Fisica Applied Technologies, inc. (ATI) has designed and built e-beam sterilization systems, Flash-X-Ray systems, and many of the high pulsed power systems in the U.S. over the last 50 years. Our systems often use Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6 ) as an insulating gas. The global warming potential (GWP) of SF6 is approximately 23,500 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2); because of this, there has been an increase in regulatory scrutiny and efforts to reduce SF6 emissions. Fisica has been successful in replacing SF6 with Dry Air (GWP <1) for many pulsed power applications and is investigating the use of other low-GWP gases. In this presentation, we will explore potential alternatives for transitioning our e-beam linac system from SF6 to environmentally sustainable, low-GWP gas alternatives.

Fisica ATI has delivered turnkey e-beam linac sterilization systems for over three decades. The first installation was in 1992 under the Titan Beta. In 2000, SureBeam was established. Following its acquisition by L3 in 2005, the e-beam product line was consolidated under ATI. ATI continues to deliver high-reliability, fully integrated e-beam solutions for industrial and commercial applications as a division of Fisica. Our systems are engineered for continuous-duty (24/7), with >30 systems installed worldwide collectively logging >1million hours, with some systems in service for >20 years — demonstrating exceptional uptime and long-term durability. ATI provides comprehensive post-sales support, spare parts supply, and system upgrades. In 2024, we introduced a major enhancement: upgrading legacy 10 MeV 15/18 kW systems to 25 kW output—without altering the existing system footprint or significant changes to the major subsystems. This allows current customers to significantly boost throughput without the need for major facility modifications. The upgrade leverages the proven reliability of the existing e-beam sterilization subsystems.