Your browser is not recommended for EDX, we suggest using the latest version of Google Chrome.

BOA: Asbestos pipe-insulation removal robot system. Phase I. Topical report, November 1993--December 1994

License(s):

Other (Open)

Based on several key design criteria and site visits, we developed a Robot design and built a system which automatically strips the lagging and insulation from the pipes, and encapsulates them under complete vacuum operation. The system can operate on straight runs of piping in horizontal or vertical orientations. Currently we are limited to four-inch diameter piping without obstacles as well as a somewhat laborious emplacement and removal procedure. Experimental results indicated that the current robotic abatement process is sound yet needs to be further expanded and modified. One of the main discoveries was that a longitudinal cut to fully allow the paddles to dig in and compress the insulation off the pipe is essential. Furthermore, a different cutting method might be explored to alleviate the need for a deeper cut and to enable a combination of certain functions such as compression and cutting. Unfortunately due to a damaged mechanism caused by extensive testing, we were unable to perform vertical piping abatement experiments, but foresee no trouble in implementing them in the next proposed Phase. Other encouraging results have BOA removing asbestos at a rate of 4-5 ft./h compared to 3 ft./h for manual removal of asbestos with a 3-person crew. However, we feel confident that we can double the asbestos removal rate by improving cutting speed, and increasing the length of the BOA robot. The containment and vacuum system on BOA is able to achieve the regulatory requirement for airborne fiber emissions of 0.01 fibers/ccm/8-hr. shift. Currently, BOA weighs about 117 pounds which is more than a human is permitted to lift overhead under OSHA requirements (i.e., 25 pounds). We are considering designing the robot into two components (i.e., locomotor section and cutter/removal section) to aid human installation as well as incorporating composite materials. A more detailed list of all the technical modifications is given in this topical report.

Followers: 0

Citation (Click to Copy)

Data and Resources

    Gathering Resources...

Keywords

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated September 29, 2016, 15:32 (LMT)
Created September 29, 2016, 15:32 (LMT)
Citation Schempf, H.; Bares, J.E. ---- Roy Long, BOA: Asbestos pipe-insulation removal robot system. Phase I. Topical report, November 1993--December 1994, 2016-09-29, https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/boa-asbestos-pipe-insulation-removal-robot-system-phase-i-topical-report-november-1993-decembe
Netl Product yes
Poc Email Roy.long@netl.doe.gov
Point Of Contact Roy Long
Program Or Project KMD
Publication Date 1995-1-1