Results (FY2022)

1. Tour of Tomari Nuclear Power Station, Hokkaido Electric Power Co.

(Tomari Village, Hokkaido)

(not planned at application submission stage)

Tour the Tomari Nuclear Power Station of Hokkaido Electric Power Co. to learn about the structure and functions of nuclear power plants.
Please refer to Attachment 1-1 for the tour information. 1-1 Hokkaido Electric Power Company Tomari Nuclear Power Station Tour Information 2022
All costs are borne by Hokkaido Electric Power Co.

Date and Time

First session: August 31, 2022 (Wednesday) 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Second session: Order and November 11, 2004 (Gold) 16:30 – 18:00 (Pre-talk)
　　　　　　　 Saturday, November 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location

Tomari Nuclear Power Station, Hokkaido Electric Power Co.
https://www.hepco.co.jp/english/index.html

Participant

Round 1 19 students (limited to BYU students)
The 2nd round 23 students (limited to BYU students)

In the second session, the following preliminary lecture was given on the day before the tour in order to deepen the understanding of the tour.

  1. Lecture title: “Nuclear Power Initiatives of Hokkaido Electric Power Co.
    Lecture: “Nuclear Power Initiatives of Hokkaido Electric Power Co.
    Lecturer: Mr. Yoshiya Takeda, General Manager, Nuclear Energy Business Management Department, Hokkaido Electric Power Co.
  2. Lecture Title: “Preliminary Lecture on Simulator (tentative)
    Lecturer: Mr. Goro Utsuya, Tomari Power Station, Hokkaido Electric Power Co.

Contents

  • Learn about nuclear power plants conceptually at the Tomarin Museum.
  • Outside, visitors will see the seawalls and other facilities related to the disaster prevention system against natural disasters.
  • In the indoor facility, the participants will enter the control area where control equipment, power generation equipment, reactor equipment, and fuel handling equipment are located, and also enter the reactor containment vessel.
  • Visitors will experience the operation of a nuclear reactor by actually touching the simulator equipment.

Pre-learning materials

#01 “Nuclear Reactor Engineering”
https://ocw.hokudai.ac.jp/lecture/backend-nuclear-reactor-engineering

Question

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions

2.experimental practice of neutron activation using electron accelerator-driven neutron source and elemental analysis by gamma-ray spectrometry at Hokkaido University

(Sapporo, Hokkaido)

Quantum beams such as neutron beams are used in material science, materials science, life science, nuclear physics, particle physics, industrial applications, cancer treatment, and pharmaceutical applications. Among these, elemental analysis experiments using neutron activation and gamma-ray spectrometry are used for nondestructive elemental analysis of valuable samples, such as sandstone brought back from asteroids by space probes and ancient cultural properties.

In this practical training, students will experience elemental analysis experiments using neutron activation and gamma-ray spectrometry at HUNS, an electron linear accelerator-driven pulsed neutron experimental facility of the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, which conducts a wide range of academic, industry-university collaborative and international joint research on demand, including materials research, food research, cultural heritage research and space ray resistant semiconductor research using neutron beams. The course provides experience in elemental analysis experiments using neutron activation and gamma-ray spectrometry. The program is very basic in content, and is designed to be comfortable for beginning students. On the other hand, the program is designed to provide a valuable experience for those who are not beginners so that they can experience radiation practice, spectrum analysis, and discussions based on the students’ free ideas, surrounded by a different environment and people than usual.

See Attachment 2-1 Guide to Experimental Training for Neutron Activation Experiments Using Electron Accelerator Driven Neutron Source and Elemental Analysis by Gamma-ray Spectrometry at Hokkaido University in FY2022 for the experimental training guide materials.

Date and Time

Monday, August 29, 2022 9:30 a.m. – Friday, September 2, 2022 3:00 p.m.

