Fukushima news

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88. Fuel rod removal: Fukushima’s most dangerous operation yields first successes

Fuel rod removal: Fukushima’s most dangerous operation yields first successes

CROSS POSTED FROM HERE: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024070888


http://rt.com/news/fukushima-nuclear-fuel-rods-072/

Published time: November 21, 2013 13:59

Workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant have successfully removed the first nuclear fuel rods from a cooling pool suspended above ground in what is one of the most dangerous operations ever attempted in nuclear history.

Already riddled with problems, the complex process of cleaning up and decommissioning the plant consists of many components. The removal of these rods is of paramount importance for safety and the prevention of another nuclear catastrophe.

Each fuel assembly contains 50 to 70 fuel rods – there are a total of 22 assemblies that have been transported today aboard a trailer to another, newer, storage pool on the final day of an operation that lasted four days, according to a statement by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), Reuters reports.

What used to be done by computer will now be an entirely manual process, because of the tilted position of the cooling pools, which was affected by the tsunami and earthquake that battered the power plant in 2011.


It's looking better for this risky operation. They've managed to move 22 fuel rod assemblies so far, with no major issues. Let's hope this success continues.