Concrete decontamination by electro-hydraulic scabbling (EHS). Final report

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/665900· OSTI ID:665900

Contamination of concrete structures by radionuclides, hazardous metals and organic substances (including PCB`s) occurs at many DOE sites. The contamination of concrete structures (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.) varies in type, concentration, and especially depth of penetration into the concrete. In many instances, only the surface layer of concrete is contaminated, up to a depth of one inch, according to estimates provided in the R and D ID document. Then, removal of the concrete surface layer (scabbling) is considered to be the most effective decontamination method. Textron Systems Corp. (TSC) has developed a scabbling concept based on electro-mechanical phenomena accompanying strong electric pulses generated by applying high voltage at the concrete/water interface. Depending on the conditions, the electric discharge may occur either through a waste layer or through the concrete body itself. This report describes the development, testing, and results of this electro-mechanical process. Phase 1 demonstrated the feasibility of the process for the controlled removal of a thin layer of contaminated concrete. Phase 2 designed, fabricated, and tested an integrated subscale unit. This was tested at Fernald. In Phase 3, the scabbling unit was reconfigured to increase its power and processing rate. Technology transfer to an engineering contracting company is continuing.

• Research Organization: Textron Systems, Wilmington, MA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC21-93MC30164
• OSTI ID: 665900
• Report Number(s): DOE/MC/30164--1; ON: DE98058025; BR: EW4035000; EW4035100
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
CONCRETES
DECONTAMINATION
ELECTROLYSIS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
PROGRESS REPORT
PULSE TECHNIQUES
SPECIFICATIONS
SURFACE CLEANING
SURFACE CONTAMINATION