Research on Optimization of Aerosol Collection Technology in Laser Cutting Based on Numerical Simulation

In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, the cutting and dismantling of nuclear-related equipment are indispensable key processes. However, the radioactive aerosols generated during laser cutting pose a risk of environmental contamination. This study is based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and utilizes the discrete phase model (DPM) to conduct a simulation of the flow behavior of aerosols produced during laser cutting operations. The study aims to investigate the impacts of two factors—namely, the angle of the air collection hood and the air extraction flow rate under local ventilation conditions—on aerosol collection efficiency, and to provide theoretical guidance for the effective suppression of aerosols in actual laser cutting scenarios. The results indicate that reducing the angle of the air collection hood can more efficiently capture aerosols generated by laser cutting, while increasing the suction flow rate can significantly enhance collection efficiency. Therefore, in practical operations, it is recommended to adopt configurations with a higher air volume and a smaller air collection hood angle.