Installation for polymerization by ionization of structures in particular of substantial dimensions constituted principally of composite materials

An installation for polymerization by ionization of structures, said installation comprising:

• a protective compartment;
• an electron generator positioned within said protective compartment, said electron generator including a linear accelerator with a horn having an irradiation window;
• a device for controlling said accelerator;
• a target for converting an electron beam output from said horn of said electron generator into X-ray radiation, said electron beam projecting along a predeterminate axis;
• an arrangement for mounting said target for selective movement into and out of said electron beam;
• an irradiation cell for containing a structure to be treated;
• a passage, having an internal periphery of a predeterminate cross-sectional size and shape, communicating with said irradiation cell and with said protective compartment;
• means for supporting the structure to be treated in a manner to face said electron beam or X-ray radiation;
• an assembly comprising a plurality of members, said members including said accelerator, said horn, said target, and at least a portion of said device for controlling said accelerator;
• a support to which said assembly is mounted;
• means for moving said support in said protective compartment toward and away from said irradiation cell in a direction parallel to said electron beam axis;
• said assembly having a front, said front facing said irradiation cell, said assembly further comprising a radio protection shield positioned on said front of said assembly and being displaceable within said passage by means of said means for moving said support, said shield conforming to said size and shape of said internal periphery of said passage to create a minimal spacing between said shield and said passage, said shield constituting a separation wall between said irradiation cell and said protective compartment.