CA1154274A - Method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments - Google Patents
Method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garmentsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1154274A CA1154274A CA000338771A CA338771A CA1154274A CA 1154274 A CA1154274 A CA 1154274A CA 000338771 A CA000338771 A CA 000338771A CA 338771 A CA338771 A CA 338771A CA 1154274 A CA1154274 A CA 1154274A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- solvent
- sump
- drum
- particulate material
- radioactive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000002285 radioactive effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 104
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000005108 dry cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012857 radioactive material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010408 sweeping Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 244000007853 Sarothamnus scoparius Species 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Perchloroethylene Chemical group ClC(Cl)=C(Cl)Cl CYTYCFOTNPOANT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009933 burial Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 dirt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910003439 heavy metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- HCTVWSOKIJULET-LQDWTQKMSA-M phenoxymethylpenicillin potassium Chemical compound [K+].N([C@H]1[C@H]2SC([C@@H](N2C1=O)C([O-])=O)(C)C)C(=O)COC1=CC=CC=C1 HCTVWSOKIJULET-LQDWTQKMSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000002901 radioactive waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- CMXPERZAMAQXSF-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;1,4-bis(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonate;1,8-dihydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione Chemical compound [Na+].O=C1C2=CC=CC(O)=C2C(=O)C2=C1C=CC=C2O.CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CC(S([O-])(=O)=O)C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC CMXPERZAMAQXSF-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
- G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
- G21F9/00—Treating radioactively contaminated material; Decontamination arrangements therefor
- G21F9/001—Decontamination of contaminated objects, apparatus, clothes, food; Preventing contamination thereof
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F43/00—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents
- D06F43/02—Dry-cleaning apparatus or methods using volatile solvents having one rotary cleaning receptacle only
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
Garments are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry clean-ing solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum during the wash cycle to flush the radioactive particulate material separated from the garments into a sump. The solvent is pumped from the sump for addition to the drum during the wash cycle and the pumped solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particu-late material suspended in the solvent.
The apparatus for decontaminating the radioactive garments comprises a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent. A drum for supporting the radioactively con-taminated garments during a wash cycle which separates the radioactive particulate material from the garments means are provided for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum and for con-tinuously removing the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum into the sump. A filtering means is used to continuously remove substantially all of the particulate material suspended in the solvent that is carried to the drum.
Garments are deposited in a cleaning drum and the drum is agitated during a wash cycle. A dry clean-ing solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed from the drum during the wash cycle to flush the radioactive particulate material separated from the garments into a sump. The solvent is pumped from the sump for addition to the drum during the wash cycle and the pumped solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particu-late material suspended in the solvent.
The apparatus for decontaminating the radioactive garments comprises a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent. A drum for supporting the radioactively con-taminated garments during a wash cycle which separates the radioactive particulate material from the garments means are provided for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum and for con-tinuously removing the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum into the sump. A filtering means is used to continuously remove substantially all of the particulate material suspended in the solvent that is carried to the drum.
Description
~154Z~
BACKGROUND AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION-The present invention relates generally to a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive gar-ments, and more specifically, the removal of radioactive dust, dirt, grease, oil, water and loose surface contamina-tion from protective clothing and accessory protective articles by dry cleaning such articles.
The conventional method of cleaning radioactive par-ticulate material from industrial worker's protective clothing is a conventional wet laundry wash. This wash entails a standard 30 to 45 minute water washing using commercial de~ergents followed by a separate drying cycle (usually 60 minutes) in a conventional hot air or other type textile clothes dryer. This system normally is so ineficient that from twenty (20~) percent to thirty-five (35~) percent of the protective clothing must be rewashed because insufficient radioactivity has been removed to permit reuse of the protective article. Moreover, approxi-mately three (3) gallons of contaminated wash water is generated per 16 pounds of clothing washed. This water must be diluted to a safe concen-tration before it is re~
leased or evaporated to a concentrate, and then drummecl and buried at an approved radiation waste burial facility.
This makes the process very clostly and time consuming.
Further, the conven-tional wet laundry involves the wash cycle followed by a separate drying cycle in a hot air dryer. In the event that insufficient radioactive par-ticulate is removed, the heat fixes the contaminated dirt to the cloth fibers which makes successive cleanings much ~.
~L5~2~4 less eficient and results in an early discard of the protective garments.
In an effort to eliminate some of ~hese dificul-ties, dry cleaning systems have been suggested which use hydrocarbon solvents. Conventionally, these sol-vents have a relatively low boiling point, such as that of perchloroethylene, and the vapors from such materials have been ha~ardous to the personnel operating such clean-ing systems. Moreovèr, the conventional dry cleaning systems, such as disclosed in U.SO Patent No. 3,728,074, have not provided any better ~eaning results than the conventional wet wash system.