Location

Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University
Laboratory of Instantaneous Intense Pulsed Radiation Generator (LINAC, Hokkaido University)
https://www.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/labo/QBMA/LINAC/index-e.html
https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/

Participant

Contents

  • Practical Training Plan
  • Education and Training in Radiation Facilities
  • Introduction and tour of the Electron Linear Accelerator and Neutron Experimental Facility at Hokkaido University
  • Introduction to Quantum Beam/Neutron Science
  • Introduction to Accelerators, Neutron Beam Sources and Neutron Beam Engineering
  • Introduction to Neutron Activation Analysis
  • Neutron activation experiments using the HUNS, Hokkaido University Electron Linear Accelerator Driven Neutron Source
  • Measurement of Gamma-ray Energy Spectra Using an NaI Scintillator Type Gamma-ray Spectrometer
  • Energy calibration experiment of spectrometer
  • Energy resolution evaluation experiment of the spectrometer
  • Gamma-ray background
  • Measurement of gamma-ray spectra from neutron-activated samples
  • Identification and quantification of elements and nuclides
  • Estimation of neutron flux at the sample irradiation position

The lecture material: See Attachment 2-3 Practical training of neutron activation experiment using electron accelerator-driven neutron source and elemental analysis experiment by gamma-ray spectrometry at Hokkaido University in FY2022.
Student presentation materials: See attached 2-4-1 2022 Hokkaido University, Student presentation materials for the practical training of neutron activation experiment using electron accelerator-driven neutron source and elemental analysis experiment by gamma-ray spectrometry, Rabbit, 2-4-2, 2022 Hokkaido University, Neutron activation experiment using electron accelerator-driven neutron source and elemental analysis experiment by gamma-ray spectrometry. 2-4-3 Neutron Activation Experiment Using Electron Accelerator Driven Neutron Source and Elemental Analysis by Gamma-ray Spectrometry at Hokkaido University in FY2022, Student’s Presentations.

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions and Comments

  • After this training, I hope that the ratio of practical training and experiments will be increased in the future.
  • I hope that the ratio of practical training and experiments will be increased in the future as it was this time.
  • I was able to interact with many people from other schools when we were divided into groups, so if there are groupings in the future, I would like them to be separated as they were this time.
  • The name of this training was “neutron activation experiment,” but we did not have much time to actually conduct neutron activation experiments, and I would have liked to have had more opportunities to touch neutrons.
  • The ANEC practical training is relatively often conducted in the Kanto and eastern regions of Japan. I would like to have practical training in Kansai, Western Japan, or Kyushu in the future, in order to know the atmosphere of research in the field of nuclear radiation in the Kansai area.
  • Even as a beginner, I felt that the course was very easy to understand and I gained a good knowledge of neutrons.
  • The group work was also very good, and I think it led to a deeper understanding. I would also like to experience other experiments using neutrons.
  • Each group had its own theme, and I felt that the system of learning through group work was very well organized.
  • Detailed results of the questionnaire: Attachment 2-5 Results of the questionnaire for the practical training of neutron activation experiments using the electron accelerator-driven neutron source and elemental analysis experiments using gamma-ray spectrometry at Hokkaido University in FY2022

3. Radiochemistry experimental training at Shizuoka University and Chubu Electric Power Company’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station

(Shizuoka City and Hamaoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

In this practical training, students will acquire basic knowledge of radioactivity and radiation through hands-on training. In the practical training for sealed RI, students learn that different types of detectors are used for different types and energies of radiation, that the exposure dose is inversely proportional to the distance from the source, and that the principle of radiation measuring instruments is known. In the practical training for unsealed RI, students will learn how to safely handle and manage exposure, contamination, disposal, and storage methods. In particular, students learn the measurement methods of chemical dosimetry, which is a dosimetry method using large-dose irradiation equipment. In the practical training for sealed RI, students learn that different types of detectors are used for different types and energies of radiation, that the exposure dose is inversely proportional to the distance from the source, and that the principle of radiation measuring instruments is known, and that the energy spectrum is measured to decipher the nuclide and measure the amount of radioactivity. In the practical training for unsealed RI, students will learn analysis and evaluation methods using the isotope dilution analysis method, and learn how to safely handle and manage tritium, which emits low-energy beta rays, including exposure, contamination, disposal, and storage methods, as well as handling and measurement methods.

