Evaluation of nonchemical decontamination techniques for use on reactor coolant systems

The objective of this work is to describe, characterize, and evaluate a number of decontamination techniques that could be applied to the cleaning of fuel debris and corrosion products from reactor coolant systems and components. Excluded from consideration are the traditional or common chemical decontamination techniques. The information developed for each technique includes: theory of operation, methods of application, accessibility requirements, remote operation capability, state of development, previous applications, decontamination effectiveness, corrosion problems during and after decontamination, material removal, radiological and industrial safety, cost, post-decontamination cleanup, need for post-decontamination surface treatment, waste generation and disposal, and redistribution of contamination. The techniques treated are: Mechanical Methods; High-Pressure Water (< 20,000 psi); Ultrahigh-Pressure Water (> 20,000 psi); Abrasive Cleaning; Vibratory Finishing; Ultrasonics; High-Pressure FREON Cleaning; Electropolishing; Alternative Electrolyte Techniques; Steam/Hot Water Cleaning and Two-Phase Mixtures; Decontamination Foams, Gels, and Pastes; Strippable Decontamination Coatings; Reflux Decontamination; Dry Ice Blasting; Electrochemically-Activated Solutions; Molten Salt Methods; and Thermal Erosion