Radioactive Dust Suppression Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to form a continuous coating on surfaces covered with ash and smoldering embers during fire extinguishing, leading to ineffective containment of radioactive dust and contamination after a fire complicated by a radiation factor.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, a plasticizer, and a surfactant mixture, specifically glycerine and a blend of anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants, which forms a stable foam that uniformly coats and absorbs ash particles, creating a continuous protective layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam containing polyvinyl alcohol is applied to surfaces covered by ash and smoldering embers, then a containment coating should form, but the foam does not form a continuous coating under these conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the foam by incorporating specific surfactants (ionic and non-ionic) and plasticizers in controlled amounts. These parameter changes enable the foam to maintain stability and form continuous coatings on ash-covered surfaces where conventional foams fail, directly resolving the contradiction between coating continuity and adaptability to harsh surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite foam system combining polyvinyl alcohol with multiple surfactants and plasticizers. This composite formulation provides both the adhesion needed for continuous coating formation and the flexibility required to adapt to irregular ash-covered surfaces, simultaneously achieving reliability and versatility.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a fire-extinguishing agent is applied to extinguish fire, then the fire is extinguished, but no polymer containment coating is formed on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions into a single composition: fire extinction (via foam formation and cooling) and containment coating formation (via polymer deposition). The foam-containing composition performs both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate fire extinction and containment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal composition that serves multiple purposes: extinguishing fire, forming a containment coating, and preventing radioactive dust spread. This multi-functional agent replaces the need for sequential application of different substances, achieving both fire extinction and reliable containment coating formation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a stabilization foam is used for decontamination, then cleaning is achieved, but it cannot suppress and contain radioactive products of combustion after fire extinguishing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tailors the foam composition with specific components (polyvinyl alcohol, surfactants, plasticizers) in precise proportions to achieve the local quality needed for radioactive contamination containment. The formulation provides enhanced adhesion and film-forming properties specifically suited for hot, ash-covered surfaces following fire extinction, making the foam adaptable to this specific application while maintaining stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition ensures a continuous coating on embers and ash, effectively preventing the spread of radioactive contaminants for over 180 days, maintaining stable foam properties and uniform wetting, even on hot surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant mixture, specifically glycerine and a blend of anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants, which forms a stable foam that uniformly coats and absorbs ash particles
Implementation Method 2
an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol... forms a continuous coating on embers and ash, effectively preventing the spread of radioactive contaminants
Implementation Method 3
particles from the upper layer of ash are absorbed into the bubble walls and start to migrate vigorously under the effect of alternating forces, drawing in more and more ash particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to means for protecting the environment from the consequences of fires complicated by a radiation factor. A composition for dust suppression and containment of radioactive products of combustion after a fire with a radiation factor has been extinguished comprises, as a surfactant, a mixture of an anionic, a non-ionic and an amphoteric surfactant, and has the following ratio of components: 3.0-7.0% by weight of an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (in terms of a mass fraction of dry product); 0.1-0.3% by weight of plasticizer; 11.0-29.0% by weight of surfactant; with water making up the remainder. The invention makes it possible to carry out dust suppression and containment of radioactive products of combustion which are formed on surfaces, including at elevated temperatures, after a fire has been extinguished.