Chernobyl Accident 1986

• The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was the result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with inadequately trained personnel. The resulting steam explosion and fires released at least 5% of the radioactive reactor core into the atmosphere and downwind. Two Chernobyl plant workers died on the night of the accident, and a further 28 people died within a few weeks as a result of acute radiation poisoning. UNSCEAR says that apart from increased thyroid cancers, "there is no evidence of a major public health impact attributable to radiation exposure 20 years after the accident." Resettlement of areas from which people were relocated is ongoing.                                                                                       
• The April 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine was the product of a flawed Soviet reactor design coupled with serious mistakes made by the plant operators.  It was a direct consequence of Cold War isolation and the resulting lack of any safety culture.
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Chernobyl in Ukraine

The accident destroyed the chenobyl 4 reactor, killing 30 operators and firemen within three months and several further deaths later. One person was killed immediately and a second died in hospital soon after as a result of injuries received. Another person is reported to have died at the time from a coronary thrombosis. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) was originally diagnosed in 237 people on-site and involved with the clean-up and it was later confirmed in 134 cases. Of these, 28 people died as a result of ARS within a few weeks of the accident. Nineteen more subsequently died between 1987 and 2004 but their deaths cannot necessarily be attributed to radiation exposure. Nobody off-site suffered from acute radiation effects although a large proportion of childhood thyroid cancers diagnosed since the accident is likely to be due to intake of radioactive iodine fallout. Furthermore, large areas of Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and beyond were contaminated in varying degrees.

The Chernobyl disaster was a unique event and the only accident in the history of commercial nuclear power where radiation-related fatalities occurred. However, the design of the reactor is unique and the accident is thus of little relevance to the rest of the nuclear industry outside the then Eastern Bloc.

References :

1. http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/chernobyl/inf07.html
2.Health Effects of the Chernobyl Accident and Special Health Care Programmes, Report of the UN Chernobyl Forum, Expert Group "Health", World Health Organization, 2006 
3. The International Chernobyl Project, 1990-91 - Assessment of Radiological Consequences and Evaluation of Protective Measures, Summary Brochure,

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TNB ready to buy gas at market prices, says Che Khalib

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is ready to purchase gas for power generation at open market prices upon completion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regassification terminal in Melaka by 2012. President/chief executive officer Che Khalib Mohamad Noh [pic] said the company had been talking to several gas suppliers including ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell for a secured supply.

TNB CEO Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh

“We’ve appointed professional consultants to deal with the major suppliers as we are still new in the matter,” he told reporters at Universiti Tenaga Nasional here today.

The market price for gas currently hovers around RM30 to RM50 mmBTU. The government, through Petroliam Nasional Bhd, spends around RM20 billion a year to provide subsidised gas to TNB at RM13.70 mmBTU. Che Khalib said the open market price would not necessarily mean a hike in tariff rates for domestic and industrial consumers.

TNB would suggest several options to the government to either absorb the cost or pass it on to consumers, he said. Natural gas accounts for 60% of TNB’s eletricity generation while coal and hydro contribute 35% and 5% respectively. The company aims to have a balance between gas- and coal-generated power by 2015.

Meanwhile, Che Khalib said power demand was expected to increase 3% to 4% next year.

More info here: The Star Biz, freemalaysiatoday online, Bernama, Malaysiakini

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TRIVIA #3

Do you know?

Malaysia Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) formerly known as Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT) is strategically located near higher learning institutions, besides its close proximity to the Government Administration Centre, Putrajaya, and the Multimedia Super Corridor, Cyberjaya, has stimulated Nuclear Malaysia to meet its aspirations.

The rebranding followed mass restructuring of its organisation departments, human resource, and the re-alignment of its core business towards establishing nuclear power in Malaysia as an alternative form of renewable energy.

More info here: Malaysia Nuclear Agency, KP Agensi Nuklear Malaysia (Facebook page)

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Professor Michihiro Furusaka Talk in University Tenaga Nasional

Yesterday Professor Michihiro Furusaka [pic] from Hokkaido University, Japan came to University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) here in Bangi, Malaysia with a collaboration from Malaysia Nuclear Agency to give a talk on Nuclear Technology and Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). His talk were held at UNITEN College of Engineering and a very large audience turnout to hear his talk and among the VIP present was Dean of College of Engineering Professor Dr. Mohd Zamri, Nuclear Techonology Course Co-ordinator Dr Nor Azlan Mostafa, Senior Lecturer from Mechanical Engineering Department Assoc Prof Dr Mujibur Rahman, Mr. Syukri Yahya and other department senior lecturers.

