It was recently noticed during safety walkaround checks that there is an air gap all along the top of the hot cell, which varies in size, which was previously covered with duct tape. In some sections, the duct tape was completely degraded or missing entirely.
A foam tube was purchased (see specs below) and the duct tape was removed and replaced by the tube. See attached photo. Work permit: C2025-07-04-1. The entire perimeter of the hot cell was not covered - some air gaps remain, and some duct tape (still intact) remains. There seemed to be a marginal improvement in hot cell depression level (improvement of around 0.01 in H2O) after the foam was inserted.
The following are recommendations:
- Continue monitoring the condition of the duct tape on the side that still has it (hot cell personnel entry side). Replace with foam if needed.
- Continue monitoring depression level during regular safety walkarounds.
- In the future, consider inserting a custom-cut foam piece around the manipulator feedthrough areas, and any other area with large air gaps. Important note: this hot cell does not have a dedicated air inlet tube with filter - if all gaps are fully covered, there will be no airflow path into the cell. If major improvements are made to reduce air gaps, it is recommended to install a custom foam insert with an appropriate filter to act as an air inlet.
Foam tube details:
McMaster-Carr part number 2029N19
Multipurpose Blended Neoprene Foam Tube
1-5/16" OD, 7/8" ID, 10 Feet Long
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