THE USE OF POLYMERIC BARRIER SYSTEM (PBS) FOR CONTROL OF CONTAMINATION DURING D&D OPERATIONS AND SHIPPING OF RADIOLOGICAL WASTE

Bartlett Nuclear Inc’s “Polymeric Barrier System (PBS)” Description: The Polymeric Barrier System (PBS) is a non-toxic, water-based solution which forms an impermeable barrier between hazardous or contaminated materials and the environment. Applications: a. The application of PBS to any surface to lock down loose contamination and prevent leaching of contaminates after decontamination efforts. b. PBS is also used to control environmental contamination and soil erosion - providing a far superior alternative to the traditional approach of plastic sheeting or tarpaulins. c. Easily applied in the field, PBS is ideal for minimizing the dispersion of contaminated materials, covering contaminated soil or construction debris, protecting equipment, stabilizing burial trench soil, confining spills and coating asbestos materials. d. PBS is commonly used to stabilize large plant components, concrete, valves, and other problematic radwaste items prior to shipment. Examples: PBS has been successfully used at the Idaho Cleanup Project specifically on the demolition of Test Area North facilities. PBS was used to lock down loose surface contamination in a myriad of circumstances. Large and small scale application of PBS precluded the decontamination of areas of loose surface contamination. PBS was used on large and small overhead components, expanses of metal and concrete surfaces and in “permitted confined spaces” such as tunnels and trenches. The color coding of PBS allowed the segregation of contaminated components to be picked from building debris and disposed of in accordance with local procedures. 2 External coating of large components such as tanks and 10 ft x 10 ft pieces of metal debris minimized the time and effort required to prepare and ship radioactive waste to both on and offsite disposal facilities. This overall approach significantly reduced both cost to the company and risk to our employees. Features & Benefits: Applies quickly with industrial airless sprayer, paint roller, or brush - rental available One gallon covers approximately 50 square feet at 25 mils Dries in 8 to 24 hours Low-cost solution Available in 5 or 55-gallon quantities