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PipeTaz:  Automated Pipe Asbestos Insulation Removal System--Automatika, Inc., 235 Alpha Drive, The Abbott Building, Pittsburgh, PA  15238; 412-968-1022

Dr. Noellette Conway, Principal Investigator

Dr. Noellette Conway, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER82955

Amount:  $99,659

 

The abatement of asbestos from thermal and processing pipe systems is a $300M+ obligation that DOE will have to tackle as part of their cleanup program.  Currently, asbestos-containing insulation is typically removed in large specialized enclosures, using glovebags or wrapped-and-cut for demolition purposes.  The ability to separate the asbestos-containing insulation, which in many cases can also be radiologically contaminated, would 1) represent a large cost-savings to DOE; 2) reduce disposal costs; 3) open up recycling opportunities; and 4) allow for significant waste volume reduction.  We propose to develop an in situ pipe asbestos-insulation removal system capable of removing insulation from piping.  The system will allow the (potentially radiologically contaminated) insulation to be bagged separately and the pipe cleaned and sealed without exposing humans to any hazardous fiber emissions.  Both the waste-material and piping will either become more recyclable or more readily (and cheaply) disposable, depending on the decision of the DOE site and/or the contractor.  In Phase I we intend to develop the overall assembly layout design of the complete system.  The design will be based on previous experience gathered as part of a DOE -funded robotic abatement system effort, which we intend to leverage through university researcher consulting and eventual licensing.  In addition, we will develop a hand-held modular removal head that will allow us to test different cutting and removal methods under negative containment on the range of lagging and insulation materials known to be existent across the DOE complex.  The results will be compiled in a report and substantive review from industrial representatives and cognizant asbestos consultants and agencies, will all add towards the feasibility assessment of the Phase II prototype system.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The proposed system will be able to handle any size pipe that is removed as part of wrap-and-cut demolition and disposal work in DOE and industry.  The proposed system will allow for waste separation of the (potentially radiologically contaminated) insulation from the pipe, thereby providing for an effective waste-separation process.  This separation allows for the reduction in waste-volume by at least 40 percent (weight-reduction by 90 percent+).  The separated material may now be recycled, which adds to the payback-value of the system.  The new abatement method is performed in a safe manner and under negative-pressure containment, ensuring safe working practices and avoiding further environmental contamination.  The total DOE savings are estimated at $50M to $100M+ (excluding recycling benefits), with annual industry savings of an equivalent magnitude.