Abstract: A composition and method for removing contaminants from metal surfaces is disclosed. The composition comprises 30 to 70 percent by weight of a terpene-based component, 5 to 40 percent by weight of a C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 ester of lactic acid or derivative thereof, and 1 to 20 percent by weight of a surfactant.

Abstract: A composition and method for decontaminating a surface with the composition is disclosed. The composition comprises from 30 to 70 percent by weight of a terpene-based component, 1 to 15 percent by weight of an amine, 1 to 20 percent by weight of a surfactant, and 5 to 50 percent by weight of an alpha olefin sulfonate or alkoxy sulfate.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes of decontaminating by electrochemical attack, a metal workpiece or solution contaminated with one or more metal oxides. A metal workpiece or solution contaminated with one or metal oxides is mixed or exposed to a solution including hydrazide ions to complex metal ions of the metal oxides with hydrazide ions. The metal workpiece or an anode is connected to a positive terminal of means for providing direct current. A cathode is disposed away from the metal workpiece in the solution including metal ions complexed with hydrazide ions and connecting the cathode to a negative terminal of means for providing direct current. DC current is conducted from the metal workpiece through the solution including metal ions complexed with hydrazide ions to the cathode. The solution or workpiece is decontaminated by plating out the metal ion as a metal at the cathode thereby removing the metal oxides from the metal workpiece or solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decontaminating surfaces are disclosed. A housing is configured with first and second channels and first and second fluid pathways in fluid communication therewith, respectively. First and second applicators are positioned within respective first and second channels and electrodes are electrically connected with the applicators. Electric current of a first polarity is supplied to a first applicator via the first electrode, and electric current of a second polarity is supplied to a second applicator via the second electrode. Decontaminating a surface comprises supplying a first fluid to a first applicator, supplying a second fluid to a second applicator, generating an electrical potential between the first and second applicators, and contacting the contaminated surface with the first and second applicators.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured with first and second applicators for applying respective first and second electrolytic fluids. Decontaminating a surface comprises supplying a first electrolytic fluid to a first applicator, supplying a second electrolytic fluid to a second applicator, generating an electrical potential between the first and second applicators, and contacting the contaminated surface with the first and second applicators.

Abstract: A composition and method for decontaminating a surface is disclosed. Specifically, the composition comprises 20 to 50 percent by weight of a terpene-based component, 20 to about 40 percent by weight of an alkyl pyrrolidone, and 5 to about 40 percent by weight of a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decontaminating an article containing lead contaminated with radioactive material. The method includes contacting the article containing lead contaminated with radioactive material with a decontamination composition comprising about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a reductant, about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of citric acid and mixtures thereof; 1 to 15 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of polyaminocarboxylic acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of polyaminocarboxylic acid and the combination of a polyaminocarboxylic acid and a neutralizing compound and mixtures thereof; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a nonionic surfactant; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a dispersant; and 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a corrosion inhibitor, and the balance water or other aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A composition and method for decontaminating a surface is disclosed. Specifically, the composition comprises 20 to 50 percent by weight of a terpene-based component, 20 to about 40 percent by weight of an alkyl pyrrolidone, and 5 to about 40 percent by weight of a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decontaminating a surface of nuclear or fissile materials or both. The process includes impacting ortho-boric acid crystals onto the surface. The present invention also provides an abrasive media comprising ortho-boric acid crystals having a boron-10 content of at least 19 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing lead oxide from a surface having lead oxide deposited thereon. The method includes contacting the article containing lead contaminated with radioactive material with a decontamination composition comprising about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a reductant, about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of citric acid and mixtures thereof; 1 to 15 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of polyaminocarboxylic acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of polyaminocarboxylic acid and the combination of a polyaminocarboxylic acid and a neutralizing compound and mixtures thereof; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a nonionic surfactant; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a dispersant; and 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a corrosion inhibitor, and the balance water or other aqueous liquid.