PFC Ultrasonic Decontamination Efficiency on the Various Types of Metal Specimens

Ultrasonic decontamination of the type 304 stainless steel specimen loosely contaminated with powders was investigated. Decontamination factors (DFs) by the three kinds of ultrasonic media such as water, pure PFC (Pefluorocarbon, ) and a mixed solution of anionic surfactant were determined. The determined DF values were 20, 50 and 200, respectively. This significant difference in the decontamination factors for the different decontamination solution was well explained by the surface tension of the media as well as the interaction between the positively charged surface of powders and the anionic surfactant. Ultrasonic decontamination behavior of the loosely contaminated metal specimens such as plate, pipe, welding specimen and crevice specimen in the mixed solution of PFC and anionic surfactant was also investigated. The contaminants were completely removed for the tested specimens except for the longest specimen. For 6-cm long pipe specimen, however, of the contaminants were removed.