Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Initialising ...
Restoration Activity Team for the PFRF Contamination Incident
JAEA-Review 2019-001, 58 Pages, 2019/03
The contamination accident occurred in a laboratory room (Room No.108) of Plutonium Fuel Research Facility (PFRF) in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Oarai Research and Development Institute on June 6, 2017. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags burst just after the lid of one storage container was opened during the inspection of storage containers for U and Pu in the ventilation hood. At that time, part of nuclear materials in the storage container were scattered all over the room. Five workers in the room were subjected to plutonium contamination, which resulted in internal exposure. In order to restore the Room No.108 of PFRF, the Restoration Activity Team organized in JAEA carried out the decontamination work after the investigation of the contamination level in the room. The team decontaminated the surface of walls, ceiling, gloveboxes and other experimental instruments. Depending on the contamination distribution and installation state of the instruments, suitable decontamination methods were selected. In addition to the manual wiping using wet clothes, the exfoliation method using a strippable paint was applied for constricted areas. As a result, the loose alpha-contamination level fell below the detection limit throughout the room. On the other hand, the fixed contamination was covered with plastic sheets after the decontamination by a strippable paint. We hope that the restoration activity described in this report will provide useful information for the management of decommissioning facilities, especially for facilities treating alpha-radioactive materials such as plutonium.
Kunii, Katsuhiko; Itabashi, Keizo; Yonezawa, Minoru
JAEA-Review 2019-002, 237 Pages, 2019/03
From 1987 to 2014, the Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE) Program under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) had been carried out successfully with fruitful outcomes. ETDE had been able to be an excellent database for use in the general field of application of energy, including nuclear energy. ETDE could have deserved it, by extensively collecting the literature and providing the metadata worldwide, as well as by delivering and disseminating the bibliographic data, first to member countries, next additionally to the developing countries free of charge and finally all the world through the Internet free of charge as well. During all the days of ETDE Program Then ETDE had been very close and strong ties and cooperation with the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) Program under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), e.g., by sharing and complementing many elements and parts of each database mutually. A portal site, the ETDE World Energy Base (ETDEWEB), for the database of ETDE, had been available for use to deliver and disseminate the valuable information of bibliography of ETDE, containing directions to the full text data, dedicated to satisfying the interest of end users worldwide. As of today, even if the addition of bibliographic data to ETDE has ceased since 2014, ETDEWEB itself has been available as before, maintained in great help of the Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) of the Department of Energy (DOE), US, while OSTI had been praised as the Operating Agent (OA) of ETDE Program from the commencement to the ceasing. This is a report containing several historical documents in regard with the ETDE activities worldwide kept and remained in Japan as records (minutes etc) at the side of JAERI.
Takasaki, Koji; Yasumune, Takashi; Hashimoto, Makoto; Maeda, Koji; Kato, Masato; Yoshizawa, Michio; Momose, Takumaro
JAEA-Review 2019-003, 48 Pages, 2019/03
June 6, 2017, at Plutonium Fuel Research Facility in Oarai Research and Development Center of JAEA, when five workers were inspecting storage containers containing plutonium and uranium, resin bags in a storage container ruptured, and radioactive dust spread. Though they were wearing a half face mask respirator, they inhaled radioactive materials. In the evaluation of the internal exposure dose, the aerodynamic radioactive median diameter (AMAD) is an important parameter. We measured 14 smear samples and a dust filter paper with imaging plates, and estimated the AMAD by image analysis. As a result of estimating the AMAD, from the 14 smear samples, the AMADs are 4.3 to 11 m or more in the case of nitrate plutonium, and the AMADs are 5.6 to 14 m or more in the case of the oxidized plutonium. Also, from the dust filter paper, the AMAD is 3.0 m or more in the case of nitrate plutonium, and the AMAD is 3.9 m or more in the case of the oxidized plutonium.
Nogami, Toshinobu; Hoshino, Masato; Tokunaga, Hiroaki*; Horikoshi, Hidehiko*
JAEA-Review 2019-004, 116 Pages, 2019/08
Horonobe Underground Research Center managed by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is the Japan's best environment to understand the project of geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, because there is an Underground Research Laboratory (URL) in the center besides an exhibition facility which explains the content of research conducted in the URL. In the area of the center, there is also an exhibition facility for the full-scale model of engineered barrier system of geological disposal. JAEA takes advantage of this opportunity to conduct public hearing including questionnaire research regarding the questions, anxieties and comments by the visitors for geological disposal project. This report summarizes the result of statistical analysis of 3,842 visitors from April 2017 to January 2018.
Takeuchi, Ryuji; Iwatsuki, Teruki; Matsui, Hiroya; Nohara, Tsuyoshi; Onoe, Hironori; Ikeda, Koki; Mikake, Shinichiro; Hama, Katsuhiro; Iyatomi, Yosuke; Sasao, Eiji
JAEA-Review 2019-005, 76 Pages, 2019/06
The Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) project is being pursued by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) to enhance the reliability of geological disposal technologies through investigations of the deep geological environment in the crystalline rock (granite) at Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. On the occasion of the research program and management system revision of the entire JAEA organization in 2014, JAEA identified three remaining important issues on the geoscientific research program based on the latest results of the synthesizing research and development: "Development of countermeasure technologies for reducing groundwater inflow", "Development of modeling technologies for mass transport" and "Development of drift backfilling technologies". The research and development on three remaining important issues have been carrying out on the MIU project. In this report, the current status of the research and development activities and construction in fiscal year 2017 is summarized.
