Stainless Steel D&D

["Erik F. Shores" <eshores@lanl.gov>]

Radsafers,

I am involved in a project that uses an industrial power washer to clean 
contaminated items. As this machine most likely will be contaminated with 
transuranics, D&D issues have obviously been discussed. Other issues 
include a high water pressure and temperature environment with caustic 
water/soaps.  While considering the purchase of a new washer, an item of 
construction came up. Should the washer be constructed of normal steel or 
stainless steel (SS)?  Although I'd like to recommend SS for future 
decontamination purposes, that option represents a significant cost 
increase and the user would like to know if the stainless steel is worth 
it. To buttress my argument, I am looking for references that show D&D 
characteristics of steel and/or associated D&D costs. Any assistance with 
references would be appreciated. Thanks!

Regards,
erik
________________________________________
Erik F. Shores
Los Alamos National Laboratory
ESH-12, Radiological Engineering Team
Mailto:eshores@lanl.gov
505.665.7643 (phone)
505.667.9726 (facsimile) 
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