nuclear-news

Risk of new explosion at Fukushima, -gas being pumped in

Experts say the risk of a detonation could rise as the nuclear fuel rods cool and as the steam inside the containment vessel condenses into water, reducing pressure inside the unit and drawing air in through cracks.

Japan using gas to avoid explosion at nuclear plant, THE STRAITS TIMES, Apr 7, 2011 Japan using gas to avoid explosion at nuclear plantTOKYO – WORKERS at Japan’s stricken nuclear plant on Thursday pumped nitrogen gas into a crippled reactor in a bid to contain the world’s worst atomic accident for 25 years and prevent a possible explosion.With the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant approaching its fourth week, operator Tokyo Electric Power said it was concerned a build-up of hydrogen gas at the No. 1 reactor could cause another explosion at the site.

The fresh challenge underscored the fragility of the situation at the stricken plant, after rare progress was seen on Wednesday when workers plugged a hole spewing highly radioactive water into the ocean. Tepco officials say hydrogen building up in the housing around reactor No. 1 could mix with incoming oxygen, creating an explosion.

Experts say the risk of a detonation could rise as the nuclear fuel rods cool and as the steam inside the containment vessel condenses into water, reducing pressure inside the unit and drawing air in through cracks.

The move came as an assessment by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission dated March 26 emerged, citing persistent and growing threats at the plant, including the risk of gas build up and explosions. Workers began pumping in nitrogen, an inert gas abundant in the atmosphere, which they hope will displace the oxygen. The process to inject 6,000 cubic metres will take around six days, Tepco said.

Japan using gas to avoid explosion at nuclear plant

April 7, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | - Fukushima 2011