CO₂ Radiological Surface Decontamination

Low-impact, low-waste decontamination solution

Effectively decontaminating surfaces without creating secondary waste is a critical challenge for nuclear plants and other sites undergoing decontamination and/or decommissioning. EAI meets the challenge with its advanced CO₂ surface decontamination capabilities. First introduced to the nuclear industry in 1989 by EAI, our specialized equipment, together with our industry-leading expertise and proven processes, enables EAI to achieve superior results without generating secondary waste. EAI’s CO₂ process represents an attractive alternative to dry media blasting, hydro lasing, and other methods used for loose surface contamination.

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Overview:

EAI employs specialized equipment to convert liquid CO₂ into solid pellets and to blast the pellets at the surface to be cleaned. Liquid CO₂, stored under pressure, is transferred to a pelletizer, where rapid depressurization converts the liquid to a solid state in the form of dry ice snow. This snow is then compressed and extruded through a die to form tiny pellets. Then, combined with compressed air through a blasting nozzle, a pressurized stream of CO₂ pellets traveling at 75-1000 feet-per-second are projected onto the items or area being cleaned.

The pellets are projected onto the surface in a manner similar to sand or grit blasting, however, the cleaning dynamics of CO₂ pellet blasting are dramatically different and vastly superior. Instead of the “chiseling” action associated with conventional grit blasting, the CO₂ pellets penetrate the contaminant layer and, upon impact, sublimate to a gas, expanding the volume of the pellet by 750 times lifting the contaminant from the surface. The contaminants are then entrained into the HEPA filtered negative air recovery system, filtered and released back into the atmosphere. The physics of CO₂ pellets offers important advantages, as described below.

Benefits:

• Superior Loose Surface Decontamination – CO₂ delivers more effective decontamination due to its expansion effect, extended cleaning duration and unique flushing action.
• No damage – Because of its unique cleaning dynamics, CO₂ decontaminates effectively without damaging or changing the dimensions of the substrate being decontaminated.
• No residual waste – Because the CO₂ pellets sublimate from a solid state to a gas as they strike the substrate, CO₂ cleaning does not create secondary waste. The only waste generated is the contaminant removed from the substrate.
• Mobility – Our state-of-the-art Mobile Decontamination Facility (MDF) enables EAI to perform CO₂ decontamination virtually anywhere. Because it is a dry process, CO₂ blasting can be performed around electrical equipment.

Trust EAI for CO₂ Surface Cleaning Services

In 1989, EAI was the first company to introduce dry ice blasting technology to the power industry, and we continue delivering trusted commercial cleaning solutions today. We’re experts in this industry and use state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible services to our customers.

When you work with us, you can depend on the innovative, high-quality services we’ve been providing our customers from the start. Fill out our online contact form today to learn more about how we can help you!