Department of HTTR
JAEA-Review 2019-006, 97 Pages, 2019/07
The High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) was constructed to establish and upgrade basic technologies for HTGRs. In the fiscal year 2017 we continued activities for re-operation of the HTTR and have been inspected the application document for the HTTR licensing to prove conformity with the new regulatory requirements for research reactors taken effect since December 2013 had been applied. This report summarizes activities and results of HTTR operation, maintenance, international cooperation and so on which were carried out in the fiscal year 2017.
Otani, Kyohei; Sato, Tomonori; Kaji, Yoshiyuki; Yamamoto, Masahiro
JAEA-Review 2019-007, 15 Pages, 2019/06
Metallic pipes under solid-liquid two phase flow is damaged by collision of solid particle to the pipe walls, and this phenomenon is named "erosion". In the case of the liquid is corrosive solution, further damage is occurred on the pipe walls chemically, and this named "erosion-corrosion". In the Fukushima Daiichi decommissioning project, the fuel debris will be crushed during removal operation of the debris and micro debris particles would be generated. It is estimated that the pipes of the circulating cooling system would be damaged under the solid-liquid two phase flow containing fuel debris particles. For the reason, the previous study about erosion and erosion-corrosion of metallic materials under solid-liquid two phase flow was surveyed. The survey showed that the damage rate by erosion and erosion-corrosion is influence by a lot of parameter in comparison to the corrosion rate which occurred in no-flow solution. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to selecting the experimental method and condition before the investigation about erosion-corrosion of metallic materials under solid-liquid two phase flow is carried out.
Aoyagi, Kazuhei
JAEA-Review 2019-008, 20 Pages, 2019/07
As part of the research and development program on the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW), the Horonobe Underground Research Center, a division of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), is implementing the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project (Horonobe URL Project) with the aim at investigating sedimentary rock formations. According to the research plan described in the 3rd Mid- and Long- term Plan of JAEA, "Near-field performance study", "Demonstration of repository design option", and "Verification of crustal-movement buffering capacity of sedimentary rocks" are the top priority issues of the Horonobe URL Project, and schedule of future research and backfill plans of the project will be decided by the end of 2019 Fiscal Year. The Horonobe URL Project is planned to extend over a period of about 20 years. The investigations will be conducted in three phases, namely "Phase 1: Surface-based investigations", "Phase 2: Construction phase" (investigations during construction of the underground facilities) and "Phase 3: Operation phase" (research in the underground facilities). This report summarizes the investigation program for the 2019 fiscal year (2019/2020). In the 2019 fiscal year, investigations in "geoscientific research", including "development of techniques for investigating the geological environment", "development of engineering techniques for use in the deep underground environment" and "studies on the long-term stability of the geological environment", are continuously carried out. Investigations in "research and development on geological disposal technology", including "improving the reliability of disposal technologies" and "enhancement of safety assessment methodologies", are also continuously carried out.
Nuclear Human Resource Development Center
JAEA-Review 2019-009, 65 Pages, 2019/09
This annual report summarizes the activities of Nuclear Human Resource Development Center (NuHRDeC) of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in the fiscal year (FY) 2017.
Ishimaru, Tsuneari; Ogata, Nobuhisa; Hanamuro, Takahiro; Shimada, Akiomi; Kokubu, Yoko; Asamori, Koichi; Niwa, Masakazu; Shimada, Koji; Watanabe, Takahiro; Sueoka, Shigeru; et al.
JAEA-Review 2019-010, 46 Pages, 2019/09
This report is a plan of research and development (R&D) on geosphere stability for long-term isolation of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) in Japan Atomic Energy Agency, in fiscal year 2019. The objectives and contents in fiscal year 2019 are described in detail based on the outline of 7 years plan (fiscal years 2015-2021). Background of this research is clarified with the necessity and the significance for site investigation and safety assessment, and the past progress in this report. In addition, the plan framework is structured into the following categories: (1) Development and systematization of investigation techniques, (2) Development of models for long-term estimation and effective assessment, (3) Development of dating techniques.
Department of Decommissioning and Waste Management
JAEA-Review 2019-011, 91 Pages, 2019/10
This report describes the activities of Department of Decommissioning and Waste Management (DDWM) in Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI) in the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The report covers organization and missions of DDWM, outline and operation/maintenance of facilities which belong to DDWM, treatment and management of radioactive wastes, decommissioning activities, and related research and development activities which were conducted in DDWM.
Eguchi, Shohei; Nakano, Hiroko; Otsuka, Noriaki; Nishikata, Kaori; Nagata, Hiroshi; Ide, Hiroshi; Kusunoki, Tsuyoshi
JAEA-Review 2019-012, 22 Pages, 2019/10
A practical training course using the JMTR and other research infrastructures was held from July 31st to August 7th in 2018 for Asian young researchers and engineers. This course was adopted as Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science) which is the project of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and this course aims to enlarge the number of high-level nuclear researchers/engineers in Asian countries which are planning to introduce a nuclear power plant, and to promote the use of facilities in future. In this year, 11 young researchers and engineers joined the course from 6 countries. This course consists of lectures, which are related to irradiation test research, safety management of nuclear reactors, nuclear characteristics of the nuclear reactors, etc., practical training such as practice of research reactor operation using simulator and technical tour of nuclear facilities on nuclear energy. The content of this course in FY 2018 is reported in this paper.
Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center
JAEA-Review 2019-013, 81 Pages, 2019/10
The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is one of the designated public institutions. JAEA has responsibilities of providing technical assistances to the Japanese and local governments in case of nuclear or radiological emergencies based on these Acts. In order to fulfill the assistances, the JAEA has prepared the Nuclear Emergency Support Measures Regulation, Disaster Prevention Work Plan and Civil Protection Work Plan. The Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center (NEAT) is the main center of the technical assistance in case of emergency, and dispatches experts, supplies equipment and gives them technical advice and information. In normal time, the NEAT provides the exercises and training courses concerning the nuclear preparedness and response to emergency responders. This report introduces the results of activities in Japanese Fiscal Year 2018, conducted by NEAT in accordance with the third medium and long-term plan from Japanese Fiscal Year 2015 to 2021.
Takeuchi, Ryuji; Iwatsuki, Teruki; Matsui, Hiroya; Ikeda, Koki; Mikake, Shinichiro; Hama, Katsuhiro; Iyatomi, Yosuke; Matsuoka, Toshiyuki; Sasao, Eiji
JAEA-Review 2019-014, 30 Pages, 2019/10
The Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) Project is being pursued by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency(JAEA) to enhance the reliability of geological disposal technologies through investigations of the deep geological environment in the crystalline host rock(granite) at Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. On the occasion of the reform of the entire JAEA organization in 2014, JAEA identified three important remaining issues on the geoscientific research program based on the synthesized latest results of research and development (R&D): "Development of countermeasure technologies for reducing groundwater inflow", "Development of modeling technologies for mass transport" and "Development of drift backfilling technology". The R&D on three remaining important issues have been carrying out in the MIU Project. This report summarizes the R&D activities planned for fiscal year 2019 on the basis of the MIU Master Plan updated in 2015 and Investigation Plan for the Third Medium to Long-term Research Phase.
Nuclear Safety Research Center, Sector of Nuclear Safety Research and Emergency Preparedness
JAEA-Review 2019-015, 147 Pages, 2019/11
Nuclear Safety Research Center (NSRC), Sector of Nuclear Safety Research and Emergency Preparedness, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is conducting technical support to nuclear safety regulation and safety research based on the Mid-Long Term Target determined by Japanese government. This report summarizes the research structure of NSRC and the cooperative research activities with domestic and international organizations as well as the nuclear safety research activities and results in JFY 2018 on the nine research fields in NSRC; (1) severe accident analysis, (2) radiation risk analysis, (3) safety of nuclear fuels in light water reactors (LWRs), (4) thermohydraulic behavior under severe accident in LWRs, (5) materials degradation and structural integrity, (6) safety of nuclear fuel cycle facilities, (7) safety management on criticality, (8) nuclear safeguards, and (9) safety of radioactive waste management.
Safety and Environmental Management Section, Safety and Nuclear Security Administration Department
JAEA-Review 2019-016, 196 Pages, 2019/12
We have prepared Annual Report "Japan Atomic Energy Agency 2018" as a means for comprehensively reporting on the activities of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. In September, 2018 Japan Atomic Energy Agency published results of environmental activity as a part of Annual Report "Japan Atomic Energy Agency 2018" concerning the activities of FY 2017 under "Law Concerning the Promotion of Business Activities with Environmental Consideration by Specified Corporations, etc., by Facilitating Access to Environmental Information, and Other Measures". This report has been edited to show detailed environmental performance data in FY 2017 as the base of "Annual Report Japan Atomic Energy Agency 2018" and its additional information's. This report would not only ensure traceability of the data in order to enhance the reliability of the environmental report, but also make useful measures for promotion of environment-conscious activities in JAEA.
HPC Technology Promotion Office
JAEA-Review 2019-017, 182 Pages, 2020/01
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) conducts research and development (R&D) in various fields related to nuclear power as a comprehensive institution of nuclear energy R&Ds, and utilizes computational science and technology in many activities. As shown in the fact that about 20 percent of papers published by JAEA are concerned with R&D using computational science, the supercomputer system of JAEA has become an important infrastructure to support computational science and technology. In FY2018, the system was used for R&D aiming to restore Fukushima (environmental recovery and nuclear installation decommissioning) as a priority issue, as well as for JAEA's major projects such as research and development of fast reactor cycle technology, research for safety improvement in the field of nuclear energy, and basic nuclear science and engineering research. This report presents a great number of R&D results accomplished by using the system in FY2018, as well as user support, operational records and overviews of the system, and so on.