As for an introduction, he did explain to us what is the connection or relationship between the Quantom Physics and Nuclear Techonolgy in detail. He gave us a very simple example of Quantom Beam such as Light (Laser), X-Ray, Gamma Ray and etc. and he relates those quantom beams with Neutrons.

Professor Michihiro Furusaka

He did ask some basic chemistry question, "do you know how small the size to produce or make 1nm of steel atom neutrons that we can called it an 1nm atom?" Then he explained it in detail through his fancy, interactive and attractive slideshow. He also ask the audience about how thin of the small angle of radian for the Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and later he gave an example with the two table in front of him in the classroom with an inclined position side by side with only slight angle and say "like this much, but you can't see it!" followed by the big laughters from the audience. 

He also did show us his small prototype that he manage to build in order to reduce the size of the Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) system design as he said Japenese people loves "tiny" things. Then he also explain to us about what this Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) system can contribute in Medicine field as it can be used to detect Parkinson and Cancer disease at early stage.

He gives his talk in a very spontaneous, fun, humurous yet gives us a good sharing of his great knowledge in Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Technology he mastered in. As the time doesn't permit him to finish his talk to show us the entire slideshows util the end. He manage to conclude his talk by explaining to us the worldwide Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Laboratory around the world in a glance including Malaysia.

We personally feel very grateful to have a chance to meet and hear his great experience and knowledge about the Small–Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) from him. *"Arigatō" Professor Michihiro Furusaka! :)

*"Arigatō" means Thank You in Japanese.

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China's First Nuclear Reactor

China’s first nuclear reactor, which went into operation in 1958. Since the early 1950s, the PRC was strongly interested in developing nuclear technology and nuclear weapons, both as a matter of keeping pace with modern science and as a means of enhancing national prestige and security. A series of U.S. nuclear threats directed at China beginning with the Korean War reinforced a PRC decision to “go nuclear,” and the Soviets made significant contributions to the Chinese nuclear program between 1957 and the withdrawal of Soviet technicians and material in 1959.

This heavy-water reactor had a thermal power of 7,000-10,000 kw, and its circular accelerator could accelerate alpha particles, making its energy output reach 25,000,000 EV.

This 10MWt heavy water research reactor (HWRR) located in a suburb in Beijing was the first nuclear reactor ever to be built in China. It was operated by the state China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) for 49 years before being shut down permanently at the end of 2007,

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IAEA Issues Guidelines For Lynas

KUANTAN, Nov 30 (Bernama) - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued guidelines to be adhered to by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd to enable the plant to process rare earth. International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria said the guidelines are to ensure the health and safety of workers and residents in the vicinity before the plant operates.

"I also wish to clarify that Lynas' application to start operation is being studied by our supervising officers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations." Sta Maria said this after visiting the plant site accompanied by Atomic Energy Licensing Board director-general Datuk Dr Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan and Lynas Malaysia managing director Datuk Mashal Ahmad here Wednesday.

She dismissed claims that the plant at Gebeng industrial area would start pre-operation in January next year as mere rumours. Meanwhile, Raja Abdul Aziz said that Lynas has sent documents when applying for pre-operational licence four weeks ago and it is being studied by the appointed panel before a decision is made seven months later. He said it is to ensure that the three rare earth materials processed by the plant do not cause radiation to the public.

" Two local scientists including nuclear specialist had confirmed that chemical
plant project, Lynas in Gebeng, Kuantan is safe. "

References:

1. http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=630928

2. http://www.hmetro.com.my/articles/2pakarsahkanselamat/Article/

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TRIVIA #2

Do you know?


One fuel pellet the size of a pencil's eraser can produces about the same amount of energy as burning 1 ton of coal, 150 gallons of oil or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas.

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Fukushima: Earthquake not a factor, Tsunami the 'direct cause'

The tsunami of 11 March was actually the 'direct cause' of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, concluded an official investigation report. It dismissed the idea that earthquake damage was a major factor in the accident.

As we can see the figure above the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant geography is situated near the first earthquake point [1]. A safe emergency shutdown was achieved within seconds of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake, said the Fukushima Nuclear Accident Investigation Commission composed of experts independent of plant owner Tokyo Electric Power Company. Control rods were fully inserted within seconds and all 13 diesel generators started as per design when tremors disconnected the grid connection. Instrumentation was working correctly, as were cooling systems.