Accordingly, it is a primary object o~ the present invention to provide a method o~ and apparatus for decon-taminating radioactive garments by using a dry cleaningsolvent which con-tinuously flushes the radioactive parti-culate material separated from the garment into a sump during the wash cycle.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments in a single apparatus which dries the garments after completion of the wash cycle.
Purther, it is an object of ~he present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which continuously flushes the gar-ments with circulating solvent during the wash cycle and adds a clean solvent to the drum at the beginning of the wash cycle to dilute any radioactive contamination within the re-cycled solvent.
~5~
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which removes any radioactive parti-culate material settling out of the re-cyclin~ solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for monitoring the amount of radioactivity in the re-cycling solvent to ensure that adequate filtering removes ~he radioactive particulate material from such solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which uses 0.5 micron filters for continuously filtering re-cycled solven~ during both wash and dry cycles to remove substantially all o the radio-active particulate material suspen~ed in such solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a me~hod of and apparatus for filtering ~he solvent upon removal from a drum which agitates the garments during the wash cycle for removing lint from such solvent before it is continuously filtered.
In accordance with the invention, a method of decon-taminating radioactive garments comprises the steps of depositing the garments in a cleaning druml or cage and agitatiny the drum during a wash cycle. Further, a dry cleaning solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed therefrom to flush radioactive particulate material separated from the gar-ments into a sump. The solvent is then pumped from the sump to the drum for use to continuously flush the ~.~5~7~
radioactive particulate matter therefrom. During such pumping, the solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent.
Further, in accordance with the invention, an appara-tus for decontaminating radioactive garments comprises a drum for supporting the radioactively contami~ated gar-ments during wash and dry cycles. Means are used for continuously flushing any radioactive Ittaterial separated from the garments out of the drum durin~ the wash cycle with a dry cleaning solvent. A sump receives the solvent and the material flushed out of the drum and the solvent is filtered to remove the radioactive particulate materia~s suspended therein prior to the solvent being used to again flush the radioactive material out of the drum.
Further, in accordance with the invention, apparatu~
is provided for decontaminating radioactive garments which comprises a sump for storing a dry cleaning solvent and a drum for agitating the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates radioac~ive particulate material from the garments. The dry cleaning solvent is continuously pumped from the sump to the drum and the sol-vent and separated particulate material is continuously removed from the drum into the sump. The dry cleaning solvent which is continuously pumped to the drum is filtered to remove substantictlly all of the particulate material from the solvent which permits the solid en-trapped radioactive waste and filter to be t~te main item oE disposal at an approved radiation waste disposal facility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA`WINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed descrip-t:Lon and upon reference to the drawings, in which like reference characters are used throughout to indicate like parts:
FIG, 1 is a schematic view of apparatus constructed according to the present invention' FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a portion of the invention shown in FIGo 1~
FIG~ 3 is another embodiment of a second portion of the invention shown in FIG~ 1~ and FIG~ 4 is a diagram showing the sequence of operations of the parts of the invention during the wash and dry cycles~
While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment and procedure, it will be under-stood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment and procedure~ On the contrary, it is intended to . cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning first to FIG~ 1~ there is shown a schematic ; illustration of a dry cleaning system constructed according to the present invention. Such arrangement.is a modification 25 of the device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,728,074, by Irving Victor.
7~L
The dry cleaning apparatus of this inventionincludes a rotatable cleaning cage or drum 10 wherein the contaminated radioactive garments are deposited and which agitates during both the wash and dry cycles. The garments are cleaned in the drum by continuously flushing -them with a dry cleanin~ solvent during the wash cycle by providing a sump 12 in fluid communication with the drum and using a pump 14 to force the solvent received in sump 12 through conduits 16 to parallel filters 18 and 20, and through conduits 22, 24 and 26 into the top of drum 10.
Disposed in the bottom of drum 10 is an outlet conduit 28 which permits withdrawal of the dry cleaning solvent and any radioactive particulate ma-terial separated from the garments during the wash cycle. ~ valve 30 is provided in conduit 28 to permit the passage of fluid throu~h conduit 28 into sump 12 duriny the wash cycle and prevent any passage of fluids into sump 12 during the drying cycle.
Filters 18 and 20 are arran~ed in series in with filter 20 of sufficiently small size to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent. It has heen found when filters 2~ ha~e opening sizes of 0.5 microns the radioactive paxticulate is ade-quately removed from the solvent. Since these filters are of relatively small size, a removable and disposable filter 32 is installed in conduit 28 to remove contaminated lint and prevent blockage of the fil~ers 18 and 20, It has been found that a fine wire screen, such as a window screen, may be used to elimina~e such contamina-ted lint.
