Re: Decontamination of lead bricks -Reply

[David.Richards@rfets.gov (David Richards)]

     I recommend against the Bartlett strip coat for the lead bricks unless 
     they have a formulation that goes on thicker than their standard TLC 
     paint. The problem I've had with the Bartlett stuff is that it goes on 
     really thin and can be quite difficult to remove, especially on small 
     articles. I should note, however, that we may not have applied it 
     properly.
     
     The stuff that ARC used to hawk was originally from Imperial coatings 
     and is now ALARA 1146 from Carboline. I've always found it does a 
     better job, especially for small articles. Try calling Charlie 
     Valliant or any other Carboline rep. Last number I had for Charlie was 
     603-642-5809.
     
     Both products are incinerable and both suppliers should be willing to 
     come and do a free demo for you. Charlie came up to Maine last year 
     and gave us a nice demo. I assume Bartlett would do the same.
     
     One word of caution. If you ever use this stuff for large scale 
     applications, remove it in small, manageable pieces. Many years ago we 
     had some deconners using it in a reactor cavity. When time came to 
     remove it, they essentially pulled it all off in one large piece. We 
     ended up with a huge and very heavy lump in the bottom of the cavity 
     reading several R/hr. It's a great story now but it wasn't very funny 
     at the time.
     
     Regards,
     
     DJ Richards
     EPHA Team Leader
     Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site
     David.Richards@rfets.gov
     djrichards@rmac.net
     
     
     ______________________________ Reply Separator 
     _________________________________
     Subject: Decontamination of lead bricks -Reply
     Author:  "ANTHONY F. ARMAGNO" <ARMAGAF%GWSMTP.NU.COM@inet.rfets.gov> 
     at inet
     Date:    3/10/98 12:28 PM
     
     
     
     
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     Anthony F. (Tony) Armagno
     Northeast Utilities Millstone Station Tele: (860) 437-2519
     E-Mail: armagaf@gwsmtp.nu.com
     According to Cowboy Wisdom: There's more ways to skin a cat than 
     stickin' his head in a boot jack and jerkin' on his tail!
     
     >>> <ledwards@gpu.com> 03/10/98 11:40am >>>
     
     We are looking for a method of removing fission product surface 
     contamination from lead bricks without generating an additional 
     problem of lead contaminated waste.  Any ideas or proven methods would 
     be appreciated.
     
     Larry Edwards
     GPU Nuclear
     PO Box 480
     Middletown, PA 17022-0480
     (717) 948-8190
     (717) 948-8502 (fax)
     ledwards@gpu.com
     
     Larry,
     Try Bartlett Nuclear.  They have a strippable paint which is used to 
     decon
     surfaces.  They last time I used it (as a rent-a-tech) it was used to 
     clean the cavity walls.  It is good for porous surfaces.  ARC used to 
     have a product as well.  Good luck.