Saiga, Atsushi
JAEA-Review 2019-018, 122 Pages, 2020/01
The Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project is planned to extend over a period 20 years. The investigations will be conducted in three phases, namely "Phase 1: Surface-based investigations", "Phase 2: Construction Phase" (investigations during construction of the underground facilities) and "Phase 3: Operation phase" (research in the underground facilities). This report summarizes the results of the investigations for the 2018 fiscal year (2018/2019). The investigations, which are composed of "Geoscientific research" and "R&D on geological disposal technology", were carried out according to "Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project Investigation Program for the 2018 fiscal year". The results of these investigations, along with the results which were obtained in other departments of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), are properly offered to the implementations and the safety regulations. For the sake of this, JAEA has proceeded with the project in collaboration with experts from domestic and overseas research organizations.
Sector of Nuclear Fuel, Decommissioning and Waste Management Technology Development
JAEA-Review 2019-019, 118 Pages, 2020/03
This annual report summarizes the activities of decommissioning and radioactive waste management in JAEA in the period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017. Decommissioning activities and radioactive waste treatment activities were carried out according to the annual plan. To reduce a risk of storage of high-level radioactive liquid waste, produced 25 vitrified wastes at Tokai Vitrification Facility of Tokai Reprocessing Plant (TRP) of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories (NCL). Radioactive waste generated from R&D activities in JAEA were treated and managed safety. Also, the construction of Oarai Waste Reduction Treatment Facility (OWTF) of Oarai Research and Development Center was carried out. As technology development pertaining to treatment and radioactive wastes activities were carried out according to the annual plan. Laser cutting technology have been developed towards reactor decommissioning in Fugen Decommissioning Engineering Center. In Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, a uranium measurement technology has been developed to verify the clearance level.
Sector of Nuclear Fuel, Decommissioning and Waste Management Technology Development
JAEA-Review 2019-020, 153 Pages, 2020/03
This annual report summarizes the activities of decommissioning and radioactive waste management in JAEA in the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Decommissioning activities and radioactive waste treatment activities were carried out according to the annual plan. To reduce a risk of storage of high-level radioactive liquid waste, produced 34 vitrified wastes at Tokai Vitrification Facility of Tokai Reprocessing Plant (TRP) of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories (NCL). JRR-4 and Transient Experiment Critical Facility (TRACY) of Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI), each decommissioning plan was approved by Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in June 2017. Radioactive waste generated from R&D activities in JAEA were treated and managed safety. Also, the construction of Oarai Waste Reduction Treatment Facility (OWTF) of Oarai Research and Development Center was carried out. As technology development pertaining to treatment and radioactive wastes activities were carried out according to the annual plan. Sampling technology of the reactor component and laser cutting technology have been developed towards reactor decommissioning in Fugen Decommissioning Engineering Center. In Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, a uranium measurement technology has been developed to verify the clearance level.
Sector of Nuclear Fuel, Decommissioning and Waste Management Technology Development
JAEA-Review 2019-021, 149 Pages, 2020/03
This annual report summarizes the activities of decommissioning and radioactive waste management in JAEA in the period from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Decommissioning activities and radioactive waste treatment activities were carried out according to the annual plan. Decommissioning plan of Tokai Vitrification Facility of Tokai Reprocessing Plant (TRP) of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories (NCL) was approved by Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) in June 2018. Uranium Enrichment Demonstration Plant of Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center (Ningyo-toge), application for approval of decommissioning plan was submitted to NRA in September 2018. The dismantling cost of JAEA facilities were evaluated by DECOST Code, and the results were reflected by Facilities Management Plan. Radioactive waste generated from R&D activities in JAEA were treated and managed safety. Also, the construction of Oarai Waste Reduction Treatment Facility (OWTF) of Oarai Research and Development Institute was completed in March, 2019. As technology development pertaining to treatment and radioactive wastes activities were carried out according to the annual plan. Sampling technology of the reactor component and laser cutting technology have been developed towards reactor decommissioning in Fugen Decommissioning Engineering Center. In Ningyo-toge, a uranium measurement technology has been developed to verify the clearance level.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Tokyo Polytechnic University*
JAEA-Review 2019-022, 35 Pages, 2020/01
CLADS, JAEA, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the Development of Semantic Survey Map Building System Using Semi-autonomous Mobile Robots for Surveying of Disaster Area and Gathering of Information in Nuclear Power Station. The objective of the present study is to research and develop semi-autonomous mobile robot systems (multi-sensor fusion system, semantic simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), system for traversable-route learning and safe traversable-route presentation, etc.) that simply, safely, and rapidly make semantic survey maps including multiple information (air dose rate, temperature, obstacles, etc.). The system will be applied to the investigation of the situation inside the building of the nuclear power station where people cannot access at the time of disaster.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; University of Tsukuba*
JAEA-Review 2019-023, 33 Pages, 2020/01
CLADS, JAEA, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the 'Upgrading of Recovery Method for Radioactive Microparticles by Heavy Liquid Separation Aiming to Volume Reduction of Contaminated Soil'. After the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, radioactive cesium has been heterogeneously distributed in surface soil due to the existence of radioactive microparticles and clay minerals. Therefore, the selective removal of these microparticles will lead to the volume reduction of contaminated soil. The present study examines methods for selectively removing radioactive microparticles from soil. Also, in order to reduce the volume of contaminated soil, we search a possibility to practically apply the separation method that uses the difference in specific gravity of particles (heavy liquid separation method).
