Laser size reduction of radioactively contaminated structures

Due to the environment, nuclear decommissioning is an extremely challenging activity. High ambient radiation levels often preclude entry to the areas involved, and as the industry tries to minimize dose uptake, moderate radiation levels are now requiring remote solutions. In situ size reduction of process plant including vessels, containers, dissolvers, and pipework allows the removal of the nuclear inventory from a building prior to further decontamination and demolition. Ex situ size reduction comprises a dedicated facility to take in the existing nuclear waste inventory for further size reduction activity to achieve high waste management efficiencies. Traditional size reduction or cutting methods such as reciprocating saws or grinders pose a significant challenge for remote deployment platforms, where haptic feedback is lost and, when deployed, take considerable time to perform the task. Although remote engineered solutions for these tools are possible, they are complicated, unreliable, and expensive. ...