~.~5~
Radiation sensors 34 and 36 are provided in sump 12 and conduit 24, respectively, -to permit monitoring of the solvent being re-cycled to ensure tha~ filters 18 and 20 are filtering satisfactorally.
Since dense or heavy metal oxides may separate from the solvent contained in sump 12, the inlet of pump 14 i5 movable such as by rod 40 for moving across the bottom of the sump to pic~ up such dense material for carrying to filters 18 and 20 and separation from the solvent.
As shown in FIG. 2, a second embodiment is provided wherein sump 12 has an arcuate bottom 42 disposed beneath outlet conduit 28 so that the dense material will roll down toward inlet 38 of pump 1~. A wiper 44 is pivotally mounted to sump 12 for sweeping the particulate matter toward inlet 38 in the event the particulate matter should become stuck tu arcuate ~ottom 42.
As shown in FIG. 3, a third embodiment is provided wherein sump 12 has a sloping floor 43 disposed beneath outlet conduit so that the dense material will roll down 2Q toward inlet 38 o~ pump 14. The incline of the 100r is such that the dense material is urged toward the inlet by gravity above.
A conduit 46 is mounted in fluid communication with conduit 26 and with a distillin~ apparatus 50 and a con-denser 76 and a moisture separating apparatus 52 which are used to clean the re-cycling wash solvent. The dis-tilling apparatus is used to remove fro~ the solvent any hydrocarbons, such as oil or grease with radioactive contaminants dissolved therein and a moisture separating 7~
device is used to remove from the distilled solvent water with radioactive contaminates dissolved therein.
Since distilling apparatus S0 can only distill specified quantities over a given period of time, metering orifice 48 is provided in conduit 46 to limit the flow of sol vent~ After passage through moisture separater 52, the clean solvent is carried by conduit 54 to sump 12 which is divided by dividing wall 56 into a first compartment 58 for receiving the re-cycling wash solvent and second compartment 60 for receiving the cleaned solvent.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention uses a single sump with two (2~ compartments, the machine may be provided with two ~2) separate sumps. A pump 62 is pro-vided to receive the clean solvent from second compartment 60 for passage through conduit 64 and valve 65 to the top of drum 10 for addition of clean solvent thereto when the wash cycle has initially begun. Since the addition of this cleaned solvent will dilute any radioactive material carried in the re-cycling solvent, the solvent is continu-
BACKGROUND AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION-The present invention relates generally to a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive gar-ments, and more specifically, the removal of radioactive dust, dirt, grease, oil, water and loose surface contamina-tion from protective clothing and accessory protective articles by dry cleaning such articles.
The conventional method of cleaning radioactive par-ticulate material from industrial worker's protective clothing is a conventional wet laundry wash. This wash entails a standard 30 to 45 minute water washing using commercial de~ergents followed by a separate drying cycle (usually 60 minutes) in a conventional hot air or other type textile clothes dryer. This system normally is so ineficient that from twenty (20~) percent to thirty-five (35~) percent of the protective clothing must be rewashed because insufficient radioactivity has been removed to permit reuse of the protective article. Moreover, approxi-mately three (3) gallons of contaminated wash water is generated per 16 pounds of clothing washed. This water must be diluted to a safe concen-tration before it is re~
leased or evaporated to a concentrate, and then drummecl and buried at an approved radiation waste burial facility.
This makes the process very clostly and time consuming.
Further, the conven-tional wet laundry involves the wash cycle followed by a separate drying cycle in a hot air dryer. In the event that insufficient radioactive par-ticulate is removed, the heat fixes the contaminated dirt to the cloth fibers which makes successive cleanings much ~.
~L5~2~4 less eficient and results in an early discard of the protective garments.
In an effort to eliminate some of ~hese dificul-ties, dry cleaning systems have been suggested which use hydrocarbon solvents. Conventionally, these sol-vents have a relatively low boiling point, such as that of perchloroethylene, and the vapors from such materials have been ha~ardous to the personnel operating such clean-ing systems. Moreovèr, the conventional dry cleaning systems, such as disclosed in U.SO Patent No. 3,728,074, have not provided any better ~eaning results than the conventional wet wash system.
Accordingly, it is a primary object o~ the present invention to provide a method o~ and apparatus for decon-taminating radioactive garments by using a dry cleaningsolvent which con-tinuously flushes the radioactive parti-culate material separated from the garment into a sump during the wash cycle.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments in a single apparatus which dries the garments after completion of the wash cycle.
