[ RadSafe ] Cutting radioactive Iron

[John Andrews]

Jim,

The Peach Bottom End-Of-Life study used arc gouging to cut open the 
steam generators to sample the tubes.  The process produced enormous 
amounts of iron oxide dust.  The pre-filters in the air cleaning system 
quickly became clogged.  Metal splatter also caused holes in the 
temporary tents used for contamination control.  Monitoring the dust for 
radioactivity was very difficult because of the quantity of dust clogged 
the filters in the air monitors almost instantly.  The iron was not 
activated, but the steam generators contained Cs-137 and Sr-90 internal 
contamination.  The report, "Removal of Primary Components from the 
Peach Bottom HTGR" was prepared for General Atomic by Catalytic, Inc. in 
1977.

I would suggest that you capture the dust produced at the source so that 
it does not become generally airborne. Consider using cyclone collectors 
before the prefilters to prevent or reduce clogging.

Good luck in the project.  It should be fun.

John Andrews, Knoxville, Tennessee

Allan, Jim wrote:

>I am looking for HP types who have experience with  cutting large low level radioactive scrap type iron pieces with  torches etc. We are considering this operation and am interested in radiological controls used.
>
>Contact Jim at Jallan at SLAC.stanford.edu
>
>Thank you
>
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