Fukushima's coastal position in the Japanese north-east left it exposed to the full force of the tsunami 

Photograph: The Tokyo Electric Power/EPA [3].

Shaking recorded at the site was around the maximum that the plant was designed to cope with and still maintain nuclear safety but walk-down checks by plant staff showed no indication of significant damage to coolant systems.

Within an hour of the earthquake, however, almost the entire site was submerged to a depth of up to nine metres by a series of tsunami waves. Over about ten minutes these flooded six of the diesels and ruined the supporting equipment of another six. Only one diesel unit survived and this was used alternately to maintain essential systems at units 5 and 6 - using one of only three power distribution panels that had not been submerged. Some 36 other distribution panels throughout the emergency diesel generator system were made useless by water.

     Before and after tsunami: Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear comples. Pic: AP [4].

This situation was noted as the 'direct cause' of the accident. The lack of emergency power and the inability to restore it eventually led to the loss of four reactor units and a significant release of radioactivity.

The report was based in part on analysis of observable factors at the site - such as high-water marks and physical damage - in addition to reams of hard data produced by reactor control systems up to the time they lost power. This report was an interim publication, running to hundreds of pages, and was released for comment while the investigating commission promised to report again as more information comes to light [2].

More info here: Earthquake not a factor

References:

1. http://gruntdoc.com/2011/03/fukushima-nuke-plant-geography.html

2. http://www.worldnuclearnews.org/RS_Earthquake_not_a_factor_in_Fukushima_accident.html

3. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/11/japan-earthquake-evacuate-nuclear-plant

4. http://asiancorrespondent.com/50356/japanese-ordered-indoors-in-radiation-leak-crisis/

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New Nuclear Technologies

Nuclear proponents have tried bolster public support by offering newer, safer , reactor designs. These designs include those that incorporate  passive safety and Small Modular Reactors . while these reactors  designs "are intended to inspire trust, they may have an unintended effect : creating distrust of older reactors that lack the touted safety features"[1].

The next nuclear plants to be built will likely be generation 3 or 3+ design. and a few such are already in operation in Japan. Generation 4 reactors would have even greater improvements in safety. These new designs are expected to be passively safe or nearly so, and perhaps even inherently safe (as in the PBMR designs ).

Some improvements made (not all in all designs ) are having three sets emergency diesel generators and associated emergency core cooling systems rather than just one pair, having quench tanks (large coolant-filled tanks) above the core that open into it automatically ,having a double containment (one containment building ) inside another, etc.

However, safety risks may be the greatest when nuclear systems are the newest, and  operators have less experience with them. Nuclear engineer David Lochbaum explained that almost all serious nuclear accidents occurred with what was  at the time the most recent technology. He argues that "the problem with new reactors and accidents is twofold : scenarios arise that are impossible to plan for in simulations; and humans make mistake"[2] .As one directors of a U.S research laboratory put it "fabrication , construction , operation and maintenance of new reactors will face a steep learning curve : advanced technologies will have a heightened risk of accidents and mistakes. The technology may be proven but people are not "[2].

References


1. M.V Ramana (july 2011 vol.67 no.4). Bulletin of the atomic scientists.
2. Benjamin K .Sovacool. A critical evaluation of Nuclear power and renewable electricity in Asia.

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Thorium an minerals replace the urinium

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How Nuclear energy works!!!

In this video,talks about how an nuclear energy works.Then,have briefly explain about how BWR (Boiling water reactor) and PWR(pressurize water reactor),works.....find out how the both reactor works and enjoy it!!!!

References
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfIbBDR3e8

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TRIVIA #1

Uranium is found in nature just like iron, steel and tin. It is always referred as yellow cake.

Why it is called yellow cake? Because it is yellow!

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The nuclear reactor

Nuclear reactor is an devise use to initiate and sustained nuclear chain reaction.The reactor used for generate the electricity and propulsion of ships.In this video,will shows how an nuclear reactor works and the functions of each the component.In the second,video is all about how the nuclear reactor works,to deliver the energy to be used.

References
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueainTAy7G0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc2DKSC9Mj8&feature=player_embedded#!

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An explanation on what went wrong in Fukushima Dai-chi.

Professor Cham Dallas of the University of Georgia, an expert on nuclear energy, walked Chris Wragge (host) through what exactly went wrong with the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station in Japan which experienced a partial meltdown.

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Nuclear Reactor Evolution

Figure below shows the type of nuclear reactor from Generation I to Generation IV, current commercial power reactors mostly from Generation II and III to III+ as the design change to better improved safety features together with new technologies implementation and also extended lifetime.

