Decommissioning of nuclear installations

An account of the dismantling of nuclear installations by plasma arc cutting is given. The research and development tests of the plasma arc tool relate to its use under variable conditions (working parameters, remote piloting, cutting environment, radioactive or non-radioactive materials, maintenance) with an assessment of the secondary emissions (gases and aerosols). The nature and concentration of the different gases and aerosols as well as the size distribution of the latter are defined. An analysis of the solid secondary emissions is also carried out. (Author)