first time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

37. A sterilization method comprising: axially rotating a container, comprising therein contents to be sterilized, on a platform; generating an X-ray beam by at least one X-ray tube, the X-ray beam being directed towards the container; and moving the platform or the at least one X-ray tube concurrent with axial rotation of the platform so that substantially an entire length of the container is traversed by the X-ray beam.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein points on a perimeter of the container receive a higher level of radiation from the X-ray beam than a center of the container and are exposed to the X-ray beam for a shorter duration of time than the center of the container.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein the container is cylindrical.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein generating the X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube comprises emitting a directional beam pattern in a single direction toward the container.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the at least one X-ray tube is arranged in near surface contact with container, and the X-ray beam does not encompass the width of the container on an outer portion of the container.

42. The method according to claim 37, wherein a linear speed of the moving of the platform or the at least one X-ray tube varies when the at least one X-ray tube is at a leading edge of the container to reduce traversal speed at the leading edge of the container.

43. The method according to claim 37, wherein the at least one X-ray tube comprises two X-ray tubes arranged on opposite sides of the container, and the method further comprises: generating the X-ray beams by the two X-ray tubes, the X-ray beams contacting opposing sides of the rotating container.

44. The method according to claim 43, further comprising: traversing the length of the container a first time by the two X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of the container in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the two X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of the container in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

45. The method according to claim 37, further comprising: traversing the length of the container a first time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of the container in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of the container in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

46. The method according to claim 37, further comprising: traversing the length of the container a first time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing the length of the container a second time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] FIG. 1A shows a side view of an irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 1B shows a top view of the irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a cabinet of the irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIGS. 3A-3B show views of an irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present application within a cabinet and including a canister.

[0028] FIGS. 4A-4C show views of an irradiation system according to an embodiment of the present application within a cabinet.

[0029] FIGS. 5A-5I show an irradiation system according to the present application including a single, fixed X-ray tube.

[0030] FIGS. 6A-6I show an irradiation system according to the present application including two, fixed X-ray tubes.

[0031] FIGS. 7A-7I show an irradiation system according to the present application including two, moving X-ray tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The irradiation system of the present application will be described with reference made to FIG. 1A-7.

[0033] An irradiation system 10 is provided, which in particular embodiments, can be used for irradiation of mold and/or microbes on a biomass. In certain embodiments, the biomass may be plants such as cannabis plants, but the irradiation system 10 is not limited to use with irradiation of a particular subject or biomass and can be used in connection with other subject matter or biomass products that require remediation during their processing.

[0034] The irradiation system 10 comprises or can be contained in an X-ray cabinet 100 that is generally known in the art. The irradiation system 10 comprises a collection of components that are housed inside of an area of the cabinet 100 that can be accessed by way of an access door 101. In one embodiment, the irradiation system 10 comprises a pair of X-ray tubes 20a, 20b configured to generate conical X-ray beams 21a, 21b that are directed towards a container 40 arranged on a platform 30 within the cabinet 100. One or more power cables 22a, 22b are provided to supply power to the X-ray tubes for generating the X-ray beams 21a, 21b.

[0035] The platform 30 is configured for a rotational movement. As shown for example in FIGS. 3A-4B, a mount 31 can be provided to mount the platform 30 to the cabinet 100, and a rotational device comprising a connection 32 for receiving a motor 33 is provided, which enables the platform 30 to rotate 360°. The rotational speed of the platform can range from three to ten RPM. When the container 40 is placed on the platform 30 and the system 10 is in use, the container 40 and the biomass 41 arranged therein also rotate axially.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, rotating the biomass 41 allows for the center of the biomass 41 to constantly receive the conical X-ray beams 21a, 21b during the irradiation process, while the outer portions of the biomass 41 receive the conical X-ray beam 21a, 21b less frequently (i.e., the further from the center the biomass 41 is, the less often it is exposed to the X-rays 21a, 21b). However, because the X-rays 21a, 21b have greater intensity closer to the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b, the radiation is weakest at the center of the biomass 41 receiving the radiation for the longest time duration, and strongest at the perimeter of the biomass 41 receiving the radiation for the shortest time duration. This ensures a more even amount of radiation is provided to the biomass 41 across the cross-sectional area of the biomass 41.