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Okayama University*
JAEA-Review 2019-024, 61 Pages, 2020/01
CLADS, JAEA, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Biological Effect of Internal Exposure by Inhaling Alpha-ray Emitting Nuclides Represented by Radon". In the present study, the effect of alpha-ray emission in human body on the surrounding cells is estimated, and biological response to alpha-ray exposure is investigated at the whole organism level, by the evaluation method for radiation effects using radon that is an alpha-ray emitting nuclide, because there have been extensive studies on radon so far. From the obtained results, a model to evaluate the effect of internal exposure by alpha-ray emitting nuclides on health is constructed. Through these studies, we aim to form a research base by the interdisciplinary organic collaboration among research organizations.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Osaka University*
JAEA-Review 2019-025, 36 Pages, 2020/01
CLADS, JAEA, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Technology to Simultaneously Measure Viscosity and Surface Tension of Molten Materials in Reactor Core". Since (U,Zr)O and boride, molten materials in reactor core, exist at extremely high temperature, chemical reactions between the vessel and these molten materials are unavoidable. Therefore, it is difficult to measure the thermophysical property of these materials. In the present study, droplets are produced by heating and melting the samples levitated by a gas levitation method, then the droplets are collided with a substrate. From the instant behavior of the collision, a new technology to simultaneously derive the viscosity and surface tension will be developed.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Tokyo Institute of Technology*
JAEA-Review 2019-026, 51 Pages, 2020/01
JAEA/CLADS had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Establishment of Measurement System for Radiation-dependent Mutation in Organ Tissue Cells Derived from Human iPS Cells". The purpose of the present study is to establish an experimental system to evaluate the difference in radiation-dependent mutation among tissues. In previous studies, unified evaluation of the difference in radiation-dependent mutation among tissues has been difficult because the mutation rate among tissues had been evaluated using cell lines taken from different individuals. Recent biotechnological innovation in stem cell field represented by iPS cells has become enable to induce differentiation of tissue cells from a single cell. In the present study, Tokyo Institute of Technology produce tissue cells in nervous, dermal, blood and circulatory systems by unifying these new technologies. Using these tissue cells, we measure the mutation rate for each tissue after the radiation exposure, and aim to establish an experimental system to evaluate the difference in mutation depending on tissues by constructing a mathematical model.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; The University of Tokyo*
JAEA-Review 2019-027, 70 Pages, 2020/01
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Technology for Rapid Analysis of Strontium-90 with Low Isotopic Abundance Using Laser Resonance Ionization". In this study, we will develop a rapid analysis technique for strontium-90 using diode laser-based resonance ionization with elemental and isotopic selectivity. Strontium-90 is one of the major difficult-to-measure nuclides released into the environment due to the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Our method is particularly intended for real samples which contain high concentrations of strontium stable isotopes such as marine samples.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Shibaura Institute of Technology*
JAEA-Review 2019-028, 71 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of the Sintering Solidification Method for Spent Zeolite to Long-term Stabilization". The present study aims to develop the sintering solidification method for zeolites (spent zeolites) that adsorbs continuously generated radionuclides such as cesium. The sintering solidification method is able to stabilize adsorbed radionuclides such as cesium in zeolites by adding a glass as a binder to spent zeolite and sintered it. It is expected that the sintering solidification method is significantly reduce the volume of the solidified body compare with the glass solidification method and to form a stable solidified body equivalent to the calcination solidification method. In this project, we planned to select a glass suitable for the sintering solidification method and optimize the sintering temperature, etc. using non-radioactive nuclides (cold tests), and verify it by using radioactive nuclides (hot tests). In FY2018, we investigated the thermal properties of candidate glasses for binder and the effect of heating atmosphere on the sintering solidification method. Irradiated fuel for preparing simulated contaminated water containing radionuclides was selected and the condition of it was observed. In addition, we surveyed existing research results and latest research trends about solidification of zeolite, calcination solidification and so on.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Osaka University*
JAEA-Review 2019-029, 36 Pages, 2020/02
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Gel Filler that Facilitates Fuel Debris Retrieval". When gel materials such as polymer, silicate and clay minerals with adjusted viscosity are used in the process of debris retrieval, the gel would not leak down from the damaged parts, resulting in the reduction of surrounding air dose rate. In addition, gel materials can reduce the diffusion and scattering of dust that is produced by cutting. For these reasons, we propose a method where inside of a containment vessel is filled by gel materials in order to simplify the debris retrieval.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; The University of Tokyo*
JAEA-Review 2019-030, 66 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Identification of Altered Phases of Fuel Debris by Laser Fluorescence Spectroscopy". In the present study, we focus on uranium that is the main component element in debris, and identify the altered phase produced on the debris surface under various conditions by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) with high sensitivity to hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) that is stable in oxidation environment. In particular, further high-sensitive and high-resolution measurements are implemented by improving the fluorescence yields and suppressing the broadening of the peaks through the measurements at ultra-low temperature. In addition, with the supports by quantum chemical calculations, multivariate analysis, and machine learning, the method will lead to the identification of multicomponent and heterogeneous altered phase of fuel debris.
