13 years after the disaster, a robot has entered Fukushima to search for molten nuclear fuel

During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the Fukushima Daiichi plant lost its main cooling systems, causing meltdowns in its three reactors. It is estimated that some 880 tons of molten fuel remain inside them, but a new project seeks to analyze it.

Recovery of melted fuel. For the first time, a robot has recovered molten fuel from the Fukushima No. 2 primary reactor. Thanks to this, researchers will be able to determine how the plant materials have degraded over time.

The Telesco robot. The company that currently manages the plant, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), has detailed that they used an extendable remote robot with a telescopic arm and a clamp, which was able to successfully cut a piece of fuel. Telesco was then controlled to a closed container on the surface to drop off the sample for further analysis.

If radioactivity is found? If they find radioactivity in the analysis, Telesco will have to return inside the reactor to recover another fragment. Those responsible for the Japanese company have stated that the sample has to weigh less than three grams for safety and storage. Furthermore, it is enough to provide information.

Delay in missions. Although it is the first time it has been done, it was scheduled for August. During the process there were two setbacks, the first a procedural error and then the robot’s two cameras failed.

The cleaning process. Both the Japanese Government and TEPCO have established a goal of 30 to 40 years for the cleanup, but experts believe that it should be reviewed because it could be extended over time. Furthermore, there is no specific plan on the disposal of the remains of the fuel.

In this situation, we should also remember that a year ago, about 10,000 radioactive tanks began to dump wastewater from Fukushima into the sea.

Other reactors. In another order of things, a nuclear reactor affected by the Fukushima accident has also been reopened. However, a recent news item on Monday, November 5, announced that its opening has been stopped due to a problem with the measuring instruments.

Image | TEPCO and IAEA

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