Tungsten Shielding Helps at Fukushima Daiichi

Technology implemented at over 40 percent of the operating nuclear power plants in the United States is now being used to help in the efforts to contain the stricken reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan.

Tungsten shielding, first developed in 2006 with a partnership between Entergy Nuclear and American Ceramics Technology, has been used by Entergy employees since 2008 for protection from radiation while performing maintenance during refueling outages. The shielding is a flexible heat-resistant material made of tungsten and iron metal powder immersed in a silicone polymer.

Traditionally, lead has been the product of choice for radiation shielding. Tungsten shielding has the ability to field-fit, providing for attenuation of radiation totaling from 5 to 10 person-Rem/year than provided by the equivalent weight of traditional lead blanket. And since tungsten is thinner and weighs as much as 50 percent less than lead, it may be more forgiving when workers are performing the physical activities required in a nuclear power plant.

"It gives them better protection at a lighter weight and better mobility," said Dick Culbertson, CEO of American Ceramics Technology.

Vests made of tungsten worn by employees working in areas where there is exposure to radiation were successful when first used, but did have limitations. The vests had the ability to protect only the front of the body, so the source of radiation had to be directly in front of the worker. Then, American Ceramics Technology received a request from the 810 MW Cooper Nuclear station, which Entergy provides support services to, for a vest that covered the entire body, front and back. Workers at Cooper were entering areas of the plant that had a high dose field coming from all directions.


Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten Picture Center: http://picture.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten Video Center: http://v.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com


 

• < Prev
• Next >