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Japan's Earthquake-Hit Nuclear Plant May Be In Meltdown

Posted by Cheryl Nelson on March 12, 2011 at 3:39pm

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/japans-earthquake-hit-nuclear-plant-may-be-in-meltdown-say-experts/story-e6frfku0-1226020327791

The water levels are recovering, operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), told Jiji. In addition a TEPCO spokesman said that "we believe the reactor is not melting down or cracking. We are trying to raise the water level."

But moments later Kyodo News reported that radioactive caesium had been detected near the Fukushima plant, citing information from the nuclear safety agency.

Earlier today, the Japanese Government declared an atomic emergency amid growing international concern over its reactors.

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Comments

Cheryl Nelson March 12, 2011 at 11:43pm

Good question.
Cheryl Nelson March 12, 2011 at 9:48pm

Matt, this is what they are saying:

"Backup generators powering the pumps at the first five disabled reactors failed almost immediately after the earthquake, apparently inactivated by exposure to seawater from the tsunami that swept through the seaside plants. The facilities had to rely on backup batteries that last up to eight hours until additional batteries and generators could be brought in." http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-sci-japan-quake-s...
Blavatsky March 12, 2011 at 9:31pm

As the levels of radiation leaking appeared to be dropping, Tepco says the emergency cooling system of the No. 3 reactor has gone down, requiring the facility to urgently secure a means to supply water to it.

They are now releasing radioactive steam from this reactor amid fears the number of people exposed to radiation could reach as high as 160.

The nuclear agency says 15 people have shown possible exposure to radiation since yesterday's explosion.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/13/3162581.htm
Cheryl Nelson March 12, 2011 at 9:24pm

Thanks, Blavatsky. I'll find some links.
Blavatsky March 12, 2011 at 9:17pm

its just come on the news all six reactors are overheating
Wm March 12, 2011 at 8:08pm

It is also done on Piping where it may be an area that would break High pressure Flexible Piping would be it's replacement! then inspected monthly the whole system.
Wm March 12, 2011 at 8:02pm

These Nuclear Power Stations maybe 44yrs old, but you must know that they are upgraded constantly. Like when built it was solid copper bars used between Batteries and the charging equipment/rectifiers. They were changed out in where EQ's are a problem to Flexible Copper Cabling! Lots of these type of changes going on all the time making these Power Plant/ Telecommunication offices safer than when they were built.
Cheryl Nelson March 12, 2011 at 7:07pm

http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Nuclear_meltdown
HeartNsoul March 12, 2011 at 6:52pm

Maybe it's just placing more fear on the situation, but here's what Dr. Michio Kaku says about it.. He stated on twitter, anything (a broken pipe, a secondary earthquake, loss of water, etc.) can set off a meltdown.

http://bigthink.com/ideas/31595
Wm March 12, 2011 at 6:33pm

I know first hand that the Batteries are in what is called a "Headache Rack" designed to keep the Batteries safe during EQ's, it's a steel cage the batteries are put in then more steel and rubber bumpers in between. If they are anything like telecommunication type it is what is used in phone offices in the New Madrid, STL areas!