[0037] To ensure that the biomass 41 is also evenly irradiated along its vertical height or length, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are configured to traverse the vertical axis of the container 40. A linear drive structure 26 can be provided for driving the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b vertically, including for example a pair of vertical tracks 23a, 23b and a horizontal support beam 24. The linear drive 26 may include a lead screw, which can be a threaded rod, and a motor/gearbox that turns the lead screw. The lead screw turns in a threaded hole, which can be drilled in support beam 24. Each of the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b may be provided with a mount 25a, 25b, which may be configured to receive the power cables 22a, 22b therethrough on one end, and to secure the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b to the linear drive structure on the other end, with the X-ray tube 20a, 20b mounted between the two ends. The X-ray tubes 20a, 20b can be secured to either or both of the vertical tracks 23a, 23b or the horizontal beam 24, so that when the linear drive mechanism 26 is activated, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b move vertically to traverse substantially the entire length of the container 40 and biomass 41. Thus, not only is the biomass 41 radiated evenly across its cross-sectional area, but also evenly along substantially the entire length of the container 40, such that the center of the biomass 41 along the vertical axis is irradiated at the same level as the top and bottom of the biomass 41. The speed of the traversal may vary and can be configured to increase or decrease during the traversal.

[0038] Although FIG. 1A shows the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b traversing the container 40 upwardly (i.e., away from the platform 30), the system 10 may be configured for the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b to move downwardly (i.e., from the top of the container 40 towards the platform 30) or in both directions in an alternating manner. The time required for the irradiation process may vary depending on the amount of required dosage, which is a function of the bioburden, in that a greater number of pathogens on a biomass requires a longer irradiation time. The irradiation cycle time according to the present application may range from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the number and intensity of the x-ray tubes being used. The X-ray tubes 20a, 20b can be configured to traverse the container at a linear speed between four inches per hour and thirty inches per hour.

[0039] In order to maximize the amount of exposure of the X-ray beams 21a, 21b and reduce wasted energy supplied to the system 10, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b can be arranged in very close proximity to the container 40, such as near contact between the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b and the container 40. As the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are arranged closer to the biomass 41, it increases the intensity of the radiation received by the biomass 41 and avoids providing excess radiation to empty space in the cabinet 100. This reduces the amount of time needed for the irradiation process and the power consumption required for the irradiation process. Preferably, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are unidirectional, emitting a beam pattern in one direction. The X-ray tubes 20a, 20b may also be wrapped in a corrugated sheet metal heatsink, as shown for example in FIG. 4C, which increases the square inches for cooling.

[0040] In certain embodiments of the system 10, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are 160 kV and 6 kW X-ray tubes. In other embodiments, X-ray tubes of different wattages or voltages may be used, such as an 8 kW-12kW tube or a 225 kV tube. Dosage, which is a significant factor to killing pathogens, is a function of power (wattage). In other words, a 160 kV, 12 kW x-ray tube will kill pathogens twice as fast as a 160 kV, 6 kW tube.