See Attachment 3-1 Guide to Radiochemistry Experiments at Shizuoka University and Chubu Electric Power Company’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the first semester of FY2022 for details.

Date and Time

The 1st meeting: Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 8:30 a.m. – Saturday, September 24, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Second session: Saturday, December 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 17:00 p.m.

Location

Shizuoka University
https://www.shizuoka.ac.jp/english/

Chubu Electric Power Company Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station
https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/

Participants

Contents

  • Practical Training at Shizuoka University
  • How to use the Survey Meter
  • 32P labeling of DNA
  • Tritium measurement using a proportional counter
  • Measurements with a Frické iron dosimeter
  • Handling of Ge semiconductor detector
  • Handling of GM Counters and Radiation Measurements
  • Determination of Ca by isotope dilution analysis
  • Practical training at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station
  • Practical training on radioactivity control
  • Performance management of gaseous waste treatment facility and observation of gaseous waste treatment facility
  • Practical training in radiation control measurement
  • Measurement and evaluation of surface contamination density in a controlled area and measurement and evaluation of airborne contaminant concentration in a controlled area
  • Operation of a nuclear reactor using an operation training simulator
  • Practical training of reactor criticality and confirmation of reactor safety
  • Practical training for measuring environmental radioactivity
  • Practical training of radioactivity analysis using a wave height analyzer, practical training of environmental radioactivity measurement using a monitoring car

Pre-learning materials

Textbook “Radiation Measurement and Safe Handling, 2nd Edition

Online Resources
Introduction to Radiochemistry

Questionnaire Results

Examples of Student Opinions

  • Some of the practical exercises at Shizuoka University were difficult for beginning radiochemistry students to understand. With limited prior self-study, I found myself at a loss for understanding each time a new term such as “ionization chamber” or “plateau” was used. I would like to see more support for first-time students participating in practical training, both in and out of the classroom. The report writing method should be clearly stated whether it must be handwritten or whether it can be done using an application. If the report format is specified, it would be better to send it by e-mail in advance to avoid any trouble for both parties. The report forms were different from the textbooks purchased in advance, so I would like them to be standardized. It would be better to announce the deadline for report submission in advance. Some students may need it in advance, for example, due to their part-time job schedule depending on their financial situation. If a computer is needed to share experimental data, it should be clearly stated in advance. At the very least, the TAs should take appropriate measures such as sending an e-mail to a few representatives.
  • We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the professors who planned this training and to Shizuoka University and Chubu Electric Power Company who were in charge of the training. The practical training at Shizuoka University allowed us to intensively study basic practical subjects related to physics, chemistry, biology, and radiation measurement. Many of the students told us that this was their first practical training in handling radioisotopes, including unsealed ones, and we believe that it was a valuable opportunity for them to learn how to handle them. One suggestion to improve the practical training would be to encourage questions and comments from the students. In order to check the students’ understanding of the theory of radiochemistry, for example, it would be good to have them watch the designated open material in advance and submit a description of any questions or points they did not understand, and then focus on answering and explaining the points raised by the students during the practical training.
  • Several of the practical exercises at Shizuoka University had content that was difficult for beginning radiochemistry students to understand. With limited prior self-study, I found myself at a loss for understanding each time I was used to terms such as “ionization chamber” or “plateau,” which I had not yet learned. I would like to see more support for first-time students participating in practical training, both inside and outside of the training.

