Nuclear Waste News
Independent Funding Allows Start
Of EKOR Application at Chernobyl
Independent funding has allowed Chernobyl Shelter Project Director V.I. Kupny to give the go-ahead for application of a silicon foam to suppress dust and isolate fuel-containing masses in the Chernobyl Shelter.
Chernobyl officials previously approved the use of the EKOR foam, a radiation-resistant, water-proof, fireproof and non-biodegradable material, but were awaiting funding.
EUROTECH Ltd., which holds exclusive worldwide rights to license EKOR outside Russia, obtained funding for the application, since the pro-ject could not be funded under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (ERBD) Shelter Implementation Plan budget.
Scientists from the Euro-Asian Physical Soci-ety and the Kurchatov Institute for Nuclear and General Physics of Moscow's Kurchatov Research Center will apply the EKOR foam, supported by Chernobyl Shelter personnel.
Scientists at Kurchatov developed EKOR, a patented silicon geopolymer, specifically for use at Chernobyl to radioactive debris while allowing ac-cess to radioactive materials for later handling.
The first EKOR application is designed to prevent dust dispersal. Developers say EKOR will not permit water penetration and will remain in place for centuries, if needed, without degrading.
Contact: EUROTECH Ltd., (202) 466-5448; fax: (202) 466-5591; e-mail: eurotech@eurotech ltd.com; Web site: eurotechltd.com. |
