Areva decontamination system to be scrapped

August 12, 2014

TEPCO to scrap Areva system at Fukushima

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140812_04.html

Aug. 12, 2014 - Updated 01:08 UTC+2

The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has decided to scrap a French-made decontamination system that's been out of operation for nearly 3 years.

Tokyo Electric Power Company installed the system made by the French nuclear energy firm Areva 3 months after the nuclear accident at the plant. TEPCO used it to deal with accumulated radioactive water.

The system uses chemical agents to remove radioactive material, including cesium, from water.

TEPCO said 76,000 tons of tainted water was treated during the first 3 months of use. But the system was soon marred by pump malfunctions and other problems.

The machine has been unused for nearly 3 years, while another system was introduced to take over the task.

TEPCO said the device now has high levels of radiation after processing water with highly radioactive substances.

The company says there is a high risk of radiation exposure to workers during monthly maintenance and regular operation of the system.

It is planning to file an application to scrap system with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

TEPCO says the device was helpful in the early stage of decontamination. It also says it will not disclose its price and maintenance fees, as that would affect company management.