The 1986 Chernobyl disaster left a legacy of radioactive contamination, rendering vast areas uninhabitable. Traditional remediation methods have struggled to address the persistent radiation effectively. In response, Exlterra developed the Nucleus Separation Passive System (NSPS), a groundbreaking technology designed to expedite the decay of radioactive elements by harnessing natural underground energy. This case study examines the implementation and results of NSPS in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Identifying the problem: Persistent radioactive contamination
Decades after the Chernobyl incident, the exclusion zone remains heavily contaminated, with radiation levels expected to persist for thousands of years without intervention. This enduring contamination poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating an innovative solution capable of accelerating the natural decay process of radioactive isotopes.
The NSPS installation: Strategic deployment in the Exclusion Zone
Between November 2019 and September 2020, Exlterra, in collaboration with the Ukrainian state agency SSE Ecocentre, installed the NSPS technology over a 1-hectare (2.5-acre) site within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The installation involved placing multiple NSPS units in a precise pattern and at varying depths to create an underground network that facilitates the accelerated decay of radioactive materials. The process was completed without the use of chemicals or the need for soil excavation, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
Results: Significant seduction in radioactivity
One year after the NSPS installation, measurements indicated a substantial decrease in radiation levels:
Soil Radiation: An average reduction of 46.6% in radionuclides such as Cesium-137 (Cs137), Strontium-90 (Sr90), and Americium-241 (Am241).
Air Radiation: An average reduction of 37% in ambient radiation levels.
These findings suggest that the NSPS technology can potentially restore the site to its natural radioactivity levels within a five-year period.
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Client reflections: A new hope for Chernobyl
Sergiy Kireiev, General Director of SSE Ecocentre, expressed optimism about the project's impact:
"These results are remarkable. It is the first time in 35 years that such any technology has succeeded in reducing the level of radioactivity in the soil and air so significantly. This is a real hope for the whole area, including the treatment of the sarcophagus."
Exlterra Frank Muller, CEO of Exlterra, added:
"This 12-month reduction in radioactivity will allow us to bring this parcel back to its original radioactivity level over a 5-year period. We will continue to offer our services to help the Chernobyl exclusion site, including the area around the Nr. 4 plant, and we also want to quickly offer our solution at other problematic sites around the world, including Fukushima in Japan."
Conclusion: A paradigm shift in radioactive soil remediation
The successful implementation of Exlterra's NSPS technology at Chernobyl demonstrates a viable path toward rapid and sustainable decontamination of radioactive sites. By leveraging natural underground energy, NSPS offers a chemical-free, non-invasive solution that significantly accelerates the decay of hazardous isotopes. This innovation not only holds promise for Chernobyl but also for other regions grappling with radioactive contamination, marking a transformative advancement in environmental remediation.
References
These sources provide additional insights into the development and impact of the NSPS technology at Chernobyl.
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