A Reusable Frame Greenhouse That Saves Money and Erection Time and Reduces Waste Generation

An improved greenhouse design has been proposed and tested for use at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for containing radioactive materials during decontamination, maintenance, and remodeling operations in nuclear facilities. The advantages of the greenhouse design include a reusable frame that is free standing and self-supporting and a plastic enclosure that is easily erected and attached to the frame. Manpower requirements appear to be about half that of the conventional greenhouse, the construction costs are ∼20 to 40% lower, and the waste generated from the greenhouse is ∼60% lower.