TOKYO, Sep 12 (Information On Japan) –
The removing of gasoline particles, a vital and extremely difficult a part of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Energy Plant decommissioning course of, has resumed. This course of, thought to be probably the most troublesome facet of the decommissioning effort, focuses on extracting melted and solidified nuclear gasoline, often called gasoline particles, from the plant’s reactors.
Professor Takashi Okamoto from the College of Tokyo defined the operation, which befell on September 10 on the No. 2 reactor. As a result of excessive radiation ranges contained in the containment vessel, the particles can solely be eliminated utilizing robots.
Gas particles is extraordinarily hazardous because of its excessive radiation ranges, making it not possible for people to entry the world with out extreme danger. On this operation, robots have been deployed alongside human staff, though even the areas the place individuals have been current had comparatively excessive radiation ranges, complicating the duty. The full quantity of gasoline particles in reactors 1 to three is estimated to be about 880 tons, however solely a small amount — lower than 3 grams — was eliminated throughout this part as a result of excessive radiation dangers.
The operation has made important progress, with the profitable insertion of the tools into the containment vessel marking a serious step ahead. Tokyo Electrical Energy Firm (TEPCO) considers this the primary part of the operation, an necessary milestone within the lengthy and complicated technique of gasoline particles removing. Based on Professor Okamoto, the removing of particles is difficult as a result of it should be accomplished totally by robots, given the hazardous nature of the fabric and the shortcoming of people to method it.
There aren’t any issues about radioactive contamination or a possible recriticality in the course of the operation, as the quantity being eliminated may be very small. Even when the method fails, there can be no environmental impression, and the duty may very well be redone. The extracted gasoline particles will likely be analyzed at a analysis facility in Ibaraki Prefecture to check its crystal construction, which can assist develop future methods for extra in depth particles removing.
Whereas there are 880 tons of gasoline particles remaining, Professor Okamoto expressed cautious optimism that after they perceive the situation of the fabric inside, it might be potential to take away the remaining inside an inexpensive timeframe. The general aim is to finish the decommissioning by 2051, with the removing and secure storage of the particles as the highest precedence.
Supply: FNN