For details of the questionnaire results, please refer to Appendix 3-4-1 Results of Questionnaire on Experimental Radiochemistry Training at Shizuoka University and Chubu Electric Power Company’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the First Half of FY2022 and 3-4-2 Results of Questionnaire on Experimental Radiochemistry Training at Shizuoka University and Chubu Electric Power Company’s Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in the Second Half of FY2022.

4. field trips to the Horonobe Underground Research Center of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the Horonobe Geosphere Research Institute of the Hokkaido Science and Technology Agency (HSTA)

(Horonobe-cho, Teshio-gun, Hokkaido)

The purpose of this program is to deepen understanding of research and development on geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste by experiencing some aspects of research and development in underground facilities. At the Horonobe Underground Research Center of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) in Horonobe, Hokkaido, participants will visit the underground research tunnels and other facilities, and exchange opinions with staff members of the center. At the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, participants will learn about the current status of research on microorganisms, groundwater, sedimentary rocks, etc. at the laboratory.

See Attachment 4-1 for details of the tour guide. 4-1 Practical training guide at JAEA Horonobe and NOASEC in FY2022

Date and Time

Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:50 a.m. – Saturday, October 1, 12:00 p.m.

Location

Participant

Contents

  • The Horonobe Research Institute for the Subsurface Environment (H-RISE: Horonobe Research Institute for the Subsurface Environment) was established in June 2003 by the Hokkaido Science and Technology Agency (HSTA) to conduct research on geosphere improvement using the deep geological research facilities of the JAEA Horonobe Underground Research Center. H-RISE (Horonobe Research Institute for the Subsurface Environment) was established in June 2003 to conduct research on geoenvironmental remediation using the geosphere and its characteristics, utilizing the deep geological research facilities of the JAEA Horonobe Underground Research Center. Three research groups, the Subsurface Microbial Environment Research Group, the Groundwater Environment Research Group, and the Sedimentary Rock Characterization Research Group, are conducting field science research to understand the subsurface environment of diatomaceous rock formations and coal seams, utilizing the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, which is under construction in a sedimentary rock formation, and the Tenboku coal fields located in northern Hokkaido. The tour also included a visit to the laboratories of the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, where research is being conducted on the development of elemental technologies for the development of methane gas deposits and carbon dioxide sequestration using the underground environment.
  • At the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, after a general overview of the project, the following was conducted.
  • 250m Tunnel Tour
  • Tour of the Yumechi Sokan
  • Visit to the Full-Scale Geological Disposal Facility
  • Practical training: Groundwater quality test at 250m gallery
  • Practical training: Observation of borehole samples (excavation impact study)

Pre-learning materials

  • Nuclear Human Resource Development Project (*) #03 “Radioactive Waste Disposal Engineering
    Lecture 7: Research and Development at the Deep Underground Research Laboratory
    (Dr. Asao Fujita, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry *Formerly belonged to Japan Atomic Energy Agency)
    https://ocw.hokudai.ac.jp/lecture/backend-radioactive-waste-disposal-engineering

