Pentek takes part in the Decommissioning of a Pioneer:
The Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation Facility

The Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation facility, a small developmental pressurized water reactor located midway between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, PA, was primarily used as a research and training reactor from 1962 to 1972. In 1972, Saxton was shut down and its fuel shipped off site for disposal. The reactor vessel, steam generator and pressurizer were removed from the facility in November of 1998. Today, dismantlement and decontamination activities in the 50' diameter dome-shaped containment building are taking place.

To assist in these activities, Saxton is utilizing two of Pentek's largest state-of-the-art multi-tool Model 22 VAC-PAC^® systems. Each system is capable of supporting decontamination crews operating up to 10 SQUIRREL^® scabbling units, CORNER-CUTTER^® needle guns and ROTO-PEEN Scalers to decontaminate concrete walls, concrete floors and steel structures with 100% waste control. Saxton is currently operating every available PENTEK tool in an effort to expedite the concrete decontamination in preparation for automated cleaning of the steel containment vessel in June of this year.

While concrete decontamination activities are occurring in the building basement, the VAC-PAC units are permanently stationed on the ground level near the containment building access doors. Tools are connected to vacuum hoses that run up to 80 feet from the VAC-PACs into the building basement. The operator is automatically notified when the waste drum is full. At that point, the full drum is capped and replaced with an empty drum. The full drum is then and picked up by fork truck and taken to a holding station. The drum changout process is dustless and implements patented engineering controls designed to minimize worker interaction and contact with waste.

"We use both systems every day running simultaneously," said Lou Shamenek, D&D Supervisor. "The VAC-PACs are very easy to operate, especially the drum changeouts. Each changeout takes maximum 15-20 minutes, and we have had absolutely no problems with contamination." Strict control from the point of removal to final packaging eliminates the need for a special area for waste handling and has fostered a clean work environment that has yet to have an exposure situation or breach of safety protocol.