Kaburagi, Masaaki; Torii, Tatsuo; Ogawa, Toru
JAEA-Review 2019-031, 251 Pages, 2020/01
There is high expectation for advanced remote technology and robotics to reduce the radiation exposure for workers in harsh nuclear environments such as the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). However, the radiation tolerance of state-of-the-art key components, sensors and electronic devices, for remote operation is still limited. In order to extend the application of robotics in nuclear energy, it is pertinent to develop "Radiation hardness" of components and "Radiation smartness" in operation procedures. Furthermore, developments of "Radiation measurement" and "Technology to recognize the location and to grasp the surrounding environment", including the radiation imaging of the high dose-rate fields inside the FDNPS and the detection of nuclear fuel debris, are necessary for the future nuclear fuel debris retrieval. This Fukushima Research Conference aims to share the future vision for advancing the remote technology among experts from diverse fields.
Nakayama, Masashi; Tanai, Kenji
JAEA-Review 2019-032, 32 Pages, 2020/02
There are various types of monitoring in the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, such as monitoring for confirmation of construction quality and the status of engineered barrier, and monitoring to help manage construction, operation and closure activities, etc. Among these monitoring methods, monitoring related to the confirmation of the state of engineered barrier has been studied in international joint research on monitoring concepts and specific methods. Since monitoring equipment is affected by temperature, humidity, pressure, radiation, water quality, etc., it is important to consider geological environmental conditions and radiation effects. This report compares the radiation resistance of the materials used in the monitoring equipment with the absorbed dose in the buffer material obtained by analysis, and qualitatively examines the effects of radiation on the monitoring equipment. As a result of the examination, it was estimated that the dose did not affect the monitoring equipment. However, it is necessary to verify the possibility of reliable data acquisition by irradiation tests for monitoring devices with built-in electronic components.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; National Institute of Technology, Kisarazu College*
JAEA-Review 2019-033, 57 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Dosimeter for Severe Radiation Environment near Reactor Pressure Vessel". Since the radiation level in the reactors and buildings of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (1F) is extremely high due to the accident, it is required to develop radiation measurement technology based on the needs at the 1F working site. In the previous studies, it has been verified that dosimeters using solar cell devices can be used for dose evaluation under high dose rate near the reactor pressure vessel because they have advantages such as unnecessity of a high-voltage source, ultra-compactness, lightweight, and high radiation resistance. Through this study, we will develop technologies towards practical application of revolutionary radiation measurement system based on the dose measurement technology utilizing solar cell devices.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; The University of Tokyo*
JAEA-Review 2019-034, 59 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, conducted the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aimed to contribute to solving problems in the field of nuclear energy represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development was promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barriers of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Analysis of microparticles generated by laser processing and development of a methodology for their nuclear identification". Although laser processing has various advantages, one well-known disadvantage is that it generates a large amount of microparticles during the processing. Therefore, the application of laser processing to decommissioning waste contaminated with radioactive materials has been hesitant because the mechanism generating the microparticles has not been fully understood. In this study, the mechanism of microparticle production by laser processing is investigated from fundamentals. Also, we develop a laser on-line principle device to examine the nuclides present in the microparticles that are produced, based on the measurement of the particle size distribution by collecting the microparticles using aerodynamic lenses.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Tohoku University*
JAEA-Review 2019-035, 61 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Basic Research on the Stability of Fuel Debris Including Alloy Phase". In the present study, we focus on fuel debris consisting of oxide phase and alloy phase generated by the high-temperature chemical reaction between structure materials (SUS pipes, pressure vessels, etc.) and fuels (melted fuels, claddings components, etc.). We synthesize the simulated debris of UO-SUS system and UO-Zr(ZrO)-SUS system by high-temperature heat treatment, and measure their chemical property and dissolution behavior in water. Also, we will conduct research and development to spectroscopically analyze secular changes of oxide phase and alloy phase in the simulated debris.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Kyoto University*
JAEA-Review 2019-036, 65 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Quantitative Analysis Method for Radiation Distribution in High Radiation Environment by Gamma-ray Image Spectroscopy". Electron-tracking Compton camera (ETCC) has been developed originally for nuclear gamma-ray astronomy, and also applied to medical use as a technology that greatly improves the resolution of conventional Compton camera by measuring three-dimensional tracking of electrons using a gaseous 3-dimensional position detector (so called Time Projection Chamber) in the first stage. In the present study, based on the ETCC that has been developed for medical use, we produce a prototype of light weight ETCC with the emphasis on the operability at the site, and evaluate its practicability by field tests.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; The University of Tokyo*
JAEA-Review 2019-037, 90 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Technology to Prevent Scattering of Radioactive Materials in Fuel Debris Retrieval". The objective of the present study is to clarify the behavior of microparticles in gas and liquid phases in order to steadily confine radioactive microparticles at the time of debris retrieval in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. In addition, as measures to prevent scattering, we will evaluate and develop methods by experiments and simulation as to; (1) a method to suppress the scattering with minimum amount of water utilizing water spray etc., and (2) a method to suppress the scattering by solidifying fuel debris.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Tohoku University*
