A method and apparatus for destroying biological hazards in letters and parcels by irradiation with gamma rays.

摘要

A process for the gamma ray irradiation of letters and parcels, including specifications for a post box, a mail bag, a mail van and a gamma ray irradiation machine and the four stages of the process, stage 1, opening the post box, stage 2, sealing and removing the mail bag, stage 3, loading the mail bag into the mail van and stage 4, loading the mail bag into the gamma ray irradiation machine, post box specification features hooks fitted to the inner floor and ceiling of the post box. The mail bag features rings attached the top and bottom of the mail bag and a means of sealing the opening slot of the mail bag. The mail van features poles fitted inside the van protruding to the rear of the van as a means for loading and upright storage of the mail bags. The gamma ray irradiation machine features a blast protection plate, a tunnel with two 90 degree turns before and after the target irradiation area with a four track conveyor fitted to the inner roof of the tunnel. The source of the radiation is a cobalt-60 source. In use the apparatus is designed to kill biological hazards within mail such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Specifically the apparatus may counter terrorist anthrax attacks. The blast protection plate protects against a potential radiological hazard resulting from a parcel bomb explosion near the cobalt-60 source.