Decontamination blasting –
As a result of the shift towards sustainable energy and the associated dismantling of nuclear power plants, we are facing new challenges in terms of both human resources and materials. With its decontamination blasting technology, Clemco is rising to the challenge and helping to bring about an energy revolution. Dry blasting contaminated steel and concrete parts is an effective way of achieving this objective while also ensuring maximum safety for users. We are already playing an active role in the field of decontamination blasting as a manufacturer.
Functional, tried-and-tested design
With over 70 years‘ experience in the field of surface processing, our engineers are able to ensure compliance with the specific requirements of decontamination blasting. Clemco‘s tried-and-tested blast technology - which has achieved success all over the globe - also forms the basis of the decontamination blasting solutions, which range from a single cabin to mobile equipment or even an entire blast room with flexible usage options as a single or double chamber room. Our systems form a sophisticated overall concept which is always focused on the current state of the art as well as the specific customer requirements.
Specific requirements for decontamination blasting
Decontamination blasting presents multiple challenges in terms of both human resources and materials as well as complete equipment documentation. Due to the contaminated surfaces and dusts, a particularly high level of occupational safety is required in order to ensure that users are properly protected. Clemco has therefore developed a special safety concept which meets all requirements of the current standard. When it comes to occupational safety, Clemco takes into account not just the equipment itself but the surrounding area and the need for modified sound insulation as well.
Alongside the safety of the operator, it is also important to ensure safe extraction and further processing of the blasted surface and the blast media used. With continuous digital monitoring of low pressure throughout the equipment and the use of special HEPA H13 afterfilters, the entire structure is designed to prevent blast media accumulating in prominent areas of the equipment as far as possible. Furthermore, a fill level monitoring system keeps track of the sensitive filling area, where the contaminated material is placed in the special designated containers.
Specific requirements for documentation
Complete equipment documentation is absolutely essential in the context of decontamination blasting and presents a particular challenge due to the detailed scope required. Clemco provides a documentation service which complies with the strict requirements of a closed area such as a nuclear power plant as well
as the requirements for processing contaminated surfaces.
To ensure maximum safety, Clemco uses only certified and tested components in its decontamination equipment each blast machine undergoes an individual inspection. As well as Clemco components, this also applies
to bought-in components which are integrated into our equipment in order to achieve the best possible result. Maximum safety is not just an abstract objective at Clemco it is the concrete result of all of our efforts.
The planning and production of the overall equipment is based on the state of the art, which includes excerpts of the following standards among others:
- EN ISO 14121-1 Safety of machinery - Risk assessment
- EN 62061 Safety of machinery - Functional safety
- EN ISO 13849-1 Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems
- Machinery Directive 2006/ 42/ EC
- EN-1090 Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures
This includes the use of certified welding plans, load point plans, a risk analysis and a preliminary inspection. Customer-specific requirements are also taken into account and are incorporated into the overall concept for the equipment.