Purther, it is an object of ~he present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which continuously flushes the gar-ments with circulating solvent during the wash cycle and adds a clean solvent to the drum at the beginning of the wash cycle to dilute any radioactive contamination within the re-cycled solvent.
~5~
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which removes any radioactive parti-culate material settling out of the re-cyclin~ solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for monitoring the amount of radioactivity in the re-cycling solvent to ensure that adequate filtering removes ~he radioactive particulate material from such solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments which uses 0.5 micron filters for continuously filtering re-cycled solven~ during both wash and dry cycles to remove substantially all o the radio-active particulate material suspen~ed in such solvent.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a me~hod of and apparatus for filtering ~he solvent upon removal from a drum which agitates the garments during the wash cycle for removing lint from such solvent before it is continuously filtered.
In accordance with the invention, a method of decon-taminating radioactive garments comprises the steps of depositing the garments in a cleaning druml or cage and agitatiny the drum during a wash cycle. Further, a dry cleaning solvent is continuously added to the drum during the wash cycle and continuously removed therefrom to flush radioactive particulate material separated from the gar-ments into a sump. The solvent is then pumped from the sump to the drum for use to continuously flush the ~.~5~7~
radioactive particulate matter therefrom. During such pumping, the solvent is filtered to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent.
Further, in accordance with the invention, an appara-tus for decontaminating radioactive garments comprises a drum for supporting the radioactively contami~ated gar-ments during wash and dry cycles. Means are used for continuously flushing any radioactive Ittaterial separated from the garments out of the drum durin~ the wash cycle with a dry cleaning solvent. A sump receives the solvent and the material flushed out of the drum and the solvent is filtered to remove the radioactive particulate materia~s suspended therein prior to the solvent being used to again flush the radioactive material out of the drum.
Further, in accordance with the invention, apparatu~
is provided for decontaminating radioactive garments which comprises a sump for storing a dry cleaning solvent and a drum for agitating the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates radioac~ive particulate material from the garments. The dry cleaning solvent is continuously pumped from the sump to the drum and the sol-vent and separated particulate material is continuously removed from the drum into the sump. The dry cleaning solvent which is continuously pumped to the drum is filtered to remove substantictlly all of the particulate material from the solvent which permits the solid en-trapped radioactive waste and filter to be t~te main item oE disposal at an approved radiation waste disposal facility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA`WINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed descrip-t:Lon and upon reference to the drawings, in which like reference characters are used throughout to indicate like parts:
FIG, 1 is a schematic view of apparatus constructed according to the present invention' FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a portion of the invention shown in FIGo 1~
FIG~ 3 is another embodiment of a second portion of the invention shown in FIG~ 1~ and FIG~ 4 is a diagram showing the sequence of operations of the parts of the invention during the wash and dry cycles~
While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment and procedure, it will be under-stood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment and procedure~ On the contrary, it is intended to . cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning first to FIG~ 1~ there is shown a schematic ; illustration of a dry cleaning system constructed according to the present invention. Such arrangement.is a modification 25 of the device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,728,074, by Irving Victor.
7~L
The dry cleaning apparatus of this inventionincludes a rotatable cleaning cage or drum 10 wherein the contaminated radioactive garments are deposited and which agitates during both the wash and dry cycles. The garments are cleaned in the drum by continuously flushing -them with a dry cleanin~ solvent during the wash cycle by providing a sump 12 in fluid communication with the drum and using a pump 14 to force the solvent received in sump 12 through conduits 16 to parallel filters 18 and 20, and through conduits 22, 24 and 26 into the top of drum 10.
Disposed in the bottom of drum 10 is an outlet conduit 28 which permits withdrawal of the dry cleaning solvent and any radioactive particulate ma-terial separated from the garments during the wash cycle. ~ valve 30 is provided in conduit 28 to permit the passage of fluid throu~h conduit 28 into sump 12 duriny the wash cycle and prevent any passage of fluids into sump 12 during the drying cycle.
Filters 18 and 20 are arran~ed in series in with filter 20 of sufficiently small size to remove substantially all of the radioactive particulate material suspended in the solvent. It has heen found when filters 2~ ha~e opening sizes of 0.5 microns the radioactive paxticulate is ade-quately removed from the solvent. Since these filters are of relatively small size, a removable and disposable filter 32 is installed in conduit 28 to remove contaminated lint and prevent blockage of the fil~ers 18 and 20, It has been found that a fine wire screen, such as a window screen, may be used to elimina~e such contamina-ted lint.
