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Title: Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures

Abstract

A physical compact vacuum pickup device of critically safe volume and geometric shape is provided for use in radioactive enclosures, such as a small glove box, to facilitate manual cleanup of either wet or dry radioactive material. The device is constructed and arranged so as to remain safe when filled to capacity with plutonium-239 oxide. Two fine mesh filter bags are supported on the exterior of a rigid fine mesh stainless steel cup. This assembly is sealed within, and spaced from, the interior walls of a stainless steel canister. An air inlet communicates with the interior of the canister. A modified conventional vacuum head is physically connected to, and associated with, the interior of the mesh cup. The volume of the canister, as defined by the space between the mesh cup and the interior walls of the canister, forms a critically safe volume and geometric shape for dry radioactive particles that are gathered within the canister. A critically safe liquid volume is maintained by operation of a suction terminating float valve, and/or by operation of redundant vacuum check/liquid drain valves and placement of the air inlet. 5 figures.

Inventors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
E G & G, Inc; Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFP), Golden, CO
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
5152509
Patent Number(s):
US 5273561; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-996324
Assignee:
Zeren, J.D.
DOE Contract Number:  
AC04-90DP62349
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 23 Dec 1992
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING; GLOVEBOXES; CLEANING; MAINTENANCE FACILITIES; DESIGN; CRITICALITY; FABRIC FILTERS; LOW PRESSURE; OPERATION; PLUTONIUM OXIDES; RADIATION PROTECTION; VACUUM SYSTEMS; ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS; CHALCOGENIDES; EQUIPMENT; FILTERS; LABORATORY EQUIPMENT; OXIDES; OXYGEN COMPOUNDS; PLUTONIUM COMPOUNDS; TRANSURANIUM COMPOUNDS; 420203* - Engineering- Handling Equipment & Procedures

Citation Formats

Zeren, J D. Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures. United States: N. p., 1993. Web.
Zeren, J D. Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures. United States.
Zeren, J D. 1993. "Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures". United States.
@article{osti_5152509,
title = {Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures},
author = {Zeren, J D},
abstractNote = {A physical compact vacuum pickup device of critically safe volume and geometric shape is provided for use in radioactive enclosures, such as a small glove box, to facilitate manual cleanup of either wet or dry radioactive material. The device is constructed and arranged so as to remain safe when filled to capacity with plutonium-239 oxide. Two fine mesh filter bags are supported on the exterior of a rigid fine mesh stainless steel cup. This assembly is sealed within, and spaced from, the interior walls of a stainless steel canister. An air inlet communicates with the interior of the canister. A modified conventional vacuum head is physically connected to, and associated with, the interior of the mesh cup. The volume of the canister, as defined by the space between the mesh cup and the interior walls of the canister, forms a critically safe volume and geometric shape for dry radioactive particles that are gathered within the canister. A critically safe liquid volume is maintained by operation of a suction terminating float valve, and/or by operation of redundant vacuum check/liquid drain valves and placement of the air inlet. 5 figures.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5152509}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Dec 28 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Tue Dec 28 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}