Decontamination and reconditioning of the Argonne National Laboratory-West Casting Laboratory alpha glove box

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:563171

Poston, Jr, J W; Burke, L L

The Casting Laboratory (CL) alpha glove box was used to melt and cast metallic uranium and plutonium fuels as part of the Department of Energy`s Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Program. This highly contaminated alpha glove box was decontaminated and reconditioned to allow a change in mission. The goal of reconditioning was to install experimental apparatus and to improve contamination control prior to introducing plutonium-238 into the CL glove box. Construction of a glove box containment structure and an increase in room ventilation were required. A temporary breathing air station was provided for personnel protection as well as personnel comfort. The historical contamination levels, the decontamination techniques, and the results of decontamination also are presented. The health physics aspects of the CL alpha glove box project may be applicable to other glove box refurbishment or decommissioning projects.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 563171
• Report Number(s): ANL/RA/CP--94686; CONF-980203--; ON: DE98050505
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS
DECONTAMINATION
FUEL FABRICATION PLANTS
GLOVEBOXES
MODIFICATIONS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLUTONIUM 238
RADIATION PROTECTION