~.~5~
Radiation sensors 34 and 36 are provided in sump 12 and conduit 24, respectively, -to permit monitoring of the solvent being re-cycled to ensure tha~ filters 18 and 20 are filtering satisfactorally.
Since dense or heavy metal oxides may separate from the solvent contained in sump 12, the inlet of pump 14 i5 movable such as by rod 40 for moving across the bottom of the sump to pic~ up such dense material for carrying to filters 18 and 20 and separation from the solvent.
As shown in FIG. 2, a second embodiment is provided wherein sump 12 has an arcuate bottom 42 disposed beneath outlet conduit 28 so that the dense material will roll down toward inlet 38 of pump 1~. A wiper 44 is pivotally mounted to sump 12 for sweeping the particulate matter toward inlet 38 in the event the particulate matter should become stuck tu arcuate ~ottom 42.
As shown in FIG. 3, a third embodiment is provided wherein sump 12 has a sloping floor 43 disposed beneath outlet conduit so that the dense material will roll down 2Q toward inlet 38 o~ pump 14. The incline of the 100r is such that the dense material is urged toward the inlet by gravity above.
A conduit 46 is mounted in fluid communication with conduit 26 and with a distillin~ apparatus 50 and a con-denser 76 and a moisture separating apparatus 52 which are used to clean the re-cycling wash solvent. The dis-tilling apparatus is used to remove fro~ the solvent any hydrocarbons, such as oil or grease with radioactive contaminants dissolved therein and a moisture separating 7~
device is used to remove from the distilled solvent water with radioactive contaminates dissolved therein.
Since distilling apparatus S0 can only distill specified quantities over a given period of time, metering orifice 48 is provided in conduit 46 to limit the flow of sol vent~ After passage through moisture separater 52, the clean solvent is carried by conduit 54 to sump 12 which is divided by dividing wall 56 into a first compartment 58 for receiving the re-cycling wash solvent and second compartment 60 for receiving the cleaned solvent.
Although the preferred embodiment of the invention uses a single sump with two (2~ compartments, the machine may be provided with two ~2) separate sumps. A pump 62 is pro-vided to receive the clean solvent from second compartment 60 for passage through conduit 64 and valve 65 to the top of drum 10 for addition of clean solvent thereto when the wash cycle has initially begun. Since the addition of this cleaned solvent will dilute any radioactive material carried in the re-cycling solvent, the solvent is continu-
2~ ously cleaned during both wash and dry cycles~ Accordingly, it is necessary that cleaning means 50, 76, and 52 receive the re-cycling solvent during the cycles. Thus, .a diverter valve 66 is provided in conduit 26 to prevent flow of solvent into drum during the dry cycle and excess 2S filtered solvent flows back to sump 12 through conduit 67.
Pump 1~ is continuously activated so that the re-cycling solvent is continuously filtered and a portion of the solvent flows through conduit 46 through still 5~, con-densor 76 and moisture separater 52 into second ~, ~5~`7~
compartment 60 during such dry cycle.
As shown in FIG. 3, the "hot" solvent in the first compartment 58 may also be continuously filtered by an add on pump 100 connected through conduits 102 to ~ump 12 for forcing the solvent through a conduit 103, a first filter 104, conduits 106, second filter 108 and returned to sump 12 via conduit 110. To prevent Elow from drum 10 into filters 18 and 20 during the drying cycle, shut off valve 112 is disposed in conduit 26. The openings in filters are sufficiently small to remove substantially all of the particulate material sus-pended in the solvent, such as 0.5 microns. It is be~Lieved that this continuous filtering of the solvent during both wash and dry cycles, as well as the continuous flushing of the garments during the wash cycle, are the actions which are necessary to enable successful removal of the contaminates from the garments.
In order to enable drying of the garments within 10, a fan dryer 68 is provided in fluid communication with expansion bag 70 via conduit 72, valve 74 and with a condenser 76. This drying cycle and circuit is described in U.S. patent No. 3,728,074 which discloses the operation of this apparatus~
The operation of the preferred embodiment for an eighteen minute operation cycle is best shown by referral to FIG. 4, wherein solvent pump 14, still 50 and condenser 76 are operated continuously over the wash and dry cycles. Cle~
solvent is added to drum 10 by opening valve 65 and and runnin~ pumps 62 for 1-1/2 minutes at the beginn ing of the wash cycle, the valve is then closed to pre-vent flow toward the pumps. To flush the ~arments in drum 10 during the wash cycle, drain valve 30 remains open and diverter valve 66 directs the filtered solvent into the drum. Diverter valve 66 opens back to sump 12 prior to closing drain valve 30 in order to extract the solvent Erom the drum~ Upon completion of the wash and ex~ract cycles of drum 10, blower 68 is activated to dry the cleaned garments.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this inven-tion is one well adapted to attain all the ends and ob-jects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.