JAEA-Review 2019-038, 57 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Imaging System with Ultra-high Spatial Resolution Aiming to Detect Alpha-dust". In the present study, we have developed a prototype of a system aiming to elucidate the behavior of alpha-dust generated at the time of debris retrieval. In this system, alpha-ray is first converted to visible light by novel scintillator. Then, imaging with ultra-high resolution will be possible using a lens and an Si-semiconductor camera (CMOS camera). Also, it will be possible to identify the species of alpha-ray emitting nuclides by unfolding of the spectra. The demonstration tests of the system will be conducted for dust samplers at the Plutonium Fuel Development Center, JAEA. In the development of the present system, it is important to use scintillator whose emission wavelength is sensitive to the CMOS camera as well as high emission scintillator. Considering these conditions, the key technology will be the improvement of the purity of crystals and optimization of the shapes of the materials including powers.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Kyushu University*
JAEA-Review 2019-039, 104 Pages, 2020/03
The Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science (CLADS), Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Research and Development of Transparent Materials for Radiation Shield using Nanoparticles". The present study aims to reduce radiation exposure of workers in debris retrieval/analysis and reduce deterioration of optical and electronic systems in remote cameras. For these purposes, we develop transparent radiation shield by making the shield materials into nanoparticles, and dispersing/solidifying them in epoxy resin. By making BC and W into nanoparticles, we will also develop a radiation shield that shields both neutrons and gamma-rays, and also suppresses secondary gamma-rays produced from neutrons.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; High Energy Accelerator Research Organization*
JAEA-Review 2019-040, 77 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. The sponsor of the Project was moved from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to JAEA since the newly adopted proposals in FY2018. On this occasion, JAEA constructed a new research system where JAEA-academia collaboration is reinforced and medium-to-long term research/development and human resource development contributing to the decommissioning are stably and consecutively implemented. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Research and Development of Radiation-resistant Sensor for Fuel Debris by Integrating Advanced Measurement Technologies". The present study aims to in-situ measure and analyze the distribution status and criticality of flooded fuel debris. For this purpose, we construct a neutron measurement system by developing compact diamond neutron sensor (200 m 510 m thickness) and integrated circuit whose radiation resistance was improved by circuit design. Along with the multi-phased array sonar and the acoustic sub-bottom profiling (SBP) system, the neutron measurement system will be installed in the ROV (developed by Japan-UK collaboration) and its demonstration tests will be conducted in a PCV mock-up water tank.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Ibaraki University*
JAEA-Review 2019-041, 71 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, has been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") since FY2018. The Project aims at solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence has been collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development have been promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Contribution to Risk Reduction in Decommissioning Works by the Elucidation of Basic Property of Radioactive Microparticles". In order to establish the decommissioning procedures (recovery of the melted fuels, decontamination inside the reactors, ensuring the safety of the workers, etc.) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, radioactive microparticles released by the accident are an important information source for clarifying what had happened inside the reactors in the course of the accident. The purpose of the present study is to obtain detailed knowledge on the basic properties (particle size, composition, electrical/optical properties, etc.) of the radioactive microparticles, as well as to further elucidate the various properties of the radioactive microparticles including the quantitative evaluation of alpha-ray-emitters, through the Japan-UK synergetic research. Thus, we are conducting research and development that will contribute to the comprehensive works towards the risk reduction in the "decommissioning" plan.
Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science; Kyoto University*
JAEA-Review 2019-042, 43 Pages, 2020/03
JAEA/CLADS, had been conducting the Center of World Intelligence Project for Nuclear Science/Technology and Human Resource Development (hereafter referred to "the Project") in FY2018. The Project aims to contribute to solving problems in nuclear energy field represented by the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. For this purpose, intelligence was collected from all over the world, and basic research and human resource development were promoted by closely integrating/collaborating knowledge and experiences in various fields beyond the barrier of conventional organizations and research fields. Among the adopted proposals in FY2018, this report summarizes the research results of the "Development of Thin SiC Neutron Detector with High Radiation Resistance". In the works for debris retrieval, it is required to install subcritical surveillance radiation monitors that can surely work for long time under extremely high gamma-ray radiation environment. However, there have been problems such as remote control of conventional radiation monitors is difficult because heavy radiation shields are needed. In the present study, we will develop a neutron detector using thin, light-weight and radiation-resistive silicon carbide (SiC) that has low sensitivity to gamma-rays as well as the data collection system in collaboration with the U.K. Using this system, the performance tests will be conducted supposing the real debris retrieval including the irradiation tests. Based on the results, we will conduct research and development aiming to make the system ready for use in real decommissioning works.
Safety Division, J-PARC Center
JAEA-Review 2019-043, 147 Pages, 2020/02
This annual report describes the activities on radiation safety and general safety in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) in FY 2018. Activities on radiation safety such as radiation control in each facility, environmental monitoring, individual monitoring, maintenance of monitoring instruments and other activities on radiation matters are represented, and activities of general safety such as safety committees, meetings, lectures, trainings and periodical checks are described. In addition, activities on promotion of safety culture and the technological developments and research on safety issues are also summarized in each separate section.
