Kindai University, Hayakawa Rubber Develop Easily-molded Radiation Shielding Material

A research team at the Kindai University Medical Department announced that it has developed, jointly with Hayakawa Rubber Co., Ltd.—a company famous for its radiation-resistant rubber—a radiation-shielding material known as “sealer soft tungsten rubber,” or STR. The material (photo from Kindai University’s website) can be softened and shaped in water of 60 degrees C, allowing it to maintain its form at normal temperatures.

Hayakawa Rubber met many technological challenges, including earthquake resistance, in its development of rubber construction materials for the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Center (J-PARC) in Tokai Village, Ibaraki Prefecture, in which it was able to maintain the elasticity of the rubber in highly radioactive environments. The recently-developed STR incorporates the firm’s special blending technology in a product offering both excellent flexibility and processability. As a shielding material replacing conventional toxic lead and antimony, it is expected to contribute to reducing side effects and improving accuracy in radiation therapy. STR itself can also be reused. Now celebrating its centennial, Hayakawa Rubber has long been dedicated to reducing the burden on the environment,...more

29 August, 2019

TEPCO, Chubu Electric Power, Hitachi, Toshiba Considering Joint Business for BWRs

On August 28, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the Chubu Electric Power Co., Hitachi, Ltd., and Toshiba Corporation all announced that they had signed a basic agreement on potential collaboration in the area of boiling water reactors (BWRs). Given that no BWRs have yet been restarted, maintaining the technology and human resources for the reactors is a major issue.

Each company will contribute its resources and expertise with the aim of stabilizing the BWR business. The four will now narrow down the specific contents of their joint effort, keeping simultaneously in mind the need for the maintenance, management and decommissioning of existing nuclear power plants (NPPs). As the purposes of their basic agreement, the four firms cited enhancing BWR safety and economic efficiency, along with the maintenance and development of related human resources, technology and supply chains. Their intention appears to be first to strengthen cooperation in the maintenance and management of existing NPPs. By making use of those reactors currently slated to be restarted (including Kashiwazaki Kariwa-6 and -7), they hope to secure human resources and technology for t...more
• 2 August, 2019 IEEJ’s 2020 Economic and Energy Outlook Compares Effects of Completing and Not Completing Anti-Terrorism Facilities at Japan’s NPPs
• 18 June, 2019 MHI Tests Anti-Explosion Robot for Plant Inspections, Capitalizing on Experience Gained in Nuclear Accidents
• 21 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Environmental Activist Michael Shellenberger, a Pro-nuclear Convert, Meets the Press
• 20 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Leader Perspective: “French Nuclear Policy and Industry Update”
• 20 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Session 3: “Diversity and Possibilities for Nuclear Technology”
• 15 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Session 2: “Prospects for Development of Innovative Technology”
• 15 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Fukushima Daiichi Report
• 15 May, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 Session 1: “Role of Nuclear Power as a Low-Carbon Energy Source”
• 10 May, 2019 JT60-SA’s Core Central Solenoid Installed at QST’s Naka Fusion Institute
• 24 April, 2019 【52nd JAIF Annual Conference】 JAIF Chairman Emphasizes Urgent Need for CO2-Free Nuclear Power
• 15 April, 2019 Keidanren Promotes Nuclear Power and Renewable Energies in Electric Power Policy Proposal
• 8 March, 2019 Chairman Hosoda of Chiyoda Technol Awarded National Order of Merit by France for Joint Development of Glass-Badge Personal Dosimeter
• 7 March, 2019 JAIF Holds Nuclear Recruiting Events in Tokyo and Osaka

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