Criticality safe vacuum and safe geometry transport vehicle

Abstract

A criticality safe vacuum apparatus for removal of particulates from a gas having radioactive particles entrained therein. The apparatus includes a first staged segment including a cyclone housing and a second staged segment including a first filtration media for removal of particulates from gas. The cyclone housing is configured to accept insertion of a gas collection end of the second staged segment, and includes an intake port and an elongated length extended to a particulate collection container. Within the cyclone housing, cyclonic flow separates particulates from gas, with the gas moved by vacuum pressure into the first filtration media concurrently with particulates settling into the collection container. A third staged segment of a second air filtration media is positioned upgradient of the first filtration media. Vacuum pressure is maintained to induce gas flow through the first staged segment and through the second and third staged segments for separation of residual fine particles from the gas flow. A transport vehicle is disclosed for support of the cyclone housing and second staged segment, with a safe geometry provided for the collection container storing radioactive particles to minimize the occurrence of a nuclear criticality reaction.