Real Time Monitor for the Laser-Based Coatings Removal System

40714 November 12, 1996 Physical Sciences, Inc. Pulsed-CO2 laser systems are used to remove contaminated lead-based paint and two-part epoxy coatings from the surface of DOE facilities. These systems have the advantage of complete coatings removal with prompt capture and disposal of ablated material. Because highly variable coating thicknesses are encountered, it would be economically beneficial to incorporate an on-line sensor with a feedback control system to enable the cleaning equipment to slow down when thicker layers are encountered, or, if needed, to stop, reverse and reclean a spot. This project will develop an on-line sensor for Pb, U and Pu to be integrated with a laser-based coatings removal system. In Phase I, a prototype single element monitor (Pb) will be integrated and tested for active feedback control with the coatings removal technology. A spectrometer system will be used to characterize the plasma for optimum detection of lead and uranium. The combined experimental results will be used to develop a design for a multi-element sensor. Assembly and testing of the multi-element sensor will be the focus of Phase II. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: The developed multi-element on-line spectral sensor package would be an integral part of the laser-based coatings removal technology. One of these sensors would be incorporated into every field-deployed system.