PC Pals Forum

General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: Clive on March 13, 2011, 19:01

Title: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Clive on March 13, 2011, 19:01

The type of accident occurring now in Japan derives from a loss of offsite AC power and then a subsequent failure of emergency power on site. Engineers there are racing to restore AC power to prevent a core meltdown.

LINK (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fukushima-core)

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Rik on March 13, 2011, 19:08

Can I come out from behind the sofa yet?  :bawl:

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Simon on March 13, 2011, 19:33

It's looking decidedly dodgy. 

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: sam on March 13, 2011, 23:23

No its going to be ok. They really do have a reasonable plan.

If people use this as anti-nuclear power stance I'm going to go crazy. Yes there was an issue, yes the loss of the generators were unexpected (and possibly ill placed given what could happen there) but they have followed vigorous procedures in place. They might re-think backup generators in earthquake zones though. Still if people want power they have to suck it up.

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Simon on March 14, 2011, 00:23

That's a relief!

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: sam on March 14, 2011, 01:29

well maybe...   :laugh:

anyway the wind would blow most over the ocean and towards west coast of canada... who cares?   :bawl:

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Clive on March 14, 2011, 10:11

Quote from: sam on March 13, 2011, 23:23

No its going to be ok. They really do have a reasonable plan.

If people use this as anti-nuclear power stance I'm going to go crazy. Yes there was an issue, yes the loss of the generators were unexpected (and possibly ill placed given what could happen there) but they have followed vigorous procedures in place. They might re-think backup generators in earthquake zones though. Still if people want power they have to suck it up.

Well said Sam.  It really is the only solution to our energy problems.

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Rik on March 14, 2011, 10:31

Quote from: sam on March 14, 2011, 01:29

anyway the wind would blow most over the ocean and towards west coast of canada... who cares?   :bawl:

Look on the bright side, Sam, with a bit of luck it would reach Sarah Palin first.  :devil:

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Simon on March 14, 2011, 10:41

Come home quick, Sam!  ;D

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: sam on March 14, 2011, 16:04

ah there by mountains in the way... :-)

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: sam on March 14, 2011, 16:04

/ I doubt it would really carry that far. In comparison the cloud from Chernobyl really didn't have far to go.

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Simon on March 14, 2011, 16:23

Chernobyl happened to a much poorer country, with presumably much less in the way of protection against such an event.  Hopefully, the Japs have got it covered.  

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Clive on March 14, 2011, 17:12

I think the Japs have a far better safety record than the Russians. 

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Rik on March 14, 2011, 17:17

My nephew, who was to take up a year's research fellowship at Tokyo next wee, now finds himself unemployed. His parents are relieved, and I don't blame them.

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: sam on March 14, 2011, 17:26

That's a shame - but well better that then going there. From what I hear it would not be a good time to move to Japan.

Title: Re: Nuclear Experts Explain Worst-Case Scenario at Fukushima Power Plant
Post by: Rik on March 14, 2011, 17:30

We all feel the same, Sam. Miami has said he's welcome back there.