<Other helpful materials>

Question

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions

  • When I actually saw the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, it was much larger and more powerful than I had imagined. The 250 m long T-shape tunnel we toured this time was only about 200 m long, but it seemed huge and complicated, perhaps because it was underground and not surrounded by open space. The actual site-specific repository would be much larger, and we realized the enormity of the scale of the project. I had the impression that groundwater seeped into the tunnels unexpectedly. Various efforts were being made to reduce the amount of groundwater drainage to less than half of what it was when the tunnel was first excavated by improving construction methods, and analyzing the composition of the groundwater to determine its origin. I felt the significance of a generic facility to conduct research. We learned that the experiments were conducted under various restrictions, such as the inability to bring large analytical equipment underground, which made it impossible to analyze the samples immediately after collection, or the difficulty of collecting the samples themselves. In particular, I was surprised that only non-RI tracers could be used in the in-situ mass transfer tests because of the environmental conditions. We learned that the construction of a structure several hundred meters underground is unprecedented, even if it is not limited to a final repository, and that technological development associated with the construction is also taking place. We learned that not only general excavation techniques, but also methods specific to final disposal sites, such as low-alkali concrete, are required. We realized that generic facilities can also be used to demonstrate remote operation.
  • During the second day’s practical training, we were overwhelmed by the number of borehole samples in the warehouse. The number of borehole samples in the warehouse was overwhelming. We were impressed by the detailed analysis of the cracks in such a large number of borehole samples and the careful storage of the samples so that they would not deteriorate over a long period of time. It was difficult to classify the shear and tensile cracks in the borehole samples. I thought that if the hands-on training had been longer, I might have been able to understand them more deeply. During the discussion on the last day, I understood the wide variety of research and development required for geological disposal. Among them, I had never thought about the necessity of evaluating and addressing the problems that arise in construction in general, such as the handling of heavy elements, on a repository scale. In addition, by organizing the research on a time axis, I realized that geological disposal is a huge project that will last for a long period of time. As mentioned in the critique, I felt that it is important to prevent the loss of technology and design concepts and to continue to improve them as the project continues over many generations. In the Horonobe field trip, we were able to see not only the research tunnels of the Underground Research Center, but also the Geosphere Environmental Research Institute and wind power generation, which was very dense and provided us with a lot of learning and insights. Thank you very much for allowing us to participate. I would have appreciated if there were some materials on microorganisms, rocks, and geological formations in advance, because I felt that I would have understood more about the research being conducted at the Horonobe Geosphere Environmental Research Center if I had learned more about microorganisms and rocks.
  • For details of the questionnaire results, see Appendix 4-5 Results of the Practical Training Questionnaire at JAEA Horonobe and NOASEC in FY2022.

5. Fast reactor physics experimental training using the reactor simulator at JOYO, Japan Atomic Energy Agency

(Oarai-cho, Ibaraki Prefecture)

This training was conducted using a full-scope reactor simulator for the experimental fast reactor Joyo operation training.
This training is conducted using a full-scope reactor simulator for the experimental fast reactor Joyo.
control rod calibration test, measurement of reactivity coefficient with reactor temperature and power change, feedback reactivity measurement of fast reactor core, and other experiments.
The objective is to experience reactor operation and to understand reactor physics theory and reactor-specific safety features (self-control) through experiments such as
The purpose of the experiments is to understand the theory of reactor physics and the inherent safety features of nuclear reactors (selfcontrollability).
See Attachment 5-1-1 Fast Reactor Physics Training Guide using Reactor Simulator at JAEA Joyo in FY2022 and Supplementary Material 5-1-2 ast Reactor Physics Training Guide using Reactor Simulator at JAEA Joyo in FY2022 for the experimental and practical training guide materials.

Date and Time

Monday, October 17, 2022 9:00 – Tuesday, October 18, 2022 16:00

Location

Japan Atomic Energy Agency Oarai Research Institute Experimental Fast Reactor Joyo
https://www.jaea.go.jp/04/o-arai/joyo/index.html

Participant

Contents

Practical training:
The practical training will consist of classroom lectures and experiments, and will take about two days.
(1) About the experimental fast reactor Joyo (classroom lecture and observation)
(2) Critical proximity (classroom and hands-on training)
(3) Control rod calibration (classroom and hands-on training)
(4) Isothermal temperature coefficient (classroom and hands-on training)
(5) Output coefficient (classroom and hands-on training)

Pre-learning materials

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions and Comments

  • It was very good that we were able to take a good look around Joyo, and I hope they will continue to do so in the future.
  • I had a lot of opportunities to talk with people from JAEA who taught me during this training, which was very good.
  • In this tour, we were able to see the inside of the containment vessel and the support facilities well, but I would have liked to see the inside of the containment vessel for a longer time in addition to this.
  • For details of the questionnaire results, please refer to Appendix 5-4 Results of the questionnaire for the fast reactor physics training using the reactor simulator at JAEA Joyo in FY2022.

