Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Cleaning of Contaminated Surfaces

Hicks, Robert F. ; Selwyn, Gary S.

University of California at Los Angeles (United States)

关键词: Design Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Cleaning;    Alpha-Bearing Wastes;    Surface Cleaning;    Decontamination;    Transuranic Waste;   

DOI  :  10.2172/791717
RP-ID  :  DOE/ER/45621
RP-ID  :  FG07-96ER45621
RP-ID  :  791717

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Project was to develop a low-cost, environmentally benign technology for the decontamination and decommissioning of transuranic waste. With the invention of the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet the goal was achieved. This device selectively etches heavy metals from surfaces, rendering objects radiation free and suitable for decommissioning. The volatile reaction products are captured on filters, which yields a tremendous reduction in the volume of the waste. Studies on tantalum, a surrogate material for plutonium, have shown that etch rate of 6.0 microns per minute can be achieved under mild conditions. Over the past three years, we have made numerous improvements in the design of the plasma jet. It may now be operated for hundreds of hours and not undergo any degradation in performance. Furthermore, small compact units have been developed, which are easily deployed in the field.