Dust Extraction & Decontamination Equipment for Nuclear Decommissioning | V-TUF

Dust Extraction for Nuclear Decommissioning

Nuclear decommissioning operations at UK sites — Sellafield, Hinkley Point, Dungeness, Bradwell and the wider NDA estate — involve controlled demolition, contaminated material handling, radiological surface cleaning and concrete cutting in environments where dust containment is safety-critical. H-Class extraction with sealed filtration is the minimum specification for surface decontamination and construction dust in active nuclear environments. All equipment deployed must be cleanable, decontaminable and, in many cases, disposable after use in controlled areas.

Why H-Class is the minimum specification

Radioactive contamination in nuclear decommissioning environments includes alpha-emitting radionuclides — plutonium, uranium — where a single inhaled particle represents a significant dose. H-Class extraction (H14 HEPA, 99.995% at 0.3 micron) is the minimum filtration specification for any vacuum operation in a radiologically contaminated environment. Standard M-Class filtration is not adequate. Standard wet/dry vacuums are not adequate.

The sealed H-Class system also matters — a vacuum that leaks at the motor bypass or filter housing under negative pressure returns contaminated air to the operator's breathing zone. V-TUF H-Class machines operate as fully sealed systems with no bypass exhaust path.

Equipment specification

H-Class extraction — decontamination and controlled area cleaning

V-TUF MIDI HSV — 21L H-Class, 110V and 240V

Compact H-Class extraction for controlled area surface decontamination, swarf and particulate recovery in confined nuclear decommissioning environments. Sealed H14 HEPA, lightweight for zone access.

View MIDI HSV H-Class explained

V-TUF MAXi — 50L and 80L H-Class

High-capacity H-Class for larger decontamination areas, concrete cutting dust recovery and volume particulate collection during controlled demolition phases.

View MAXi

V-TUF GRINDEX1300LPS — H-Class three-motor, 3300W

Highest-output H-Class extraction for large-volume decontamination operations, multi-station cutting and grinding in decommissioning environments.

View GRINDEX1300LPS 240V View GRINDEX1300LPS 110V

AEROMAX air scrubbers — negative air pressure control

HEPA air scrubbers for maintaining negative air pressure in decontamination enclosures and preventing contaminated air migration from controlled to uncontrolled areas.

View AEROMAX range

Disposability and decontamination considerations

Equipment deployed in radiologically contaminated environments at nuclear decommissioning sites may be subject to disposal as Low Level Waste (LLW) following use. V-TUF H-Class units are cost-effective enough to be treated as consumable items in LLW disposal planning. Contact the V-TUF technical team to discuss deployment and disposal considerations for your specific site and dose rate environment.

Telephone: 01522 787978

Legislation and regulatory framework

COSHH Regulations 2002 — radioactive dust is a COSHH-controlled substance. H-Class LEV is the minimum engineering control for inhalation risk in nuclear environments.

HSE EH40 — radionuclide WELs are derived limits. Nuclear site licence conditions and site-specific RPAs set operational dose constraints that inform extraction specification.

CAR 2012 — asbestos is present in many legacy nuclear buildings constructed pre-1980. H-Class extraction required for any asbestos-related work in nuclear environments.

CDM 2015 — nuclear decommissioning construction works are notifiable. H-Class dust extraction is required under CDM where the COSHH assessment identifies radiological or chemical hazardous dust.

H-Class dust extraction — full specification

Nuclear decommissioning contractor accounts

V-TUF operates trade account terms for nuclear decommissioning contractors, NDA supply chain companies and specialist decontamination service providers. UK stock, next-day delivery. Technical documentation available for site safety case submissions.

Telephone: 01522 787978 | Email: enquiries@v-tuf.com