SOLID SURFACE DECONTAMINATION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: decontamination of solid surfaces polluted by radioactive materials. SUBSTANCE: solid surfaces are decontaminated by building up mechanical stresses under the action of shock wave from blasting explosive whereupon radioactive refuse formed in the process is collected and conveyed to disposal ground. Contaminated layer is removed by exploding elongated, elongated cumulative, or sheet quasar charges which are disposed beyond storage on several similar-type frames in definite manner. Then charge shells are filled or their base is wetted with liquid explosive, explosion means is installed, and frames are conveyed to storage. After that assemblies are distributed , secured on surface to be decontaminated, electric explosion circuit is set up, and charges are exploded. Choice of charge depends on material of surface being decontaminated, its strength characteristics, and desired thickness of layer to be removed. EFFECT: facilitated procedure, reduced cost, enhanced safety.