Advanced robotic technology, including a fishing rod-like arm, is being used to collect hazardous materials from the reactors at the Fukushima plant in a high-radiation environment.
After facing several significant obstacles, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has commenced the critical operation of removing a small amount of debris containing molten fuel from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. This marks a significant step forward in the long and complex process of decommissioning the plant. TEPCO’s pilot removal operation began after a previous attempt was halted due to technical issues, and it is expected to last about two weeks, according to Interesting Engineering on September 10.
Simulation of the process of collecting molten nuclear fuel debris from the reactors at the Fukushima plant. (Photo: TEPCO).
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant experienced one of the worst nuclear disasters in history following a magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. Currently, the plant still contains approximately 880 tons of high-level radioactive materials. The removal of debris is considered one of the most challenging aspects of the decades-long decommissioning project. Initially, TEPCO planned to start the trial removal on August 22, aiming to collect small samples weighing around 3 grams for analysis.
However, the operation was halted after issues were discovered with the installation of necessary equipment. Problems included the incorrect arrangement of five pipes intended to bring the collection device into Reactor No. 2, forcing TEPCO to temporarily stop operations for adjustments. Since then, TEPCO has revised the setup and resumed operations.
Due to the extremely high radiation levels inside the reactor, TEPCO had to develop specialized robotic technology to carry out the debris collection. One such device is a robotic arm designed to function like a fishing rod, remotely controlled to lower a metal gripping mechanism into the reactor, facilitating the collection of small debris. The device can extend up to 22 meters and will be used to collect nearly 3 grams of hazardous material. The entire process is expected to take two weeks.
In February, TEPCO deployed two mini drones and a snake-like robot into one of the reactors to prepare for this mission. Such advanced technologies play a crucial role in navigating the challenging environment of the reactor, where human access is restricted due to high radiation levels.
The effort to decommission the Fukushima plant is part of a broader strategy to manage the long-term consequences of the disaster. Last year, Japan began discharging treated wastewater from the plant into the Pacific Ocean, a move that has sparked diplomatic tensions with China and Russia. Both countries have banned the import of Japanese seafood.