6. experimental practice of heavy ion fusion reaction using JAEA tandem accelerator

(Tokai-mura, Ibaraki Prefecture)

The heaviest element in nature is uranium (U, atomic number 92). Heavier elements have been synthesized artificially using nuclear reactions. In Japan, a group led by RIKEN succeeded in synthesizing the new element 113 and became the first Asian group to obtain the naming rights for the element, giving it the element name “nihonium”. So far, humans have successfully synthesized up to element 118.

In a nuclear reactor, elements with heavier atomic numbers are produced by β-decay of a certain type of proto-nucleus, which is formed when the proto-nucleus absorbs neutrons. Starting from uranium, elements up to fermium (Fm, 100th element) are produced in a nuclear reactor by repeating this process. In the other hand, how is nifonium produced?

The nuclei heavier than fermion are produced by “heavy-ion fusion reaction”. This is a reaction in which accelerated protons are bombarded by target protons and coalesce. In the case of nihonium, a zinc nucleus (Zn, atomic number 30) is accelerated and bombarded with bismuth (Bi, atomic number 83) to produce the element 30 + 83 = 113. In the world, countries are competing to create elements beyond the number 118.

In this practical training, the fundamentals and experimental methods of this heavy-ion fusion reaction will be studied. For this purpose, a heavy ion beam from a tandem accelerator is irradiated to a target to synthesize a heavy ion nucleus which does not exist in the natural world. In the experiment, we will learn how to separate the produced nuclei from the beam and how to identify the nuclei of the produced nuclei.

Through the practical training, students will learn “basics of nuclear physics”, “detector operation and radiation measurement techniques”, “data analysis”, etc. The aim of this program is to train not only nuclear engineers but also future scientists as pioneers.

Please refer to Attachment 6-1 JAEA Tandem Heavy Ion Fusion Reaction Experimental Training Guide for FY2022 for the experimental training guide materials.

Date and Time

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 9:30 a.m. – Friday, October 28, 2022 5:00 p.m.

Location

JAEA, Nuclear Science Research Institute, Tandem Accelerator Facility
2-4, Oaza Shirakata, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan
https://ttandem.jaea.go.jp/index-eng.html

Participant

Contents

  • Practical training: The practical training consists of classroom lectures and experimental practice, and the following four topics will be covered over a period of about four days.
    Principles of heavy-ion fusion reactions and the world of superheavy elements (classroom lecture)
    Principles of accelerators and transport of beams (classroom and hands-on training)
    Kinematic separation of product nuclei (classroom and practical)
    How to identify product nuclei by radiation measurements (classroom and hands-on)
  • On the last day, a discussion will be held as a general discussion on this practical.

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions and Comments

  • I learned much more than I expected and was thrilled to be able to actually operate the equipment. I was able to understand and follow along with the detailed explanations from the basics, even though I am a student who is a little outside of my field of expertise. I had read various books and learned about artificial element synthesis at university, but I was able to learn things that I could not have learned on my own, such as the precautions and difficulties involved in operating the equipment, and the actual discussions that take place, and I was able to experience things that I could only learn here. I am truly glad that I participated in this training. I have no particular complaints about the content of the training, but if I had to say something, I would say that the explanations given in the accelerator facility were sometimes a little difficult to understand because of the loud noise emitted from the equipment and the echoes in the facility. However, if there were earphones or similar equipment used in the j-parc facility tour that could deliver the commentator’s voice, the problem of inaudibility in such an environment would be solved.
  • For details of the questionnaire results, see Appendix 6-3 Results of the questionnaire for the JAEA Tandem Heavy Ion Fusion Reaction Experimental Practice in FY2022.