It will be understood that certain featu~es and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed with reference to other eatures and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
As many possible embodiménts may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
--10-- ,
Pump 1~ is continuously activated so that the re-cycling solvent is continuously filtered and a portion of the solvent flows through conduit 46 through still 5~, con-densor 76 and moisture separater 52 into second ~, ~5~`7~
compartment 60 during such dry cycle.
As shown in FIG. 3, the "hot" solvent in the first compartment 58 may also be continuously filtered by an add on pump 100 connected through conduits 102 to ~ump 12 for forcing the solvent through a conduit 103, a first filter 104, conduits 106, second filter 108 and returned to sump 12 via conduit 110. To prevent Elow from drum 10 into filters 18 and 20 during the drying cycle, shut off valve 112 is disposed in conduit 26. The openings in filters are sufficiently small to remove substantially all of the particulate material sus-pended in the solvent, such as 0.5 microns. It is be~Lieved that this continuous filtering of the solvent during both wash and dry cycles, as well as the continuous flushing of the garments during the wash cycle, are the actions which are necessary to enable successful removal of the contaminates from the garments.
In order to enable drying of the garments within 10, a fan dryer 68 is provided in fluid communication with expansion bag 70 via conduit 72, valve 74 and with a condenser 76. This drying cycle and circuit is described in U.S. patent No. 3,728,074 which discloses the operation of this apparatus~
The operation of the preferred embodiment for an eighteen minute operation cycle is best shown by referral to FIG. 4, wherein solvent pump 14, still 50 and condenser 76 are operated continuously over the wash and dry cycles. Cle~
solvent is added to drum 10 by opening valve 65 and and runnin~ pumps 62 for 1-1/2 minutes at the beginn ing of the wash cycle, the valve is then closed to pre-vent flow toward the pumps. To flush the ~arments in drum 10 during the wash cycle, drain valve 30 remains open and diverter valve 66 directs the filtered solvent into the drum. Diverter valve 66 opens back to sump 12 prior to closing drain valve 30 in order to extract the solvent Erom the drum~ Upon completion of the wash and ex~ract cycles of drum 10, blower 68 is activated to dry the cleaned garments.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that this inven-tion is one well adapted to attain all the ends and ob-jects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.
It will be understood that certain featu~es and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed with reference to other eatures and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
As many possible embodiménts may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
--10-- ,
Claims (23)
1. A method of decontaminating radioactive gar-ments, comprising the steps of:
depositing contaminated garments in a cleaning drum;
agitating the drum during a wash cycle to separate radioactive particulate material from the garments;
continuously removing a dry cleaning solvent from the drum during the wash cycle for storage in a sump;
continuously pumping solvent from the sump to the drum during the wash cycle for flushing the separated radioactive particulate material into the sump; and filtering the pumped solvent to remove the radio-active particulate material suspended in the solvent prior to addition to the drum.
depositing contaminated garments in a cleaning drum;
agitating the drum during a wash cycle to separate radioactive particulate material from the garments;
continuously removing a dry cleaning solvent from the drum during the wash cycle for storage in a sump;
continuously pumping solvent from the sump to the drum during the wash cycle for flushing the separated radioactive particulate material into the sump; and filtering the pumped solvent to remove the radio-active particulate material suspended in the solvent prior to addition to the drum.
2. The method of claim 1, including drying the garments upon completion of the wash cycle; and continuously cleaning a portion of the solvent during both the wash and dry cycles to remove radioactive material dissolved in the solvent.
3. The method of claim 2, including adding cleaned solvent to the drum at the beginn-ing of the wash cycle to dilute any residual radioactive contamination supported by the solvent being pumped from the sump.
4. The method of claim 2 with the continuously cleaning including distilling the portion of solvent to remove oil and separating water from the portion of solvent.
5. The method of claim 1, including removing any radioactive particulate material which has settled out of the solvent in the sump.
6. The method of claim 1, including monitoring the amount of radioactivity in the sump and in the filtered solvent before and after filtration to ensure adequate filtering.
7. The method of claim 1, including filtering the solvent removed from the drum for removing lint before it enters the sump.
8. Apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments, comprising:
a drum for supporting the radioactively con-taminated garments during wash and dry cycles;
means for continuously flushing any radioactive particulate material separated from the garments out of the drum during the wash cycle with a dry cleaning solvent;
a sump for receiving the solvent and the material flushed out of the drum; and filtering means for continuously removing radio-active particulate material suspended in the solvent received in the sump during the wash and dry cycles.
a drum for supporting the radioactively con-taminated garments during wash and dry cycles;
means for continuously flushing any radioactive particulate material separated from the garments out of the drum during the wash cycle with a dry cleaning solvent;
a sump for receiving the solvent and the material flushed out of the drum; and filtering means for continuously removing radio-active particulate material suspended in the solvent received in the sump during the wash and dry cycles.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, with said filtering means including filters disposed in series to aid in removal of the particulate material suspended in the solvent.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, with the con-tinuously flushing means including a conduit disposed in fluid communication between the sump and drum, and a valve permitting the solvent to flow into the sump during the wash cycle and preventing the solvent and vapors from flowing into the sump during the dry cycle.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, including cleaning means for removing radioactive material dissolved in the solvent; and means for supplying a portion of the solvent to the cleaning means to continuously remove the material supported in the solvent during both the wash and dry cycles.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, with said flushing means including a pump in fluid communication with the sump, tubing in fluid communication with the pump and drum, and a valve disposed in the tubing to prevent fluid flow therethrough during the dry cycle.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, including means for storing the solvent received from the cleaning means during the dry cycle; and means for pumping the stored clean solvent to the drum during the wash cycle.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, with the sump having first and second compartments, the first compart-ment receiving the solvent and particulate material from the drum and the second compartment being the storing means for the solvent received from the cleaning means.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, with the first compartment including an arcuate bottom for directing any particulate material settling out of the solvent toward an inlet of the pumping means, and a wiper pivotally connected to the sump for sweeping the settled particulate material along the arcuate bottom toward the inlet.
16. The apparatus of claim 8, with the flushing means including an inlet disposed for movement along the bottom of the sump to carry any particulate material settling out of the solvent to the filtering means.
17. The apparatus of claim 8, including a filter screen for removing lint from the solvent flowing into the sump.
18. The apparatus of claim 8, including means for monitoring the amount of radiation in the sump and filtered solvent to ensure adequate filtering.
19. Apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments, comprising:
a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent;
a drum for agitating the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates radioactive particulate material from the garments;
means for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum;
means for continuously carrying the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum to the sump; and filtering means receiving the continuously pumped dry cleaning solvent for removing the particulate material from the solvent being carried to the drum.
a sump for supporting a dry cleaning solvent;
a drum for agitating the radioactively contaminated garments during a wash cycle which separates radioactive particulate material from the garments;
means for continuously pumping the dry cleaning solvent from the sump to the drum;
means for continuously carrying the solvent and separated particulate material from the drum to the sump; and filtering means receiving the continuously pumped dry cleaning solvent for removing the particulate material from the solvent being carried to the drum.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, including a filter screen disposed in the removing means for removing lint from the solvent flowing into the sump.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, with said filter-ing means including filters disposed in series to ensure removal of the radioactive particulate material sus-pended in solvent.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, with the sump having an arcuate bottom for directing any particulate material settling out of the solvent toward an inlet of the pumping means and a broom pivotally connected to the sump for sweeping the settled particulate material along the arcuate bottom toward the inlet.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, with the pumping means including an inlet disposed for movement along the bottom of the sump to carry any particulate material settling out of the solvent to the filtering means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/959,009 US4235600A (en) | 1978-11-09 | 1978-11-09 | Method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments |
| US959,009 | 1978-11-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1154274A true CA1154274A (en) | 1983-09-27 |
Family
ID=25501554
