Characterization and Decontamination of Contaminated Structures Using a Profiling Technology

Certain radioisotopes (tritium, radium, cobalt, plutonium, and cesium) can penetrate porous concrete and contaminate the concrete well below the easily measured surface. Certain radioisotopes can penetrate concrete and contaminate the concrete well below the surface. The challenge is to determine the extent of the contamination problem and the magnitude of the problem in a real-time. Currently, concrete core bores are shipped to certified laboratories where the concrete residue is run through a battery of tests to determine the contaminants. The existing core boring operation volatilizes some of the contaminants (like tritium) and oftentimes cross-contaminates the area around the core bore site. The volatilization of the contaminants can lead to airborne problems in the immediate vicinity of the core bore. Cross-contamination can increase the contamination area and thereby increase the amount of waste generated. The goal is to avoid those field activities that could cause this type of release. The concrete profiling technology, TRUPRO^SM in conjunction with portable radiometric instrumentation produces a profile of radiological or chemical contamination through the material being studied. The data quality, quantity, and representativeness may be used to produce an activity profile from the hot spot surface into the material being sampled. This activity profile may then be expanded to ultimately characterize the facility and expedite waste segregation and facility closure at a reduced cost and risk. Performing a volumetric concrete or metal characterization safer and faster (without lab intervention) is the objective of this characterization technology. This way of determining contamination can save considerable time and money.