CB Frost and the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement Project
Uncategorised
March 1, 2017
In the long history of CB Frost, one of the most notable projects we have been involved in has been the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement. This is the new arch-shaped shelter intended to contain the ruins of the Number 4 unit at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that was destroyed...
In the long history of CB Frost, one of the most notable projects we have been involved in has been the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement. This is the new arch-shaped shelter intended to contain the ruins of the Number 4 unit at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that was destroyed during the Chernobyl disaster on the 26th April 1986.
The New Safe Confinement project was originally supposed to be completed in in 2005, but following a number of lengthy delays, steel construction begun in April 2012 and the planned completion date of the 36,000 tonne structure is expected to be in November this year. Once fully erected, the huge arch will then be used to accommodate the future dismantling of the original shelter.
CB Frost were tasked to supply a sealing material to prevent the escape of radioactive dust from within the arch and stop air moisture from entering the shelter. As the materials used will take into account the safety of workers, it was essential that we provided a material with the necessary specifications. Silicone sponge (CF19) and BISCO® HT800 Silicone sponge were found to be the best suited material for this sealing application as a result of the following properties:
- Excellent resistance to ozone and UV light
- A high resistance to extreme temperatures, both low and high
- Excellent fire resistance properties
- A stable compression and defection along with good compression set
- It does not support microbiological growth
To ensure the safety of workers and to prevent internal steelwork from rusting, the arch’s interior roof must be completely airtight. Inside the enormous structure, powerful fans will suck in air from outside, which is then channelled through massive dehumidifiers to remove moisture. The resulting dry air will then be blown through 3km of aluminium ducts into every corner of the enclosed space created by the new arch.
Under normal circumstances, the steelworks inside the shelter would require painting around every 12 years to prevent rust. Due to the radiation inside the shelter, this would not be possible, however, by preventing the ingress of moisture in the air, the steel will not be affected by weathering. To ensure the airtightness of the interior roof, CB Frost Silicone Rubber materials are used as a seal between junctions and mating panels.
Of course, a material that is suitable for use in the New Safe Confinement project is also well suited for use in a wide range of industrial applications. At CB Frost, we can provide a number of Silicone rubber and sponge materials, including MF775 solid silicone rubber, a high performance rail material. Silicone materials can be supplied in roll or sheet form, cut into gaskets or washers, moulded or extruded.
To find out more about the benefits of Silicone Rubber, or for advice in finding the ideal material for your application, you can call our experienced team on +44 (0)121 773 8494.
Keep up to date with the
latest CB Frost & Co news
In March 2021, we will celebrate our 100 years anniversary. From small beginnings in 1921, to our relocation and expansion last year, we are extremely proud of our achievements over the last century. Whilst so much has changed since 1921, we have always strived to stick to the original CB Frost ethos of ‘quality without […]
CB Frost are continually investing in modern production processes to offer a faster turn around and competitive prices. Our cutting facility allows us to produce flat pressed parts (gaskets) and cater for quantities ranging from custom one offs to small, medium and large volumes. Our machinery allows us to produce small intricate gaskets, to larger, […]
At CB Frost, we pride ourselves on our extensive in-house gasket manufacturing capabilities. Working in highly competitive industrial sectors, it’s vital that we can manufacture products from an extremely versatile range of materials, including rubber and silicone, sponge and foam materials, and cork. Using a range of different manufacturing processes, we can create products to […]
Our roots span over 95 years as a specialist in the rubber and plastics industry, with a heritage strongly entwined with the beginnings and growth of the commercial plastics industry itself. Established in 1921, the family-run CB Frost & Co began work at the forefront of rapid development in plastics and mouldings, as […]
It has certainly been a busy year for CB Frost, and a hectic year for UK industry as a whole. With big changes on the horizon for us in the new year, we have taken this time to look back at 2019 through our blog posts and company news. Investing in the future […]
Following a successful move to our new premises at Matrix Point, Birmingham, CB Frost are currently working with skeleton staffing to supply essential industries during the coronavirus lockdown. Yesterday, we were contacted by a company manufacturing and supplying protective visors for the NHS. We were asked if we could supply some sponge material for the […]
To maintain our reputation for excellence in a wide range of industrial sectors, CB Frost is committed to continuous improvement in order to ensure that we provide the highest quality products and services to our customers. Working to the same company ethos of ‘quality without compromise’ for over a century, investing in new equipment is […]
As experts in rubber, sponge and plastic materials, and their conversion into products for applications in practically all major industries, CB Frost are your point of contact for information on a wide range of materials. We are here to help you make the right choice, picking the material with the properties and strengths to fit […]