A State-of-the-Art Review of Radioactive Decontamination Technologies: Facing the Upcoming Wave of Decommissioning and Dismantling of Nuclear Facilities

Shengyong Liu, Yingyong He, Honghu Xie, Yongjun Ge, Yishan Lin, Zhitong Yao, Meiqing Jin, Jie Liu, Xinyang Chen, Yuhang Sun and Binhui Wang
Additional contact information
Shengyong Liu: Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations and Management Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518124, China
Yingyong He: State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Power Safety Monitoring Technology and Equipment, China Nuclear Power Design Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
Honghu Xie: State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Power Safety Monitoring Technology and Equipment, China Nuclear Power Design Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
Yongjun Ge: State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Power Safety Monitoring Technology and Equipment, China Nuclear Power Design Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
Yishan Lin: State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Power Safety Monitoring Technology and Equipment, China Nuclear Power Design Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
Zhitong Yao: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Meiqing Jin: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Jie Liu: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Xinyang Chen: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Yuhang Sun: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Binhui Wang: College of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: The average share of nuclear energy in electricity production is expected to increase under the background of the global pursuit towards carbon neutrality. Conjugating with its rapid development, the wave of decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) of nuclear facilities is coming. The surface decontamination is a prerequisite to D&D, which will make it easier and reduce the volume of radioactive wastes. However, there are no comprehensive studies on the decontamination methods, which is not helpful for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and environment protection. Therefore, in this work, the current status and future trends of global energy and nuclear energy are first analyzed. Then, various decontamination approaches are comparatively studied, including cleaning mechanisms, application subjects, and intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the criteria and factors for selecting a decontamination process, the challenges, and future studies are directed. Among the mechanical methods, laser-based cleaning is high-speed, having automation ability, and thus is promising, although it creates a dust and airborne contaminant hazard. In further studies, factors such as selecting a proper laser facility, optimizing operating parameters, and designing a high-efficiency dust collection system could be studied. Regarding the chemical method, chemical gels are good for decontaminating complex shapes and vertical and overhead surfaces. In addition, they can enhance other decon agents’ efficiency by improving contact time. However, the formulation of colloidal gels is complex and no gel type is useful for all contaminants. Therefore, novel and versatile gels need be developed to enlarge their application field. Combining various decontamination methods will often have better results and thus a reasonable and effective combination of these decontamination methods has become the main direction.

Keywords: nuclear energy; decommissioning and dismantling; nuclear waste; carbon neutrality; radioactive decontamination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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