Assessment of the Airborne Release Coefficient During Cutting Operations in the Frame Dismantling Studies

Abstract

In the frame of the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, many cutting techniques have been studied in different configurations, in order to qualify the performance of the tools implemented and also the quantity and characteristics of the wastes and secondary emissions produced. The present paper, calling the operational conditions of each tool, presents a synthesis of the results obtained from the suspension or airborne release point of view. The knowledge of the suspension fraction of radioactive aerosol contamination is needed for the safety analysis of nuclear installation and for the radioprotection of workers as well. This synthesis shows that the suspension fraction can vary over several orders of magnitude according to the configurations studied and provides relevant information for the dismantlers.

Aerosol Characterization and Particle Scrubbing Efficiency of Underwater Operations during Laser Cutting of Steel Components for Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities

“…However few works concern the study and characterization of particles emitted in the aerosol form when using such cuttings processes (Pilot, 2008). Indeed, this issue is of prime importance when conducting the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, especially during cutting operations of potentially contaminated equipment (Cesari et al, 2008).…”