The challenge was to design and construct prototype sampling tools, ultimately for deployment on the SFDR (Small scale Fuel Debris Retrieval) Boom to retrieve fuel debris, either loose or by drilling, from the highly radioactive & contaminated environment of the disabled Fukushima Unit 2 Reactor.
Three types of sampling tools were proposed:
- Core Drilling Tool (CDT): to drill into the debris and retrieve a core sample approximately 100mm long by 10mm diameter
- Particle Sampling Tool (PST): to cut into the debris andretrieve particles
- Sand-like Debris Tool (SLDT): to collect sand/pebble debris