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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2021.09.012

A hybrid cutting technology using plasma and end mill for decommissioning of nuclear facilities  

Choi, Min-Gyu (Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University)
Lee, Dong-Hyun (Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University)
Jeong, Sang-Min (Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University)
Figuera-Michal, Darian (Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University)
Seo, Jun-Ho (Department of Quantum System Engineering, Jeonbuk National University)
Publication Information
Nuclear Engineering and Technology / v.54, no.3, 2022 , pp. 1145-1151 More about this Journal
Abstract
A hybrid cutting using both plasma and end mill was developed for safe and efficient dismantling of nuclear facilities. In this cutting method, a moving arc plasma heats up the workpiece before milling. Thermally softened part of the workpiece is then removed quickly and deeply with an end mill. For the cutting experiments, a three-axis numerical control (NC) milling machine was combined with a commercialized arc plasma torch and used to cut 25 mm thick stainless steel plates. Experimental results revealed that pre-heating by arc plasmas can improve the cutting volume per unit time higher than 40% by reducing the cutting load and increasing the cuttable depth when using an end mill without cutting fluids. These advantages of a hybrid cutting process are expected to contribute to quick and safe segmentations of metal structures with radioactively contaminated inner surfaces.
Keywords
Arc plasma; End mill; Hybrid cutting; Decommissioning; Dismantling; Nuclear facility; Radioactive waste;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 3  (Citation Analysis)
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