Radiological Decontamination Wipe with Neutral pH Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological decontamination methods, such as wipes, gels, and detergents, are inadequate for effectively removing radionuclides from skin without causing skin burns, requiring water for rinsing, or having restrictive storage conditions, and are not suitable for all types of radioactivity.
Innovation Solution
A non-woven radiological decontamination wipe made of hydrophilic cellulosic and synthetic fibers, impregnated with a neutral pH, solvent-free decontamination solution containing Gamma Butyrolactone and triethylene glycol, which is designed to absorb and fix radionuclides without water, suitable for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, and can be used on various surfaces including skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radiological decontamination wipes are used, then radionuclides can be removed from surfaces, but skin burns occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the decontamination solution by using a neutral pH formulation without phosphates, EDTA, or MDTA, and by controlling the water content between 15-40% by mass. This modifies the chemical aggressiveness of the wipe while maintaining decontamination effectiveness, thereby preventing skin burns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining natural or artificial hydrophilic cellulosic fibers with a specifically formulated radiological decontamination solution. This composite material achieves effective radionuclide removal while the neutral pH solution prevents skin damage, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety.
2Reliability
If water-based decontamination methods are used, then radionuclides can be washed away, but water is required for rinsing which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe is pre-impregnated with the radiological decontamination solution, making it a self-contained system that does not require external water sources for activation or rinsing. The wipe applies its own decontamination agent directly to the contaminated surface, enabling use in environments where water is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces the water content in the decontamination solution to between 15-40% by mass, creating a concentrated formulation that remains effective with minimal water. This parameter change allows the wipe to function as a waterless or low-water decontamination system, improving environmental adaptability.
3Reliability
If conventional decontamination solutions are used, then radionuclides can be removed, but the solutions require restrictive storage temperatures between 15°C and 25°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the decontamination solution by eliminating phosphates, EDTA, and MDTA, and by controlling water content at 15-40% by mass. These parameter changes create a formulation with improved thermal stability that does not require restrictive storage temperatures between 15-25°C, allowing broader environmental use.
4Reliability
If the wipe is highly impregnated with decontamination solution, then decontamination effectiveness increases, but the wipe becomes unstable and transfers contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the impregnation level by controlling the water content at 15-40% by mass in the decontamination solution. This parameter control prevents over-impregnation that would cause instability and contamination transfer, while maintaining sufficient solution content for effective decontamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrophilic cellulosic fibers as a matrix to hold the decontamination solution. This composite structure provides stable retention of the solution at controlled impregnation levels, preventing both insufficient decontamination and excessive solution transfer that would cause contamination spreading.
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 wipe effectively removes radionuclides from surfaces without water, reduces skin contamination, and is safe for use over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for emergency decontamination in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the cellulose fibers of the wipe allowing the decontamination solution to be extracted by pressing the wipe onto the surface to be decontaminated
Implementation Method 2
the wipe allowing the decontamination solution to be reabsorbed by capillary action and absorption
Implementation Method 3
the wipe allowing the decontamination solution to be reabsorbed by capillary action and absorption
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the cellulosic fibers and the synthetic fibers is functionalized by grafting, configured to fix the ionized heavy metals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Radiological decontamination wipe, for decontaminating a smooth or rough surface contaminated by radiological contamination in liquid or solid form, dust or particles, the wipe comprising natural or artificial, hydrophilic cellulose fibers, in non-woven form, and impregnated with a degreasing radiological decontamination solution at neutral pH, free of phosphate, MDTA and EDTA, and comprising between 15 and 40% water by mass, at an impregnation rate lower than its saturation rate; the cellulose fibers of the wipe allowing the extraction of the decontamination solution by contact under pressure; the decontamination solution allowing the detachment of the contaminated particles, the wipe allowing the reabsorption of the decontamination solution by capillarity and absorption, and fixing the contamination within it, and not transferring the contamination either by spreading or by re-deposition.