[0041] In accordance with certain embodiments of the application, during the irradiation process the biomass 41 is placed in a bag, such as a bag of plastic material, which is contained in a cylindrical canister or container 40. In one embodiment, the container 40 may measure approximately twelve inches in diameter, one-eighth inch in thickness and twelve to twenty-four inches in length, depending on the system model. However, the dimensions of the container 40 can vary in other embodiments. The canister or container 40 can be made of any suitable material for housing a biomass 41 while sustaining exposure to X-rays, such as cardboard, paper, or plastic materials. In one embodiment, the container 40 is made of a polymer that presents minimal x-ray beam attenuation while resisting breakdown caused by ionizing radiation.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a system 10a and a method for irradiation of contaminants of a biomass in accordance with the present application. The system 10a includes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provided a rotating platform assembly 30 and an X-ray tube 20a. A lifter system 27 is also provided, which is secured to the rotating platform assembly 30, and is configured to lift and lower the rotating platform assembly 30 relative to the X-ray tube 20a. In the system 10a shown in FIG. 5, the X-ray tube 20a is positioned beneath the rotating platform assembly 30 in the assembly’s first, starting position (FIGS. 5A, 5B), but this arrangement may vary in other embodiments, and the X-ray tube 20a may be positioned above or at the same level as the platform assembly 30. The components of the system 10a of FIG. 5 may be similar to those previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0043] In a first step in a method of using the system 10a to irradiate a biomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and onto the platform assembly 30 (FIG. 5A). In the figures, the container 40 is cylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter of twelve inches and is filled with a biomass, but in other embodiments the dimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once loaded onto the platform 30, a power-up cycle begins in a first, “home” position (FIG. 5B). Upon power-up, the remediation process begins, and the platform 30 and container 40 begin to rotate about a central axis along the length of the container 40 and the X-ray tube 20a is turned on (FIG. 5C). The container platform 30 continues to rotate and begins to descend, where the container 40 passes the X-ray tube 20a, exposing the biomass 41 to the X-ray beam 21a (FIGS. 5D, 5E). The platform 30 continues its rotation and descent through the cabinet 100 and past the X-ray tube 20a, such that substantially the entire cylindrical container 40 is exposed to the X-ray beam 21a generated by the X-ray tube 20a (FIG. 5F). As the remediation or exposure cycle comes to an end, the container 40 rotation begins to cease, and the X-ray exposure cycle concludes (FIG. 5G). The rotation of the platform 30 and container 40 stops, and the platform 30 and container 40 ascend back to the initial “home” position (FIG. 5H). Once the platform 30 and container 40 have returned to the “home” position, the irradiation cycle is completed, the container 40 can be removed and replaced with a new container 40 to begin a new cycle (FIG. 5I).

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a further system 10b and a method for irradiation of contaminants in accordance with the present application. The system 10b includes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provided a rotating platform assembly 30 and two opposing X-ray tubes 20a, 20b. The system 10b in FIG. 6 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5, except that a second X-ray tube 20b is provided opposite the first X-ray tube 20a. A lifter system 27 is also provided, which is secured to the rotating platform assembly 30, and is configured to lift and lower the rotating platform assembly 30 relative to the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b. In the system arranged in FIG. 6, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are positioned beneath the rotating platform assembly 30 in its starting position, but this arrangement may vary in other embodiments, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b may be positioned above or at the same level as the platform assembly 30. The components of the system 10b of FIG. 6 may be similar to those previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0045] In a first step in a method of using the system 10b to irradiate a biomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and onto the platform assembly 30 (FIG. 6A). In the figures, the container 40 is cylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter of twelve inches and is filled with a biomass, but in other embodiments the dimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once loaded onto the platform 30, a power-up cycle begins in a first, “home” position (FIG. 6B). Upon power-up, the remediation process begins, and the container 40 begins to rotate about a central axis along the length of the container 40 and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are turned on (FIG. 6C). The container platform 30 continues to rotate and begins to descend, where the container 40 passes the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b, exposing the biomass 41 in the container 40 to the X-ray beams 21a, 21b generated by the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b (FIGS. 6D, 6E). The platform 30 continues its rotation and descent through the cabinet 100 and past the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b, such that substantially the entire cylindrical container 40 is exposed to the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b (FIG. 6F). As the remediation or exposure cycle comes to an end, the container 40 rotation begins to cease, and the X-ray exposure cycle concludes (FIG. 6G). The rotation of the platform 30 and container 40 stops, and the platform 30 and container 40 ascend back to the initial “home” position (FIG. 6H). Once the platform 30 and container 40 have returned to the “home” position, the irradiation cycle is completed, the container 40 can be removed and replaced with a new container 40 to begin a new cycle (FIG. 6I).

