New way to test cesium in water

September 25, 2014

Quicker way found to test for radiation in water

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201409250023

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

Kajima Corp. and analysis equipment maker Nikkin Flux Inc. have jointly developed equipment that quickly examines large quantities of water for radioactive cesium.

The box-shaped device, measuring 2.2 meters by 2.7 meters, is expected to be used at interim storage facilities for radioactive soil and debris generated from decontamination work due to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The equipment is able to analyze 1,800 times the amount of water that conventional systems can, and at nine times the speed, according to officials of the two companies.

For example, it can measure cesium levels in 3,500 liters of water, equivalent to 18 home bathtubs, in about 20 minutes, compared with existing systems that take more than three hours to analyze two liters of water.

The device was developed using general contractor Kajima's waste-water processing know-how and technologies owned by Nikkin Flux, a Tokyo-based company.

The two firms also intend to sell the equipment to general waste disposal facilities, the officials said.