Pueblo plant workers are wrapping nearly 50 large Static Detonation Chamber components in material specifically designed to protect equipment in extreme conditions as part of disassembly and transport of the units to other Department of Defense organizations for reuse.
“The shrink wrap performs a key function,” said Dave Webb, engineering manager, lending expertise from Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “During transportation of the unit and storage pending future installation, it protects the equipment from possible wear caused by the natural environment.”
Webb said the largest items being shrink-wrapped by weight are the three Detonation Chamber skids, which weigh approximately 64,000 pounds each. The technique has been used on previous projects by the disassembly contractor, who included it as part of their original proposal.
Two workers are conducting shrink-wrap operations, which begin with covering any sharp edges or areas that could damage the material with a heavy tape or other protective material. The shrink-wrap sheet material, a non-hazardous, low-density polyethylene, is then laid on the ground and the item is placed on top of it by a crane. After trimming and taping of seams, workers apply heat, causing the material to closely envelop the item, similarly to how boats are shrink-wrapped for the winter. It takes five to 10 hours to shrink-wrap a single skid or piece of equipment depending on the size and shape of the item.
Webb said the material is rated for 12 months of ultraviolet protection, and no special disposal requirements are needed when it is removed.
Disassembly of the remaining two SDC units is expected to be complete by mid-summer.
