Choppers and cannons bring no nuclear relief

[jpak]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12773350

The attempt to use helicopters to dump seawater on to the Fukushima power station is almost certainly unprecedented in more than half a century of nuclear power operations around the world.

And the long-range video images coming in indicate why it is not a method in general use: it does not appear to work.

The helicopters flew in some way above the reactor buildings, and went past without hovering - presumably because of fears of radiation.

Later, at a news conference given by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), a spokesman said they were not able to tell whether any of the water had been successfully delivered.

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[Vinnie From Indy]

1. What next? Water balloons?

It appears that they are simply making this shit up as they go along. I am astonished that there is not more of a "worst case scenario" plan that would have been studied and worked out long ago. It also appears the Japanese had no third or fourth options/plans. Having to ask the US Navy for high pressure water pumps is bizarre in a technologically advanced country like Japan. God be with all those brave souls fighting this disaster.

[jpak]

2. Water balloons would be more effective - they would not drift and disperse in the wind

and they could put them right where they were needed.

[FBaggins]

5. Then we would find out that latex burning in a fuel fire adds some new danger.

n/t

[jpak]

7. Thin metal containers dropped from altitiude

n/t

[Statistical]

8. Maybe they need a giant water balloon. Instead of a metal bucket

use a disposable rubber bladder and just drop the entire bladder?

God I hope they get the power up soon.

[phantom power]

3. I don't know if the terrain permits...

but I keep thinking, "duct-tape a fire-hose to one of these:"

[FBaggins]

4. I don't think that the helicopters can get close enough to make much difference.

Should call in one of those IL-76 or 747 water bombers for a few runs.

[ladjf]

6. Remote controlled tall building cranes with the water hoses

attached at the highest point.

Idea #2: Erect cable systems high over the reactors, then run water hose nozzles on the cables.