| Technology | Principle | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser (light) ablation | Concentrated light energy absorbed by surface material, converted to heat, removing surface coatings and contaminants | Dry process; minimal secondary waste; thicker layers removable by increasing energy; can be selectively and remotely applied using optical fibres | High capital cost; limited to surface contamination |
| Microwave scabbling | Microwave energy absorbed by concrete surface; heats moisture to steam, scarifying the surface | Low secondary waste arisings | Does not work well in dry concrete matrix (as found during DIDO plant dismantling at Harwell) |
| Microbiological degradation | Microbiological solution applied to contaminated surface; microbes consume contaminants and penetrate the surface; solvent wash removes reaction products | Effective for abandoned process equipment, storage tanks and pipes | Slow process; limited applicability; difficult to control |
Lesson 6 ◆ 6.10 Decontamination Techniques