Electrofibrous prefilters for use in the nuclear industry

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5279234

Bergman, W; Lum, B Y; Kuhl, W D; Boling, R M; Buttedahl, O I

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used in the nuclear industry to remove radioactive aerosols. Although these HEPA filters are effective and practical devices, they generate a large volume of radioactive waste and are costly to purchase and operate. In an effort to reduce the HEPA's operational cost and volume of radioactive waste, the Department of Energy (DOE) has contracted with LLNL to develop electrofibrous prefilters to extend the service life of HEPA filters. A comprehensive program has been established to conduct theoretical modelling, small-scale laboratory experiments, prototype development and field evaluations of electrofibrous prefilters. The recent prototype development and field evaluations of this program are reviewed. Compared to a conventional fibrous filter, the electrofibrous filter has a much higher efficiency and a greater service life. The higher efficiency results from electrostatic forces that attract particles to the filter fibers. This electrostatic attraction also causes particles to form a less restrictive deposit around the fibers thereby increasing the filter service life. The electrofibrous filters discussed are generated by applying an electric field across a conventional fibrous filter. Prototype electrofibrous filters have been developed for use in glove boxes and ventilation systems. The results from two field evaluations in radioactive glove boxes indicate the electrofibrous prefilter greatly increases the service life of HEPA filters. In addition, these evaluations show that most of the radioactive material can be recovered from the prefilter.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.; Atomics International Div., Golden, CO (USA). Rocky Flats Plant
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5279234
• Report Number(s): UCRL-83749; CONF-800334-14; TRN: 80-012678
• Resource Relation: Conference: 2. DOE environmental control symposium, Reston, VA, USA, 17 Mar 1980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
FABRIC FILTERS
DESIGN
PERFORMANCE
GLOVEBOXES
FILTRATION
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS
COST
ELECTRIC CHARGES
ELECTROSTATICS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
AEROSOLS
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
FILTERS
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLS
TESTING
420202* - Engineering- Protective Structures & Equipment