Decommissioning Technologies
The Argonne National Laboratory D&D Program is an integrated effort focused on addressing all technical facets of the D&D problem. The extensive operations and project execution experience of the Argonne D&D staff, coupled with the Laboratory’s strong foundation in research and development, provides a uniquely integrated approach to identifying and overcoming the issues arising from a burgeoning D&D marketplace. Through its comprehensive field experience, Argonne has developed unique insight and understanding into the critical role technology plays in project execution and in overcoming barriers to success encountered by using new and innovative techniques for solving D&D problems.
The Technology portion of the Argonne D&D Program comprises four major areas:
- Identification - Knowledge of and experience with the technologies and methodologies currently available for performing D&D is crucial to having a clear understanding of how best to perform D&D activities. This knowledge base is integral to determining the applications and limitations of current technologies, as well as effectively allocating limited research and development funding. By its proven abilities in information management and distribution through multiple mechanisms, Argonne serves as a conduit through which this information flows.
- Development - If, through the identification process, there are needs that cannot be met with existing technologies or there are suitable technologies that could be used with certain modifications and improvements, Argonne’s extensive capabilities in scientific and technological problem solving can be brought to bear on the problem.
- Demonstration - The tightly regulated and monitored environment in which the nuclear industry operates presents unique challenges for the utilization of innovative or improved technologies. To be used in this highly regimented environment, it is critical that new and innovative technologies are processed through a robust, independent, and industry accepted and recognized demonstration process. Argonne has a proven record in this area as manifested by its participation in the CP-5 Large Scale Demonstration Project.
- Deployment - In order to ensure that the most effective technologies are utilized by the D&D user community, a vigorous technology information-sharing system is critical. A thorough understanding of the limitations of D&D technologies in the marketplace is a crucial aspect of the deployment issue. Argonne’s experience in the entire spectrum of technology deployment is invaluable to ensure that innovative technologies are deployed in the most effective manner.
CP-5 LARGE SCALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
In 1996, Argonne teamed with 3M, Duke Engineering & Services, ICF Kaiser, Commonwealth Edison and Florida International University to form the Strategic Alliance for Environmental Restoration.
Under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the mission of the Strategic Alliance is to select innovative, “field test ready” D&D technologies, demonstrate those technologies in a large-scale demonstration environment and compare the results against existing commercial technologies with the intent of showing that significant benefits can be achieved through the utilization of enhanced D&D technologies or verifying that existing technology practices are the most cost effective.
The D&D needs of the DOE Complex were evaluated, and the problem areas appropriate to demonstration at CP-5 were grouped into four areas:
TECHNOLOGIES/VENDORS LISTING
Twenty-three technologies were demonstrated at the CP-5 Reactor as part of the DOE EM-50 funded Large Scale Demonstration Project (LSDP); a complete listing with vendor acknowledgments is provided below.
CHARACTERIZATION
- Field-Transportable Beta Counter-Spectrometer , developed by Argonne National Laboratory and Triangle Research Ltd.
- GammaCam™ Radiation Imaging System , developed by AIL Systems, Inc.
- In-Situ Object Characterization System (ISOCS) , supplied by Canberra Industries, Inc.
- Mobile Automated Characterization System (MACS) , developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Savannah River Technology Center for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Robotics Technology Development Program.
- Pipe Crawler Radiological Surveying System , developed by Radiological Services, Inc.
- Pipe Explorer System™ , developed by Science & Engineering Associates, Inc.
- Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Detector , supplied by TN Spectrace.
- Surface Contamination Monitor and Survey Information Management System , supplied by SRA, Inc.
DECONTAMINATION
- Advanced Recyclable Media System (ARMS™) , provided by Surface Technology Systems, Inc.
- Centrifugal Shot Blast , provided by Concrete Cleaning, Inc.
- Empore™ Membrane Separation Cartridge , developed and provided by 3M.
- MOOSE® Remotely Operated Scabbler , supplied by Pentek, Inc.
- Pegasus Coating Removal System (PCRS) , developed by Pegasus International, Inc.
- Rotary Peening with Captive Shot , provided by 3M Company and EDCO
- Roto-Peen Scaler , supplied by Pentek, Inc.
- Starboldt™ Flashlamp System , supplied by Polygon Industry.
ROBOTICS/DISMANTLEMENT
- Dual Arm Work Platform , provided by a consortium of national laboratories and industry manufacturers.
Individual components and subassemblies were purchased from or provided by Schilling Robotics Systems, Redzone Robotics, Inc., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. - Remote Controlled Concrete Demolition System , manufactured by Holmhed Systems AB of Sweden and supplied by Duane Equipment Corp.
- Rosie Mobile Robot Work System , supplied by RedZone Robotics, Inc.
- Swing-Reduced Control and Remote Crane Operation Upgrades , supplied by Convolve, Inc.
Installation and upgrades were funded by DOE’s Robotics Technology Development Program.
WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY
- FRHAM-TEX Anti Contamination Suit , supplied by FRHAM Safety Products.
- NuFab Anti Contamination Suit , supplied by the G/O Corporation.