A number of laser-based techniques applicable to nuclear decontamination and decommissioning have emerged from LPRC-UMIST and BNFL research projects. The most recent process is deep-section concrete cutting, which promises to yield cutting depths of 1 m and beyond, and which affords very easy waste containment. This paper reports work in deep-section concrete cutting effected by layer-by-layer laser melting of the concrete with mechanical removal of the vitrified dross between passes. It is particularly suited to radioactive substrates where containment of the waste stream is imperative. Slightly higher power densities than e.g. for laser scabbling are required for this application. A comparison of experimental results using high-power CO2 (10.6 μm) and diode (0.808 + 0.940 μm ) lasers under roughly equivalent experimental conditions, cutting to depths of >100 mm, is presented. A marked improvement in cutting depth per pass is observed for the case of the diode laser. The increased cutting rate is rationalised in terms of the combined effects of coupling efficiency and beam shape. Pertinent features of the effluent are discussed.
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ASME 2003 9th International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation
September 21–25, 2003
Oxford, England
Conference Sponsors:
- Nuclear Engineering Division and Environmental Engineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-3732-7
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Laser-Based Cutting of Contaminated Concrete
Philip L. Crouse,
Philip L. Crouse
Laser Processing Research Centre, Manchester, UK
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Lin Li,
Lin Li
Laser Processing Research Centre, Manchester, UK
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Julian T. Spencer
Julian T. Spencer
BNFL, Warrington, England
Search for other works by this author on:
Philip L. Crouse
Laser Processing Research Centre, Manchester, UK
Lin Li
Laser Processing Research Centre, Manchester, UK
Julian T. Spencer
BNFL, Warrington, England
Paper No:
ICEM2003-4731, pp. 705-715; 11 pages
Published Online:
February 24, 2009
Citation
Crouse, PL, Li, L, & Spencer, JT. "Laser-Based Cutting of Contaminated Concrete." Proceedings of the ASME 2003 9th International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation. 9th ASME International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation: Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Oxford, England. September 21–25, 2003. pp. 705-715. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/ICEM2003-4731
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