Description
The objective for this task was to test and evaluate the FX2 Advanced Fogging
Technology, developed at INL, for potential implementation at the SRS 235-F
facility to better address potential airborne contaminants; this technology is
relevant to D&D activities at other DOE sites and internationally. The FX2
fogging agent is a proprietary mixture of water, latex paint, glycerin, and
sodium lauryl sulfate. It displayed promising results at fixing potential
airborne contamination such as dust and lint via cost effective, remote
application methods during initial testing at INL in 2014. FIU, in collaboration
with INL and SRNL, expanded on these initial results by testing and evaluating
the fogging agent at FIU. INL is also collaborating on related research with
UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL).
Benefits
The testing of the FX2 Advance Fogging Technology at FIU included tests to
evaluate the following:
- Ability to fix loose contamination to different types of surfaces (glass,
concrete, steel, wood, and plastic) and adhesiveness to the surface.
- Ability to cover locations both within and outside of the direct line-of-sight
of the fogger.
- Capacity to knockdown airborne particulates.
- Characteristic properties of the product:
- Burn rate (ASTM E84)
- Flammability (ASTM D3065)
- Viscosity (ASTM D2196)
- Surface Tension (ASTM D1331)
- Density (ASTM D1475)
- Reactivity to flame and
heat sources
- Ability to shield against an alpha emitting point source.
- Coverage of surface area, as quantified with ImageJ software which analyzes
color contrast to determine coverage of the product.
- Correlation of radiation shielding to the coverage results
Accomplishments
- The technology demonstration was performed
from March 30 to April 3, 2015. The selected
technology was demonstrated at the Applied
Research Center (ARC) Technology Testing &
Demonstration Facility in Miami where an
existing hot cell mockup facility was modified to
meet the objectives of the demonstration
- Results of the testing and evaluation, including
photographs, videos and a Technology
Demonstration Evaluation Report, are available
on the D&D Knowledge Management Information
Tool (www.dndkm.org).
- Results indicate that the technology achieved the
objectives of this evaluation, demonstrating an
effective means of fixing loose simulant
contamination and adhering well to multiple
types of surfaces, thereby protecting workers and
minimizing the risk of spreading contamination
during D&D activities.
Fire resistant qualities of intumescent coatings (middle) compared to existing
industry fixatives (left and right)