VAC-PAC FULFILLS DOE WASTE COLLECTION NEEDS

 Over 50 percent of the DOE's Environmental Restoration and Waste Management sites currently engaged in active cleanup utilize Pentek's VAC-PAC high performance HEPA vacuum and waste collection systems. Recently, custom modifications of Pentek's commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vacuum technology have been delivered to support a variety of DOE EM-50 technology developments. Flexibility of design, reliability of operation, and portability have earned the VAC-PAC an enviable reputation in the hazardous waste management industry. Standard VAC-PAC features provide for direct transfer of hazardous waste into an integral waste drum and an efficient, two-stage filtration system, which cleans itself on-line automatically with continuous reverse-flow pulses of high-pressure air.

Laser Ablation System
Pentek supplied a custom VAC-PAC to support a laser ablation process developed by F2 Associates that removes contaminated paint or epoxy from metal or concrete with high-powered, high-repetition industrial lasers. Pentek modified a VAC-PAC Model 22 for integration with a special charcoal filter to collect entrained air, gases, vapors, and particulates. The high-volume suction capacity of the VAC-PAC permitted more control over wastes generated by the ablation process relative to other commercially available vacuum systems.

CO2 Blasting Robot
A project called ROVCO2, funded by the DOE's Morgantown Energy Technology Center (METC), combined Pentek's VAC-PAC with an automated CO2 blasting process that propels pellets of dry ice to scale off contaminated surface paint from facility floors. A commercial robotic vehicle chassis served as a platform for the integration of Pen-tek's VAC-PAC with CO2 blasting equipment, and a work arm and control system developed by Oceaneering Technologies. 

Image of Custom VAC-PAC 

 

 

 

 

A custom, all-aluminum VAC-PAC Model 24D was designed to fit the tight spatial constraints of the decontamination robot.

 

A special feature of the VAC-PAC Model 24D provided for this project was its 100 percent aluminum construction. Light weight was essential for maintaining compatibility with the client's specifications.

"During reliability tests, the VAC-PAC ran without any filter degradation," stated Program Manager Andrew Resnick. "We are looking forward to hot testing as part of the decontamination effort at a DOE site."

Technology Development
The VAC-PAC contributes to substantial reductions in operating and maintenance costs as well as worker exposure to hazardous materials. Whether it is ice or lasers, horizontal floors or vertical walls, Pentek continues to meet the industry's future with characteristic versatility.

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