Local Collection and Treatment of Laser Generated Decontamination Fume

Using laser technologies during nuclear decommissioning tasks (decontamination or cutting) can offer significant advantages compared to alternative mechanical or chemical techniques. Advantages include improved safety, reduction in downstream effluent treatment requirements, reduced cutting time/cost.

Hesitation to use laser technologies for these applications principally includes concerns surrounding particle and fume by-products liberated during the processes. Ensuring adequate extraction and neutralisation of by-products places heavy demand on filtration systems. They also potentially pose serious risks to human health without abatement. Hence, despite its advantages, laser cutting is seldom currently used for nuclear decommissioning, although interest is growing. The motivation behind this study is to increase the viability of laser technology as a decommissioning tool by advancing the science and technology behind local extract ventilation, therefore reducing the burden on facility ventilation systems.