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000338771A Expired CA1154274A (en) | 1978-11-09 | 1979-10-30 | Method of and apparatus for decontaminating radioactive garments |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4235600A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS55104798A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1154274A (en) |
Families Citing this family (31)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4443269A (en) * | 1979-10-01 | 1984-04-17 | Health Physics Systems, Inc. | Tool decontamination method |
| US4630625A (en) * | 1981-01-22 | 1986-12-23 | Quadrex Hps, Inc. | Tool decontamination apparatus |
| JPS5823000A (en) * | 1981-08-05 | 1983-02-10 | 株式会社東芝 | Cleaning apparatus for clothings polluted by radioactive matter |
| JPS5837598A (en) * | 1981-08-31 | 1983-03-04 | 株式会社東芝 | Cleaner for clothing polluted by radioactivity |
| JPS5883299A (en) * | 1981-11-13 | 1983-05-19 | 宇賀神 光二 | Method of treating outfit contaminated with radiation material |
| DE3209250C2 (en) * | 1982-03-13 | 1986-01-23 | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Wiederaufarbeitung von Kernbrennstoffen mbH, 3000 Hannover | Method and device for cleaning the furnace exhaust gas from a glazing plant |
| US4865061A (en) * | 1983-07-22 | 1989-09-12 | Quadrex Hps, Inc. | Decontamination apparatus for chemically and/or radioactively contaminated tools and equipment |
| US4781041A (en) * | 1984-12-10 | 1988-11-01 | Quadrex Hps, Inc. | Apparatus for cleaning garments and soft goods contaminated with nuclear, chemical and/or biological contaminants |
| US4797128A (en) * | 1984-12-10 | 1989-01-10 | Quadrex Hps, Inc. | Method of and apparatus for cleaning garments and soft goods contaminated with nuclear, chemical and/or biological contaminants |
| US4702092A (en) * | 1984-12-19 | 1987-10-27 | Gaston County Dyeing Machine Company | Apparatus for wet processing a continuous traveling web of material |
| US4850380A (en) * | 1985-05-21 | 1989-07-25 | Pall Corporation | Entry/exit decontamination system using adsorbent powder |
| US4770197A (en) * | 1986-02-21 | 1988-09-13 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Apparatus for recovering solvent |
| US4917807A (en) * | 1986-02-21 | 1990-04-17 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Method for recovering solvent |
| US4969926A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1990-11-13 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Water wash method for cleaning radioactively contaminated garments |
| US4909050A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1990-03-20 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Water wash apparatus for cleaning radioactively contaminated garments |
| US5090221A (en) * | 1988-11-30 | 1992-02-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Continuous circulation water wash apparatus and method for cleaning radioactively contaminated garments |
| US4955403A (en) * | 1988-11-30 | 1990-09-11 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Closed loop system and method for cleaning articles with a volatile cleaning solvent |
| JPH0727073B2 (en) * | 1990-03-20 | 1995-03-29 | 森川産業株式会社 | Decontamination method and decontamination apparatus for objects contaminated with radioactivity, and decontamination method and decontamination apparatus for materials used for the decontamination |
| US6113854A (en) | 1995-08-01 | 2000-09-05 | Milum; Craig | Method and apparatus for treatment of infectious medical waste |
| US6045588A (en) * | 1997-04-29 | 2000-04-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Non-aqueous washing apparatus and method |
| US7534304B2 (en) | 1997-04-29 | 2009-05-19 | Whirlpool Corporation | Non-aqueous washing machine and methods |
| US7513132B2 (en) | 2003-10-31 | 2009-04-07 | Whirlpool Corporation | Non-aqueous washing machine with modular construction |
| SE515840C3 (en) * | 2000-09-01 | 2001-10-30 | Hedson Technologies Ab | Device for washing spray guns with solvent |
| JP4316983B2 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2009-08-19 | 浩平 澤 | Dry cleaning method and apparatus |
| US7513004B2 (en) | 2003-10-31 | 2009-04-07 | Whirlpool Corporation | Method for fluid recovery in a semi-aqueous wash process |
| US7300468B2 (en) | 2003-10-31 | 2007-11-27 | Whirlpool Patents Company | Multifunctioning method utilizing a two phase non-aqueous extraction process |
| US7695524B2 (en) | 2003-10-31 | 2010-04-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Non-aqueous washing machine and methods |
| US7739891B2 (en) | 2003-10-31 | 2010-06-22 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fabric laundering apparatus adapted for using a select rinse fluid |
| EP1740757A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 | 2007-01-10 | Unilever N.V. | Dry cleaning method |
| US7966684B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2011-06-28 | Whirlpool Corporation | Methods and apparatus to accelerate the drying of aqueous working fluids |
| CN104269200B (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2016-11-30 | 中国人民解放军第五三七医院 | Movable type disappears and washes bed |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2998326A (en) * | 1956-04-04 | 1961-08-29 | Nat Starch Products Inc | Cleaning and sizing of fabrics |
| NL279568A (en) * | 1961-06-13 | |||
| US3635656A (en) * | 1971-01-11 | 1972-01-18 | Emery Industries Inc | Drycleaning method |
| DE2232397A1 (en) * | 1972-07-01 | 1974-01-10 | Henkel & Cie Gmbh | METHOD FOR CHEMICAL CLEANING OF TEXTILES |
| JPS5110032A (en) * | 1974-07-11 | 1976-01-27 | Iseki Agricult Mach | JIDATSUGATAKONBAINNIOKERU HOJOZASEKI |
-
1978
- 1978-11-09 US US05/959,009 patent/US4235600A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-10-30 CA CA000338771A patent/CA1154274A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-08 JP JP14393979A patent/JPS55104798A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS55104798A (en) | 1980-08-11 |
| JPS6158799B2 (en) | 1986-12-13 |
| US4235600A (en) | 1980-11-25 |
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