Innovations Using Ultra-Light Cellular Grout and High Strength, Medium Density Grout for Stabilization of Irradiated Components During Decommissioning

Injection of cellular grout into tunnels, tanks, reactor vessels, embedded piping and other radioactive components stabilizes the internal contents, fills voids, and fixes loose contamination. Injection of cellular grout also significantly reduces radiation levels in the vicinity of the component. Ultralight cellular grout mix designs (25–35 lbs/ft3) have been used where weight is a critical concern. Medium density cellular grouts (60–105 lbs/ft3) with compressive strengths exceeding 3000 lbs/in2 have been used in a nuclear applications to reduce radiation levels and increase structural strength and stability. Geo-technical grout injection technology has been adapted to nuclear applications with the ability to inject special “water-absorbing” and “water-displacing” mix designs over long distances where remote injection is required.