Aggregate Technologies
Hydrolasing Contractor
Ideal for Nuclear Silo RehabilitationHydrolasing for Nuclear Decontamination
Since the inception of plutonium processing operations, handling nuclear materials, fabricating components, and managing waste have led to numerous spills within the nuclear facilities. These incidents resulted in radioactive contamination on various surfaces, including floors, walls, and other structural elements. Historically, epoxy paint was applied to fix the contamination, with some surfaces receiving multiple layers. Consequently, any effort to demolish these structures requires not only the removal of all paint layers but also the thorough decontamination of the underlying base material.
Advantages of Hydrolasing Technology
Traditional methods for paint removal and decontamination, such as scabbling (chipping away the top layer with a pneumatic hammer) or sandblasting, created substantial dust and waste while also releasing contaminants into the air. However, the hydrolase system offers a more effective and safer alternative. This system significantly reduces the risk of airborne contamination, minimizes waste, and contains any contamination removed from floors and walls.
Hydrolasing Applications
- Nuclear Reactor Decontamination
- Nuclear Silo Rehabilitation
- Air Intake & Ventilation Systems Decontamination
- Steam Generator Decontamination
- Reactor Pump Decontamination
- Radiological Spills at Military Bases Cleanup
- Radioactive Waste Storage Tank Cleaning
- Power Reactor Source Term Reduction
- Nuclear Test Sites Rehabilitation
Hydrolasing Equipment
We use advanced hydrolasing technology for nuclear silo rehabilitation projects
To enhance worker safety and reduce waste volumes, a new technology was needed to strip paint and remove radioactive contamination from various materials like concrete and masonry block. The ideal solution would be user-friendly, versatile enough to handle different surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings), and capable of self-containing waste products generated during the process.
The Hydrolasing System
The hydrolasing system uses high-pressure water jets to remove paint and the surface material, simultaneously capturing the resulting water and debris. The system separates this mixture to allow for proper analysis, treatment, or disposal of waste. The system is comprised of four main components: a remotely operated diesel-fired pump, a hydrolasing unit, a filtration system, and water collection tanks. The hydrolasing unit is designed like a compact, track-driven sled with a rotating spray head that uses high-pressure jets capable of reaching up to 36,000 psi. The system also includes a vacuum port that efficiently removes debris and water for recycling.
Results and Benefits
The hydrolasing system demonstrated several strengths in paint stripping and decontamination. Hydrolasing can effectively remove up to 3/4 inch of paint and 1/8 inch of solid concrete in a single pass. On masonry walls, the impact can be even more pronounced, even removing mortar joints entirely. The hydrolasing system is effective in protecting workers from the high-pressure spray as well as ensuring excellent vacuum sealing for water and material recovery. Additionally, the work area remains clean and dry despite the spray's volume and pressure.
The sludge filtering and water collection systems efficiently separated particulates, enhancing worker safety and minimizing waste compared to traditional methods.