Electrodecontamination for Mitigation of Airborne Contamination

72679S03-I Decontamination activities at DOE facilities often generate unwanted airborne contamination, thereby hindering clean-up operations. This project will develop electro-decontamination technology as a safe and cost effective way of removing radioactive contamination from metals without causing further airborne contamination. Electro-decontamination combines strippable coatings and electrochemical polishing by using a hardening electrolytic gel to form a highly portable decontamination system. Phase I will focus on enhancing the properties of the hardening electrolyte gel used in the electro-decontamination system. An electrochemical test apparatus will be constructed to investigate the electrochemical properties of the gel and measure process off-gas. Improvements to the physical properties of the gel will be examined. Tests with the improved gel will be conducted on metal surfaces with simulated radioactive contamination. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The electro-decontamination technology should lead to hand held and remote (robotic) application of this technology throughout the nuclear industry. By providing a means to decontaminate metal surfaces without generating airborne contamination, substantial cost savings will be realized by the DOE and others in the nuclear industry.