WHAT IS NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY?

Introduction

In Kilifi - Kenya, we currently have a hot ongoing debate on a proposed Nuclear Power Plant apparently set to be built in Uyombo Village. When Nuclear is mentioned, for the most of us, our self-preservation antennas are raised and we become guarded and defensive. Our relation to Nuclear is guided by Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Chernobyl, Fukushima and other mishaps.

Whilst, I do not claim to be an expert in Nuclear Technology, I cannot even claim to be a scientist. However, I am for sure a Kilifian – a Kilifi citizen; a Kenyan - a Kenya Citizen and overall a global citizen. By this virtue, I shall try to highlight in a series of posts what I have gathered about Nuclear Technology, so that when we sit in public participation forums, we sit armed with knowledge rather than emotions to deal with this very sensitive issue. The series of posts that shall revolve around: -

1. What is Nuclear Technology
2. How a nuclear power plant work
3. Comparison on sources of energy, their pros and cons
4. Way forward

Definition

Nuclear technology refers to the practical applications of nuclear reactions and processes, including nuclear medicine, scientific research, industrial through to nuclear energy and weaponry. That technology harnesses the energy and properties of atomic nuclei for various purposes.

Now, let's explore the diverse applications of nuclear technology:

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Applications of Nuclear Technology

1.?????? Nuclear Medicine:

Diagnostic Imaging: Nuclear technology is extensively used in diagnostic procedures like positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Radioactive tracers are introduced into the body to visualize internal organs, detect abnormalities, and diagnose diseases.

Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation from sources like linear accelerators and brachytherapy is employed for the treatment of cancerous tumors, precisely targeting and destroying malignant cells.

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2.?????? Nuclear Research:

Scientific Exploration: Nuclear technology plays a pivotal role in scientific research, particularly in fields like particle physics and nuclear physics. Particle accelerators and nuclear reactors are used in research facilities to probe the fundamental properties of matter and explore the universe's mysteries.

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3.?????? Environmental Applications:

Radiation Monitoring: Nuclear technology is employed to monitor and measure radiation levels in the environment. This is critical for ensuring public safety and assessing compliance with radiation safety standards.

Radiation Sterilization: The technology is used for the sterilization of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and certain food products to eliminate microorganisms, ensuring safety and quality.

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4.?????? Food and Agriculture:

Food Irradiation: Nuclear technology is utilized to irradiate food products, extending their shelf life and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. It also helps control insects and parasites in agricultural products.

Radiation Pest Control: By sterilizing male insects through radiation, it is possible to control agricultural pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

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5.?????? Industrial Applications:

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Nuclear technology is instrumental in non-destructive testing of materials such as metals, welds, and pipelines. It allows for the detection of flaws, cracks, or defects without damaging the materials.

Oil Well Logging: In the oil and gas industry, nuclear well-logging tools are used to gather data about subsurface formations, aiding in exploration, production, and reservoir management.

Thickness Gauges: Various industries utilize nuclear thickness gauges to accurately measure the thickness of materials like paper, plastic, and metal.

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6.?????? Nuclear Energy:

Electricity Generation: One of the most prominent applications of nuclear technology is the generation of electricity in nuclear power plants. These plants utilize nuclear fission, the process of splitting atomic nuclei, to produce heat. This heat is then used to create steam, driving turbines and generating electricity. Nuclear energy is known for its capacity to produce substantial electrical output with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.

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7.?????? Nuclear Weapons:

Regrettably, nuclear technology has also been applied for the development of nuclear weapons, which have the capacity for mass destruction and catastrophic consequences. These weapons are designed to release the energy stored within atomic nuclei, resulting in powerful explosions.

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Conclusion

These applications showcase the versatility and significance of nuclear technology across a wide spectrum of fields, from healthcare and energy production to scientific exploration and industrial processes. While nuclear technology offers many advantages, it also comes with inherent risks and challenges, particularly in the areas of safety, radioactive waste management, and nuclear proliferation, necessitating responsible and vigilant use of these technologies.

On my next post in the series, we shall be exploring how a Nuclear Power Plant works.