Engineering Services Department
JAEA-Review 2019-044, 96 Pages, 2020/03
The Engineering Services Department is in charge of operation and maintenance of utility facilities (water distribution systems, electricity supply systems, steam generation systems and drain water systems etc.) in whole of the institute. And also is in charge of operation and maintenance of specific systems (power receiving and transforming facilities, an emergency electric power supply system, an air/liquid waste treatment system, a compressed air supply system) in nuclear reactor facilities, nuclear fuel treatment facilities and usual facilities or buildings. In addition, the department is in charge of maintenance of buildings, design and repair of electrical/mechanical equipments. This annual report describes summary of activities, operation and maintenance data and technical developments of the department carried out in JFY 2018. We hope that this report may help to future work.
Nakano, Masanao; Fujii, Tomoko; Nagaoka, Mika; Inoue, Kazumi; Koike, Yuko; Yamada, Ryohei; Yoshii, Hideki*; Otani, Kazunori*; Hiyama, Yoshinori*; Kikuchi, Masaaki*; et al.
JAEA-Review 2019-045, 120 Pages, 2020/03
Based on the regulations (the safety regulation of Tokai Reprocessing Plant, the safety regulation of nuclear fuel material usage facilities, the radiation safety rule, the regulation about prevention from radiation hazards due to radioisotopes, which are related with the nuclear regulatory acts, the local agreement concerning with safety and environment conservation around nuclear facilities, the water pollution control law, and by law of Ibaraki Prefecture), the effluent control of liquid waste discharged from the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories of Japan Atomic Energy Agency has been performed. This report describes the effluent control results of the liquid waste in the fiscal year 2018. In this period, the concentrations and the quantities of the radioactivity in liquid waste discharged from the reprocessing plant, the plutonium fuel fabrication facilities, and the other nuclear fuel material usage facilities were much lower than the limits authorized by the above regulations.
Ichihara, Akira
JAEA-Review 2019-046, 36 Pages, 2020/03
Toward the revision of JENDL-4.0, we conducted a literature survey on how to compute the cross section of thermal neutrons scattered by a liquid. This report summarizes the computational methods for evaluating thermal neutron cross sections with molecular dynamics simulations. The cross section can be expressed with a function called as scattering law. For light and heavy water, the scattering law data instead of the cross sections have been provided in nuclear databases. In this report we review the formulations of the scattering laws. The scattering laws can be derived from both the intermediate scattering function and the space-time correlation function. Features of the derived scattering laws are briefly explained. It is shown that the scattering law data can be evaluated using a molecular dynamics simulation of the liquid that is the target of thermal neutrons.
Naraha Center for Remote Control Technology Development, Fukushima Research Insitute
JAEA-Review 2019-047, 32 Pages, 2020/03
Naraha Center for Remote Control Technology Development (Naraha Center) was established in Japan Atomic Energy Agency to promote a decommissioning work of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (Fukushima Daiichi NPS). Naraha Center consists of a Full-scale Mock-up Test Building and Research Management Building, and various test facilities are installed in them for the decommissioning work of Fukushima Daiichi NPS. The number of facility use in Naraha Center was 64 in FY2018. This report summarizes the activities of Naraha Center in FY2018, such as the utilization of facilities and equipment of Naraha Center, the development of remote control technologies for supporting the decommissioning work, maintenance of the remote control machines for emergency response, and training for operators by using the machines.
Nakano, Masanao; Fujii, Tomoko; Nemoto, Masashi; Tobita, Keiji; Kono, Takahiko; Hosomi, Kenji; Nishimura, Shusaku; Matsubara, Natsumi; Maehara, Yushi; Narita, Ryosuke; et al.
JAEA-Review 2019-048, 165 Pages, 2020/03
Environmental radiation monitoring around the Tokai Reprocessing Plant has been performed by the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories, based on "Safety Regulations for the Reprocessing Plant of Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Chapter IV - Environmental Monitoring". This annual report presents the results of the environmental monitoring and the dose estimation to the hypothetical inhabitant due to the radioactivity discharged from the plant to the atmosphere and the sea during April 2018 to March 2019. In this report, some data include the influence of the accidental release from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (the trade name was changed to Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. on April 1, 2016) in March 2011. Appendices present comprehensive information, such as monitoring programs, monitoring methods, monitoring results and their trends, meteorological data and discharged radioactive wastes. In addition, the data which were influenced by the accidental release and exceeded the normal range of fluctuation in the monitoring, were evaluated.
Department of HTTR
JAEA-Review 2019-049, 97 Pages, 2020/03
The High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), a graphite-moderated and helium gas-cooled reactor being able to get 950C temperature of the outlet coolant with 30 MW of thermal power, constructed at the Oarai Research and Development Institute of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency is the first High- Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) in Japan. The purpose of the HTTR is to establish and upgrade basic technologies for HTGRs. The HTTR has accumulated a lot of experience of HTGRs' operation and maintenance up to the present time throughout rated power operations, safety demonstration tests, long-term high temperature operations and demonstration tests relevant to HTGRs' R&Ds. In the fiscal year 2018, we made effort to pass the inspection of application document for the HTTR licensing to prove conformity with the new regulatory requirements for research reactors that took effect since December 2013 in order to restart operations of the HTTR that stopped since the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. This report summarizes the activities carried out in the 2018 fiscal year, which were the situation of the new regulatory requirements screening of the HTTR, the operation and maintenance of the HTTR, R&Ds relevant to commercial-scale HTGRs, the international cooperation on HTGRs and so on.