Reference : Introduction to Nuclear Technology MEHB 513 (UNITEN) Textbook, Author: Dr Nor Azlan Mostafa

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German police clear nuclear waste train protest

Police in Germany say they have cleared thousands of protesters who were trying to block a trainload of nuclear waste.

Protesters had blocked the tracks near the site in northern Germany where the spent nuclear fuel is to be stored. The 150 tonnes of uranium, originally from German nuclear plants, is being moved in 11 containers from Normandy, France, where it was reprocessed. It is the last of 12 such shipments from France because of a German move away from nuclear power. Reports said 1,300 people had been detained following the clearing of the protest.

A rescuer holds the unchained hand of an anti-nuclear protester being removed from the railway tracks before the arrival of the transport train in Hitzacker. The transport has to stop again and again because of the blockades - it takes longer than any such transport did before. It started on Wednesday, 4pm in Valognes, France and has to make 1,200 kilometres. Now it is on its final 20 kilometres (12 miles)

Anti-nuclear protesters in sleeping bags lay on the road to the final destination, Gorleben. The police expect a difficult last stage of the transport of the 11 nuclear waste containers. On the final leg the containers will be carried by trucks

One of the eleven Castor (Cask for Storage and Transport of Radioactive material) nuclear waste containers is seen behind a police ribbon and barbed Nato wire at Dannenberg on the route to Gorleben. A castor is six metres long, the diameter is more than two metres, and it weighs 117 tonnes

Anti-nuclear activists of the environmental group Greenpeace measure the radioactivity of the castor containers while they are moved from the train onto the low-loaders by a crane in Dannenberg. The 11 shipped castor containers contain the radioactivity of 44 Fukushima disasters, Greenpeace said

More info here: German police clear protester

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Advantages of using Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy may be looked at in a negative light, but anyone who understands the process and production that goes into creating nuclear energy can see that there are advantages with the energy source as well. These advantages help make nuclear energy one of our best sources of energy and the question just depends on whether the good outweighs the bad and if nuclear energy is really worth it [1].

We should understand the way that nuclear energy and it’s advantages, you need to know the process that goes behind creating nuclear energy. First, uranium is taken from natural resources and then put through an enrichment process that makes the uranium ready for the nuclear reactor. Once the uranium is ready, it goes through a process known as "fission" [1].

Nuclear fission, this process splits one atom into two and that splitting causes a chain reaction through the whole element. This chain reaction creates heat energy that is used to boil water and create high pressured steam. The steam spins and powers a turbine connected to a generator that provides electricity.For example the energy it releases is 10 million times greater than is released by the burning of an atom of fossil fuel. Besides it would take many hectares of land covered with solar collectors,wind farms or hydro-electric dams to equal this power [1].

Next, advantage are the greenhouse gasses are not released by nuclear power plant. Even when accounting the is fossil fuel used in mining uranium,to processing it,the building and decommissioning of the nuclear plant, the picture remains good from this perspective. Less than one-hundredth of carbon dioxide gas is produced by nuclear power plants compared to coal or gas-fired energy plants. This means nuclear energy also emits less greenhouse gas than renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind, solar and biomass. Ofcourse, others have contrary views to these claims about the advantages of nuclear energy.From this, we can see the nuclear reactors do not burn any fossil fuels so the plants do not give off any emissions or pollution into the air. This is very beneficial because pollution and burning has caused a greenhouse effect that could dramatically affect future generations [2].

The ability availability of uranium is an advantage of using nuclear energy. Uranium is obtained from open-cut mines and is not expensive to mine. The world reserves are estimated to last anywhere between 6 to 150 years, to even hundreds of centuries, depending on who is the commentator, and depending on the type of reactor they have in mind. The present reactors only use some 1% of the energy available in uranium but in future fast breeder reactors could recycle spent fuel rods at a 99% efficiency rate. The potency and quantity of radio active waste material from such reactors is much less than that of current thermal reactors [2].

Finally, the nuclear energy is a compact fuel which makes it easy to transport easily It reduces dependency on the fossil fuel. In Medical also nuclear energy used in radiotherapy used in special medical conditions like cancer, where it weakens or destroys the particular cells. The advantages of Nuclear Energy are growing day by day with the new inventions as the scientists around the world are working on it so thoroughly.Even the with all of the benefits coming from nuclear power plants, there are still some big dangers. Explosions or meltdowns in plants can spread harmful radiation through the air, potentially causing diseases like cancer and sometimes death [3].