7. Tour of JNFL Reprocessing Plant and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Burial Center

(Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture)

The participants will visit the JNFL Reprocessing Plant and the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Burial Center (Rokkasho-mura, Aomori Prefecture) to observe radioactive waste treatment facilities, hear first-hand the knowledge, skills and perspectives of experts at the facilities, and further exchange opinions.

Please refer to Attachment 7-1 JNFL, JAEA, and QST Field Trip Information for FY2022 for information on the tour materials.

Date and Time

Monday, November 21, 2022, 7:30 a.m. (Hachinohe Station) – Tuesday, November 22, 18:30 p.m.

Location

Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited, Reprocessing Plant and Enrichment Burial Facility
https://www.jnfl.co.jp/en/

Power Development Corporation, Ohma Nuclear Power Plant
https://www.jpower.co.jp/english/

Quantum Science and Technology Agency (QST), Quantum Energy Division, Rokkasho Research Center
https://www.qst.go.jp/site/qst-english/

Participants

Contents

  • JNFL
    • Explanation and tour of JNFL’s corporate profile and nuclear fuel cycle at the PR building
    • Tour of the Fuel Enrichment Plant
    • Visit to the low-level radioactive waste burial site and the research well for medium-depth disposal of radioactive waste
    • Tour of the vitrification technology development facility and the Technology Development Institute
    • Visited the site of the safety measures for the reprocessing plant, including the main exhaust stacks, the new safety cooling system for the main reprocessing plant, and the construction site of the new emergency response station.
    • Tour of the high-level radioactive waste management facility
    • Finally, a discussion with JNFL employees
  • Development of electrical power resources
    • Overview of Oma Nuclear Power Plant
    • Site tour (yard, operation simulator, inside the reactor building)
    • Discussion and Q&A with construction site staff
  • QST Rokkasho Laboratory
    • Brief Description
    • LIPAc Remote Control Room
    • Supercomputer
    • IFMIF Accelerator Facility
    • DEMO R&D Building
    • Blanket Engineering Test Building
    • Opinion Exchange

Pre-learning materials

#07 “Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering

Question

Questionnaire results

Examples of Student Opinions

  • I thought I would never be able to visit Rokkasho again as a student because of the continuous cancellations of the Rokkasho tours due to the corona, but I am very glad that I was able to go this time. When I applied, I was told that I would be going to Rokkasho but not to QST, but this was later added, and as a specialist in accelerators, I was most excited about the site. As for a suggestion for a site to visit, how about the 1F site? Even if it is difficult from a dose point of view, it would be interesting to see the facilities for decommissioning and Fukushima reconstruction projects (although I don’t know if the latter half has any connection with nuclear power).
  • I really enjoyed seeing the Oma Nuclear Power Plant and QST during this tour. At the Oma Nuclear Power Plant, I could get a sense of the atmosphere and scale of the building, which I could only get by seeing the actual plant, and at QST, I could clearly see how much progress has been made in fusion research and which specialties still have unproven issues to be solved. It was a very interesting visit because I could understand the above. It was also stimulating to see how people at other universities were doing, and to realize how ignorant I was. I would like to learn more about nuclear fusion as a result of this visit to QST. Therefore, I would like to visit JT-60SA in Naka. I also felt that I would like to see Onagawa NPP, which was safe after the tsunami similar to Fukushima NPP, from the viewpoint of comparison with Fukushima Daiichi NPP.
  • I was really impressed by the nuclear power plant under construction. I was able to deepen my understanding of the structure of nuclear power plants by actually seeing the inside of the containment vessel and the control rod mechanism at the bottom of the pressure vessel, which I am not usually able to see. In addition to the mechanism of nuclear fusion, the tour of the QST gave us a clear understanding of the issues that need to be solved in order to demonstrate power generation. Thank you very much for this very valuable opportunity. I would like to participate again if the opportunity arises.

For details of the questionnaire results, please refer to Appendix 7-4 Results of Questionnaire for JNFL, JAEA and QST Field Trip in FY2022.