MONITORING AND DECONTAMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR PLUTONIUM FALLOUT ON LARGE-AREA SURFACES
Abstract
Plutonium contamination is possible when certain weapons are subjected to nonnuclear destruction. Procedures for monitoring, control, and decontamination of plutonium from land and hard-surface areas are described. The most effective means of land-surface decontamination are listed in order of decreasing efficiency as follows: plowing; oiling and scraping; leaching with 0. 3 inch of water and scraping; leaching with 0.3 inch of water; and leaching with 0.3 inch of water-Alconox solution. Efficiencies were generally above 86 percent. The most effective means of hard-surface decontamination are listed in decreasing order of efficiency as follows: sand-blasting; water-detergent scrubbing; water-detergent hosing; water hosing; water scrubbing; steam cleaning; and vacuuming. Efficiencies were all above 66 percent, with the majority above 95 percent. Hard-surface areas included concrete, asphalt, plate steel, aluminum, galvanized roofing, tarpaper roofing, painted wood, unpainted wood, glass, brick, stucco, wood shingles, and asbestos shingles. Flats of grass were also exposed. All vehicles and test equipment used in the contaminated area were readily decontaminated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0810310
Entities
People
- J. L. Dick
- T. P. Baker Jr
Organizations
- Air Force Special Weapons Center