Critically safe volume vacuum pickup for use in wet or dry cleanup of radioactive enclosures
- 390 Forest Ave., Boulder, CO 80304
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.
- Research Organization:
- EG & G INC
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-90DP62349
- Assignee:
- Zeren, Joseph D. (390 Forest Ave., Boulder, CO 80304)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5273561
- Application Number:
- 07/996,324
- OSTI ID:
- 869092
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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