Tests in Chernobyl: how the system reacts to radioactive leaks PHOTO
The preserved Chernobyl nuclear power plant is “under attack” - engineers test the insulation capabilities of the Shelter-2 facility in conditions that most closely resemble real emergency situations.
Experts imitate emergency situations over a destroyed power unit and check how the system reacts to them, the State Agency for the Management of the Exclusion Zone reports. Testing began in mid-January. The main locations are a block of liquid radioactive waste, and there are placements under the Arch, areas where the staff works.
During testing, as close as possible to emergency conditions are created. For example, whenever the emergency serena sounds, the door locks, the air filtering system and the light and sound alarm are activated. After testing, the engineers will start a simulation of the work of all NSC equipment for 3 days. If successful, the NBK will give permission for pilot industrial and industrial operation.
The object “Shelter-2” is a protective arch that covered and isolated the older protective object “Shelter”. It was built by November 1986. Experts expected that he would stay for 20-40 years, moreover, it has continuously strengthened. Today it is considered that with proper maintenance, the sarcophagus will last for decades. But given the huge risks from possible destruction? The state decided to build an additional protective arch. So there was a project “Shelter-2”. At the time of construction, he became the largest object that moves above the ground. The total weight of the arch is 36.2 thousand tons, this design can be used for 70-100 years.
