Application of a hand-controlled abrasive water-jet system for dismantling of metal components

Abrasive waterjet cutting has been successfully introduced in dismantling activities in the nuclear power plant in Kahl (VAK) in Germany. In this case Abrasive Water Suspension Jets (AWSJ) were handled by an operating system specially developed for this application. To become more free in using this technology in different applications the development of a hand-controlled system appeared needful. Based on important security aspects due to the proximity of the personnel to the jet, a mobile AWSJ system was designed and built at the Waterjet Laboratory Hannover. The general mode of action which applies in the same way for injection and suspension jets will be demonstrated using the mentioned AWSJ system. The system itself and the results of first successful tests will be presented.