High Power Ultrasound for Particle Deposition Removal in Ventilation Ducts

In nuclear and industrial facilities, fine particles, including radioactive residues—can accumulate on the interior surfaces of ventilation ducts and equipment, posing serious safety and operational risks. These deposits increase uncertainty in material accountability, hinder accurate monitoring, and complicate decontamination efforts, especially in high-radiation or restricted-access environments. Traditional cleaning methods are often invasive, labor-intensive, or impractical for such settings.

To address this challenge, we developed a non-contact technique that uses high-power ultrasound to remove surface-deposited particles. This method enables remote, external activation of vibrations that can dislodge accumulated particles from internal surfaces without requiring mechanical access or chemical cleaning. It is safer, cleaner, and more scalable than current methods, particularly well-suited for contaminated or hard-to-reach areas.

This ultrasonic approach significantly reduces the risk of critical incidents and improves the reliability of material holdup measurements in nuclear environments. Beyond nuclear applications, it may also benefit other industries where particle fouling affects performance, such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and HVAC systems.

Contact

To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.