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a further system 10c and a method for irradiation of contaminants in accordance with the present application. The system 10c includes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provided a rotating platform assembly 30 and two opposing X-ray tubes 20a, 20b. A lifter system, including vertical tracks 23a, 23b, support beam 24, and linear drive 26, is also provided, which is secured to the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b, and is configured to lift and lower the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b relative to the rotating platform assembly 30. The system 10c in FIG. 7 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6, except that in the system of FIG. 6, the platform assembly 30 is static, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are raised and lowered. The system 10c shown in FIG. 7 is similar to that shown and described in FIGS. 1-4. In the system 10c in FIG. 7, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are positioned adjacent to and substantially level with the rotating platform assembly 30 in the first, starting position of the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b, but this arrangement may vary in other embodiments, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b may be positioned above or below the platform assembly 30 as their starting position. The components of the system 10c of FIG. 7 may be similar to those previously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0047] In a first step in a method of using the system 10c to irradiate a biomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and onto the platform assembly 30 (FIG. 7A). In the figures, the container 40 is cylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter of twelve inches and is filled with a biomass 41, but in other embodiments the dimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once the container 40 is loaded onto the platform 30, a power-up cycle begins in a first, “home” position (FIG. 7B). Upon power-up, the remediation process begins, and the platform 30 and container 40 begin to rotate about a central axis along the length of the container 40 and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b are turned on (FIG. 7C). The container platform 30 continues to rotate, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b begin to ascend, where the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b pass the container 40, exposing the biomass 41 in the container 40 to the X-ray beams 21a, 21b generated by the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b (FIGS. 7D, 7E). The platform 30 continues its rotation, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b continue ascending through the cabinet 100 and past the container 40, such that substantially the entire cylindrical container 40 is exposed to the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b (FIG. 7F). As the remediation or exposure cycle comes to an end, the container 40 rotation begins to cease, and the X-ray exposure cycle concludes (FIG. 7G). The rotation of the platform 30 and container 40 stops, and the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b descend back to the initial “home” position (FIG. 7H). Once the X-ray tubes 20a, 20b and lift have returned to the “home” position, the irradiation cycle is completed, the container 40 can be removed and replaced with a new container 40 to begin a new cycle (FIG. 6I).

[0048] In embodiments in which a biomass to be irradiated can be damaged at high temperatures, additional modifications can be made to the system. For example, if cannabis is to be irradiated, if exposed to temperatures above around 80° F., the cannabis can suffer terpene loss, which is undesirable. Because x-ray tubes generate heat during operation despite being liquid cooled, it is possible for the interior of the leaded cabinet to get above the 80-degree threshold (or another threshold temperature) whilst the flower is being remediated. To counter this, a thermal probe can be installed inside the cabinet and monitors the interior temperature during the remediation process. A pagoda-style air conditioning unit, or other cooling unit, can also be mounted to the top of the cabinet and configured to turn on (via a command by the system’s PLC) if the interior of the cabinet reaches a preset temperature threshold. The air conditioning unit can be configured to cycle off once the temperature inside the cabinet reaches the lower threshold.

[0049] In addition, constant potential x-ray emitters/tubes have a tendency to arc on occasion, a phenomenon that occurs when enough impurities from out-gassing materials allow temporary conductivity across the cathode to anode (or anode to cathode) vacuum. This event has the potential to damage either the high voltage power supply, the high voltage cable, or the x-ray emitter/tube itself. As a result, typically the high voltage power supply will shut down to protect itself. In other applications, such as x-ray imaging biological irradiation, the disruption can be problematic and often requires the retake of an image or the repeat of a scientific experiment.

[0050] Remediation of some products, such as cannabis, may only require a coarse operation and does not require such a precise application of dose. As such, in certain embodiments, the high voltage power supply can be configured to ignore up to three emitter/tube arcs occurring within a preset amount of time (such as 1 - 3 seconds) so that the remediation operation is not interrupted, hampering throughput, and requiring a re-start to be initiated by the operator. Moreover, the high voltage power supply used in the present application comprises a very robust surge resistor such that emitter/tube arcs will not cause damage.

[0051] While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the irradiation device, system and method as applied to embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice.