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Skip Hawley
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I read that at Los Alamos they cooled plutonium and then dissolved it with sulphuric acid - would this work at Fukashima? Could the Fukashima nuclear cores be turned into liquid and then pumped out?
I would expect that Pu or Pu compound (at Los Alamos) was dissolved in some apparatus that contained the Pu solution in a vessel. The Fukushima units are huge volumes of not only U and Pu, but other transuranics, e.g., Np, Am, Cm, and fission products. The fuel may have melted or otherwise chemically reacted with seawater, so part of the fuel maybe in the form of rubble, part would be particulates, and some is in solution, or may have migrated into the cement/concrete. Attempting to dissolve the volume in the containment vessel would be problematic, and could actually increase the contamination locally.Skip Hawley said:I read that at Los Alamos they cooled plutonium and then dissolved it with sulphuric acid - would this work at Fukashima? Could the Fukashima nuclear cores be turned into liquid and then pumped out?
The main concern is that sulphuric acid can corrode the protective barriers around the plutonium, causing it to leak into the environment and potentially harm living organisms.
Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive and can react with the protective coating on plutonium, causing it to break down and release the radioactive material. This process is known as corrosion or dissolution.
The potential consequences include radiation exposure, which can lead to various health effects such as cancer, genetic damage, and organ damage. It can also have long-term effects on the environment and wildlife.
The presence of sulphuric acid can complicate the cleanup efforts, as it can corrode equipment and make it difficult to contain and remove the plutonium. It also poses a safety hazard for workers involved in the cleanup process.
Yes, there are various methods to mitigate the effects, such as using corrosion-resistant materials, proper storage and handling procedures, and regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment. Additionally, research is being conducted to find more effective ways to neutralize sulphuric acid and prevent it from reacting with plutonium.