A microwave system to scarify concrete surfaces: Development and testing

Concrete surfaces at nuclear installations tend to incorporate radiological contamination up to a depth of not more than 25 mm; to remove this contaminated layer is necessary to scarify the concrete. For this purpose the Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Environment (ENEA) is developing a microwave scarification device within the Third Research and Development Program for the Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations (1989--1993) promoted by the Commissions of the European Communities (CEC). The microwaves generated by the device cause the evaporation of the water contained within the cement and consequently the shattering of the concrete; the arising debris are removed by means of a vacuum system. The device has been manufactured in Italy and tested at ENEA's facilities located in the Trisaia Centre. Tests carried out on non-radioactive surfaces have determined the optimum operating parameters of the device. Several modifications were envisaged during the tests; some are being implemented and will be tested in 1993. Later in the same year, tests on contaminated surfaces will be performed