Apparatus for collecting and packaging hazardous particulate materials

摘要

A method and apparatus is described for vacuum collecting and packaging of particulate materials, such as hazardous radiation contaminated concrete dust generated by floor scabbling, which avoids release of even small quantities of the material into the surrounding air. Each drum is positioned with its open mouth rim closely adjacent to the downwardly facing material-outlet of the vacuum collecting system. In one of the embodiments, an inflatable sealing gasket seals the spacing therebetween during filling. In another embodiment, the vacuum collecting system is vertically movable, and the vacuum collecting head, with a non-inflatable gasket is moved into engagement with the drum to provide the seal during filling. When filled, deflation of the gasket or vertical movement of the vacuum head again provides the narrow spacing, and both the container lid and a cover for the material outlet are passed therethrough. The material outlet cover is held against the outlet by vacuum while the filled container is covered and replaced with an empty container. The disposable cover is then dropped into the second container after it has been similarly sealed to the vacuum system for filling.