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Can laser beam cutting underwater be used for efficient reactor dismantling? This question will be investigated by scientists of the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) within the scope of the AZULa project. In a feasibility study, they develop a laser beam cutting process and construct a compact cutting head for use in a radiologically activated and contaminated underwater environment.
This new system is supposed to enable the direct dismantling of nuclear facilities (reactor pressure vessels). Laser beam cutting offers significant advantages compared to conventional cutting methods, such as water jet cutting or sawing techniques. Above all, the binding of the kerf material on the exit side is a major advantage of the laser process. The expense for the final cleaning of the water basin floor is significantly reduced, as the amount of secondary or technology waste is significantly lower compared to water jet or sawing techniques. The disposal of this waste is time-consuming and costly. In addition, sawing techniques are prone to jamming of the tool. This cannot occur with laser beam cutting. Thus, the process times could be shortened. The laser beam cutting would therefore represent a much cheaper alternative for the dismantling of the reactor components.
About AZULa:
The project "Automated separation of reactor pressure vessel installations using underwater laser technology" (AZULa) is carried out together with the Orano GmbH. AZULa is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under grant number 15S9408 by the project coordinator Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit gGmbH (GRS).
There are two figures for this press release.
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.
Dipl.-Biol. Lena Bennefeld
Abteilung Kommunikation
Hollerithallee 8
D-30419 Hannover
Germany
Tel.: +49 511 2788-238
Fax: +49 511 2788-100
E-mail: l.bennefeld@lzh.de
Internet: www.lzh.de
Underwater laser cutting offers enormous potential for the dismantling of reactor vessels.
Photo: LZH
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Less contaminated secondary materials through an efficient laser cutting process.
Photo: LZH
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Criteria of this press release:
Business and commerce, Journalists, Scientists and scholars
Energy, Environment / ecology, Mechanical engineering
transregional, national
Research results, Transfer of Science or Research
English
Underwater laser cutting offers enormous potential for the dismantling of reactor vessels.
Photo: LZH
None
Less contaminated secondary materials through an efficient laser cutting process.
Photo: LZH
None
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