Japan : AREVA develops two innovative solutions for contamination monitoring

AREVA, together with its Japanese partner Chiyoda Technol Corporation, has developed a Field Monitoring Vehicle (FMV) allowing fast and detailed contamination mapping of exposed areas. This vehicle has successfully achieved the testing phases and is now available for an utilization by Fukushima authorities and the response team working in the region.

The FMV consists of a tractor and its trailer with an ambient dose rate probe and a device to measure ground contamination onboard. Contamination data are recorded together with GPS data, enabling precise mapping of the activity of the areas monitored. Field tests have been performed in Japan for several weeks leading to a recent final demonstration to end-users close to the so called “20km area”.

In addition, together with Japanese partners Atox and Pasco, AREVA is developing an unmanned helicopter dedicated to the monitoring of contamination in forest areas. Combining the engineering skills of AREVA, the mapping expertise of Pasco and Atox’s practical capability for ground monitoring, the helicopter will allow to map the levels of contamination in regions that are inaccessible to man or ground vehicles.

“These two new developments for establishing a detailed contamination mapping of exposed areas, illustrate once again that AREVA is committed to continue to contribute to the rehabilitation of the Fukushima region and to remain a strategic partner of Japan’s nuclear industry”, said Luc Oursel, AREVA’s CEO, during his visit to Japan.