The decontamination of radiologically contaminated surfaces is a significant industry challenge. Laser cleaning is a compelling alternative to currently deployed techniques as it produces smaller amounts of waste and can be operated remotely using fibre optics or a robot, making it a safer solution.
The project, named OptiClean, has received funding as part of the UK Japan Civil Nuclear Programme. The technique will have particular application at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, but also at Sellafield and other legacy nuclear sites in the UK.
For more information on the project please see the South West Nuclear Hub at the University of Bristol Press release: Funding to develop laser cleaning decontamination techniques for nuclear decommissioning.