VecLoader HEPA Vacuum Insulation Removal System

Category: Dismantlement > Non-Cutting Methods > Removal Vaccum
Reference # : OST No 1784 , DOE/EM-0469 Model No : HEPA VAC 522

The Vecloader High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Vacuum is a self-contained, trailer-mounted vacuum unit used commercially to evacuate asbestos insulation. The HEPA VAC transports the insulation through a flexible suction hose up to 500 ft. Asbestos insulation and fiber are vacuumed and captured in a fully enclosed negative-pressure system and sent into diesel engine-powered vacuum cyclone separator where it is sprayed with water to promote clumping. The VecLoader HEPA Vac can pull insulation right off the wall and send it directly into appropriate disposal containers. It is an extremely high-powered vacuum system capable of suctioning 1,700 cubic feet of air per minute at a vacuum of 15 inches of mercury and is equipped with automatic shutoff safety valves. All components of the VecLoader are mounted on a readily transportable trailer. The VecLoader is designed to vacuum any material-liquid, slurry, or solid- that can be drawn through its 5-inch diameter smooth bore vacuum hose. The integrated engine/vacuum generates high noise levels, and in a typical configuration, the VecLoader is located outside the work area. Dimensions of Tech Model (LxWxH): Width of HEPA VAC 7 ft 10 in Traveling Height of HEPA VAC 11 ft 4 in Operating Height of HEPA VAC 18 ft 0 in Traveling Length of HEPA VAC 17 ft 5 in Operating Length of HEPA VAC 24 ft 2 in Maximum Operating Height of HEPA VA from bottom of discharge spout to ground 8 ft 6 in Weight of Tech Model (lb.): 9,800

Benefits

The VecLoader insulation removal process is more than three time fast as manual removal Reduce airborne contamination and worker exposure to contaminants and radionuclides Reduced personal protective equipment, this due to its higher production rate that reduced the time required for insulation removal Reduce the waste disposal because achieved a 58.5% compaction of the insulation versus 7.7% for manual removal

Limitations

The 5 -inch diameter hose was difficult and cumbersome to maneuver and the 2.5- inch diameter hose was not effective due to repeated plugging There were no handle or nozzle at the end of the hose and the workers simply held the hose directly with their hands The power suction caused the vacuum hose to stick to the wall Communication between the vacuum hose operator ant he VecLoader operator was difficult due to noise levels generated by the equipment Locating clogs in the vacuum line was difficult The VecLoader operator had no way of knowing how much insulation was being suctioned into the cyclone separator or when the waste needed to be discharged into the waste collection bags. The moistened insulation discharged into the waste disposal bags sometimes made them heavy and difficult to handle

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The VecLoader® HEPA VAC 522™.

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