Collection and characterization of aerosols from metal cutting techniques typically used in decommissioning nuclear facilities

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668791385822· OSTI ID:5472979

Newton, G J; Hoover, M D; Barr, E B; Wong, B A; Ritter, P D

This study was designed to collect and characterize aerosols released during metal cutting activities typically used in decommissioning radioactively contaminated facilities. Such information can guide in the selection of appropriate control technologies for these airborne materials. Mechanical cutting tools evaluated included a multi-wheel pipe cutter, reciprocating saw, band saw, chop saw, and large and small grinding wheels. Melting-vaporization cutting techniques included an oxy-acetylene torch, electric arc cut rod and plasma torch. With the exception of the multi-wheel pipe cutter, all devices created aerosols in the respirable size range (less than 10 micron aerodynamic diameter). Time required to cut 2-in. (5-cm) Schedule 40, Type 304L, stainless steel ranged from about 0.6 min for the plasma torch to about 3.0 min for the reciprocating saw. Aerosol production rate ranged from less than 10 mg/min for the reciprocating saw to more than 3000 mg/min for the electric arc cut rod. Particles from mechanical tools were irregular in shape, whereas particles from vaporization tools were spheres and ultrafine branched-chain aggregates.

• Research Organization: Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM
• OSTI ID: 5472979
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052001 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Waste Processing
053000 -- Nuclear Fuels-- Environmental Aspects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
500300* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
COLLOIDS
CUTTING TOOLS
DECOMMISSIONING
DISPERSIONS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
METALLURGY
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PARTICLE SIZE
POLLUTION
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
SIZE
SOLS
TOOLS