Sweden: Sensors will monitor plant’s radiation levels
Ringhals nuclear power plant is the largest of its kind in Scandinavia and the plant will be receiving some extra security measures in the form of radiation detectors, Swedish Radio News reports.
Kenneth Mattson is responsible for preparedness in Halland County in case of a nuclear accident. He described the solar-powered stations as small computers positioned on poles that can monitor radiation levels and relays that information to a server.
Once there, the county can read the levels online, receiving an up-to-date and accurate picture whenever they want. Five detectors have been set up this autumn, and 15 more will be installed next year.
According to Mattson, the newer devices replace the plants former monitoring system, which was made up of Geiger counters placed inside pipes. “But,” he said, “they got too old so they were removed or deteriorated.”
The sensors could be used for other purposes, as well.
“In my line of work, if there’s a different type of accident the county’s contingency plan could be put into operation,” Mattson said, such as if a boat using nuclear powered engines were to run aground and begin leaking fuel.
Related Links:
Should nuclear plan in north Finland be re-evaluated?, Yle News
Greenpeace: Shut Swedish nuclear power plants, Radio Sweden