References
[1] - http://www.ehow.com/about_4579502_what-advantages-using-nuclear-energy.html
[2] - http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/advantages-of-nuclear-energy.html
[3]- http://topissues21.blogspot.com/2011/08/advantages-of-nuclear-energy.html

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Nuclear Power Survey

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A Nuclear Blast In Space Would Wipe Out Satellites

Jon Titus's Nov.16 letter proposes the use of high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP), caused by detonating a nuclear weapon in space, to halt Iran's nascent nuclear program. Perhaps I am missing some subtle irony or humor on his part, but this is the most ill-advised idea I have ever heard seriously suggested.

A HEMP in space would cause irreparable damage not only to electronics in Iran, but throughout the region, if not the entire Eastern Hemisphere. (Eastern China is less than 800 miles from Iran, and U.S. troops in Afghanistan would also have their electronics knocked out.) It would instantly vaporize or render inoperable literally thousands of satellites already in orbit, potentially including any geosyncronous orbit (GEO) satellites within line of sight. This is because nuclear radiation in space travels much farther than in the lower atmosphere, due to the paucity of molecules to absorb it. This would destroy or degrade space-based communication, TV and radio, navigation and other capabilities upon which the modern world depends.

What's more, it would seriously degrade and disrupt our own global-positioning-system constellation, which requires a minimum of 24 satellites in a particular configuration to operate. Any GPS satellites in view of the burst would be destroyed or at least severely degraded. Banks, stock exchanges and many other time-sensitive enterprises world-wide, which depend upon precise time signals from GPS, would be thrown into disarray and panic, to say nothing of the millions of angry motorists who would have useless GPS receivers in their cars.

Most frightening would be the potential consequences to satellites in low-earth orbit, loosely defined as any orbit below 2,000 kilometers. This is an extremely crowded area of space. Assuming, charitably, that no orbital debris is generated by the proposed nuclear detonation, satellites in this orbit already have to contend not only with each other, but with tens of thousands of smaller pieces of debris, such as that created in 2007 by the Chinese anti-satellite test, or in 2009 by the collision of a defunct Russian spy satellite with an Iridium communications satellite.

It is precisely the ability to maneuver in orbit that prevented these mishaps from destroying even more satellites. But the thousands of dead satellites created by the HEMP could not be maneuvered.

In a nightmare scenario, we would have a "Kessler Syndrome," named after former NASA scientist Donald Kessler, who predicted in 1978 that orbital debris could reach a threshold in which colliding satellites created exponentially more debris, causing a chain reaction of orbital collisions until orbital space became literally unreachable and thus unusable.

Furthermore, those satellites not destroyed by the initial HEMP burst would find their solar panels and internal electronics degraded by the highly radioactive particles trapped in the Van Allen belts, particularly in the South Atlantic Anomaly, a portion of the Van Allen belts that dip into low-earth orbit due to the shape and inclination of the Earth's magnetic field. (Astronauts don't perform spacewalks when passing through it, for example, and many satellites shut down critical sensors and other electronics to avoid damage.)

These and other scenarios denying humans the critical use of space are what keep world leaders and space professionals such as myself up at night. We certainly don't need any of Mr. Titus's kind of help in this regard.

REFERENCES

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204531404577050403048374584.html

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Comparing Radioactive Waste To Industrial Toxic Waste.

In countries with nuclear power, radioactive wastes comprise less than 1% of total industrial toxic wastes, much of which remains hazardous indefinitely [1]. Overall, nuclear power produces far less waste material by volume than fossil-fuel based power plants. Coal burning plants are particularly noted for producing large amounts of toxic and mildly radioactive ash due to concentrating naturally occurring metals and mildly radioactive material from the coal. A recent report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory concludes that coal power actually results in more radioactivity being released into the environment than nuclear power operation, and that population effective dose equivalent from radiation from coal plants is 100 times as much as from ideal operation of nuclear plants [2]. Indeed, coal ash is much less radioactive than nuclear waste, but  ash is released directly into the environment ,whereas nuclear plants use shielding to protect the environment from the irradiated reactor vessel,fuel rods, and any radioactive waste on site [3].

References :

1.Waste management in the nuclear fuel cycle,information and issue briefs world nuclear association      .Retrieved 2006-11-09

2. Alex Gabbard , coal combustion: Nuclear resources or danger. Oak ridge nasional laboratory, retrieved 2008-01-31.


3. Coal Ash is not more radioactive than nuclear waste, CE Journal. 2008-12-31

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