부산대학교 도서관

The purpose of this program was to evaluate the feasibility of developing advanced abrasive-waterjet (AWJ) tools to facilitate the decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Two specific needs have been addressed. The first is metal surface removal for the complete decontamination of large, heavily contaminated metal structures. The objective is to be capable of removing approximately 0.005 inch from the surface of either stainless or carbon steel, either in air or underwater. The second is the underwater cutting of thick metals and concrete. The aim is to improve the underwater operational reliability of the AWJ technique and to devise an efficient spoils containment and removal system. Parametric tests of AWJ surface removal and underwater AWJ cutting were conducted. Rates were calculated and an economic analysis for each process was made. The results of the parametric tests were used to design a prototype AWJ surface removal tool and an AWJ underwater cutting tool. Both tools were built and tested in a pressure tank at ambient pressures up to 50 psi (115 feet equivalent operating depth). Modifications were made in the prototype tools to improve performance. Additional equipment was utilized to provide high pressure water, feed abrasives, pump waste into a collection drum and control test conditions. During this program, communication with the DOE technical monitor, DOE site contractors and National Lab personnel provided information on nuclear industry needs for AWJ technology as well as specific applications. Included were site visits to West Valley, Oak Ridge, Savannah River and Hanford. On March 12, 1991, demonstrations of the tools were conducted at QUEST. Personnel from DOE, DOE sites and National Laboratories attended. Potential applications were discussed. 14 refs., 38 figs., 7 tabs.