Safety is an integral part of nuclear energy production. Taking good care of safety is also crucial in gaining societal support and trust – protecting people and the environment is invaluable. Nuclear energy offers vast low-carbon electricity potential, but advancements in safety measures while improving efficiency are essential.
Altum’s high-power, software-guided ultrasound helps nuclear plants meet strict safety standards. It also improves efficiency by cleaning radioactive material from equipment surfaces without stopping production, and it requires no welding or dismantling. This externally applied, easy-to-install solution uses innovative software for optimal results, which enables it to generate more power compared to other ultrasonic cleaning systems.
Read on to learn about the three ways Altum’s ultrasound improves safety in nuclear operations.
1. Cleaning and Decontamination of Process Equipment
Altum’s ultrasound solution was initially developed to remove buildup from equipment surfaces. Thus, one of the ways Altum improves safety in nuclear operations is by removing radioactive material from contaminated process equipment such as pipes, valves, filters, pumps, pools and tanks. This reduces radiation exposure for employees during maintenance.
The externally applied ultrasound solution affects the fluid flowing in the equipment. By utilizing qualities of ultrasound, such as the capability to induce temperature and pressure variations or create microscopic vibrations, the contaminants are removed from the surfaces. This thorough decontamination maintains system integrity and safety standards without dismantling equipment, using chemicals, or stopping production, all controlled precisely through software.
2. Hot Spot Removal
Hot spot removal is closely related to decontamination and uses similar methods. Hotspots are areas in a system where the radiation level is significantly higher than in neighboring regions, and these zones of increased dose rates present a risk to anyone working in the area. As Altum’s ultrasound can effectively decontaminate equipment, it can also remove more active layers of radioactive material.
The key benefits of Altum’s solution in hot spot removal are its flexibility and the high level of control over the ultrasound. The flexibility of Altum’s ultrasound system allows it to be mounted quickly on process equipment without damaging surfaces. The innovative software used to control the ultrasound utilizes algorithms to focus the power specifically where it’s needed. This is especially useful in hot spot removal, where radioactive fouling is usually concentrated in a smaller area.
In one of our installations, we were able to fully remove hotspots in a pipe with just five minutes of sonication, lowering the dose rate by a factor of 100. Removing hotspots with Altum’s ultrasound requires minimal labor efforts and is thus a safer option for employees.
3. Decommissioning
Decommissioning, referring to the formal process leading to the irreversible complete or partial closure of a nuclear facility, is a time consuming and careful process. Handling and processing radioactive waste requires extreme caution to ensure the safety of both people and the environment.
In decommissioning processes, Altum’s ultrasound removes contaminants and lowers radiation levels. Reducing and removing radiation enables the waste to be recycled, which eliminates the need for high-cost radioactive waste storage. Efficiently reducing radiation also lowers the risks for the surrounding environment. Safety improvements for personnel result from minimizing worker exposure with the help of Altum’s externally applied ultrasound solution, which can be remotely monitored. This approach requires minimal handling of equipment.
Conclusion: Improving Safety and Innovating for the Future
In conclusion, Altum Technologies’ high-power, software-guided ultrasound solution offers a significant advancement in nuclear safety. By effectively decontaminating process equipment, removing hotspots, and aiding in decommissioning, Altum’s ultrasound technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps companies adhere to safety standards.
As the nuclear industry evolves, integrating new solutions is essential for safety, societal trust, and maximizing low-carbon energy. At Altum Technologies, we stay updated on industry developments and aim to contribute with our versatile and adaptable solution.
If you have any questions or need further details about using Altum’s ultrasound solution, feel free to reach out to our experts.
You can also read more about using Altum’s technology in decontamination in this EPRI report (available for members only).