Underwater laser cuts 100mm steel with ease for safe nuclear cleanup

Even in simulated underwater conditions at depths up to 10 meters, KIMM’s technology can use a powerful laser to cut through stainless steel

Baba Tamim

10m-grade pressurized underwater tank and cutting head.

KIMM

A South Korean research team has developed a novel underwater laser-cutting technique that can assist in the safe dismantling of nuclear reactors.

The technology developed by Dr. In-Deok Park and his team at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) reduces the risk of contamination by enabling precise underwater cutting of thick steel used in nuclear pressure vessels, according to a press release by the institute.

“The underwater laser cutting technology developed is significant as it directly simulates the nuclear dismantlement environment, greatly minimizing secondary contamination during the dismantling process,” Principal Researcher In-Deok Park of KIMM stated in the press release.

“With the number of nuclear facilities expected to permanently shut down continuing to rise until 2050, we plan to further advance and conduct demonstration research based on this technology.”

The new laser can help facilitate the effective decommissioning of nuclear plants as ideas for nuclear energy resurgence gain traction. It promises to make nuclear decommissioning safer and cleaner for both workers and the environment.

Even in simulated underwater conditions at depths up to 10 meters, KIMM’s technology can use a powerful laser to cut through stainless steel that is more than 100mm thick.

The laser process used by KIMM falls under thermal cutting, which offers a far safer option for working underwater than traditional nuclear dismantle techniques, which frequently rely on mechanical methods.

In order to ensure environmental safety during disassembly, secondary contaminations are also reduced, according to the researchers.

The creation of the water tank that replicates the actual undersea conditions required for nuclear dismantling is a significant component of this project.

This “world’s first” patented tank, which can replicate a 98.4 feet (30-meter) water depth, enables scientists to test and improve the technology in a secure setting.

The research team has also demonstrated a small nozzle system tailored for high-pressure underwater conditions. It has filed a patent to safeguard its design,

“The team optimized the kerf width (cutting gap) to approximately 2mm, and reduced the flow rate of cutting gas used in the laser process to 600ℓ/min,” said the researchers in the press release.

“A cutting speed of up to 50mm/min was also achieved, demonstrating the efficiency of the technology.”

To increase safety, an anti-collision mechanism was also created to guard against any mishap if the laser nozzle ran into the structure being dismantled.

Decommissioning, focusing on safe and effective dismantling techniques, has emerged as a crucial area in modern technology.

As the world’s fleet of nuclear power facilities matures, there is a growing need for dismantling expertise as nations around the world phase out reactors built in the 1970s and 1980s.

“There are around 420 nuclear power reactors currently in operation around the world. Around 200 nuclear reactors are expected to begin the decommissioning process by 2050,” according to an International Atomic Energy Agency report.

Meanwhile, the South Korean institute’s advances provide a complete strategy to ensure safety and efficiency in disassembly, focusing on the future as more nuclear plants are scheduled to be decommissioned.

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Baba Tamim Baba Tamim, an award-winning journalist, has traversed the world of social justice to explore the dynamic frontiers of technology. From early dispatches for outlets like USA Today and Al Jazeera to in-depth analyses of AI and hypersonic advancements for Interesting Engineering, his storytelling prowess has evolved alongside the ever-changing landscape of innovation. Tamim's expertise lies in uncovering the human impact of groundbreaking tech, highlighting both its potential and its complexities.

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