Spent nuclear fuel rod safety update
Technology developed by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, could soon play a role in safeguarding spent nuclear fuel rods around the world. “The test demonstrates that autonomous robots could soon assist with field measurement and analysis of spent nuclear fuel, providing greater protection for human workers,” said Atwell. “Inspectors currently operate above the pond on a suspended platform, sometimes in 40-degree Celsius heat, using a handheld device to identify hundreds of used nuclear fuel rods. Spent nuclear fuel rods and the broader nuclear material supply chainThe IAEA confirm thousands of shipments of radioactive materials, including waste and spent nuclear fuel rods, are transported globally,“As a result of the increased use of radioactive substances in, for example, industry, medicine and agriculture, shipments have become more frequent and larger in volume,” said IAEA. “In addition, transport safety and security is vital during all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle – to and from nuclear power plants: at the front end, to transport uranium concentrates and new fuel assemblies; and at the back end, to transport radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel for storage or disposal.”It is the IAEA’s mission to establish regulations for the transport of radioactive material, including spent nuclear fuel rods, by all modes.
1 month ago
Trailer Magazine
