🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 51 (from laksa159)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa051.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/asia/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected/index.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/asia/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected/index.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html","crawl_time":1771772942,"first_indexed_time":1519535777,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnn!www,\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html s443","src_root_hash":"2312100192101524051","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fukushima robot reveals first sign of melted fuel in submerged reactor | CNN","meta_descriptions":["A robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Video Ad Feedback\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n01:07\n• Source:\nCNN\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n01:07\nStory highlights\nSubmersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel\nData acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant\nTokyo\nCNN\n — \nA robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said.\nThe discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility.\nOperating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core.\nAd Feedback\nAd Feedback\n“You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists.\n“So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.”\nHe added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris.\nLast week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration.\n“From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said.\nHowever, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.”\nThe discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades.\n“This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.”\nHaving entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident.\nThe device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras.\nThe small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba.\n“We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement.\n“In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.”\nAs the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen.\nThe mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week.\nTechnicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown.\nThe catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors.","attrs_markdown":"Thank You\\!\n\nYour effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.\n\nClose\n\nAd Feedback\n\n[World](https:\/\/cnn.com\/world)\n\n[Africa](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/africa)\n\n[Americas](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/americas)\n\n[Asia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/asia)\n\n[Australia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/australia)\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/china)\n\n[Europe](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/europe)\n\n[India](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/india)\n\n[Middle East](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/middle-east)\n\n[United Kingdom](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/united-kingdom)\n\n[More]()\n\n[Africa](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/africa)   [Americas](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/americas)   [Asia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/asia)   [Australia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/australia)   [China](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/china)   [Europe](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/europe)   [India](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/india)   [Middle East](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/middle-east)   [United Kingdom](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/united-kingdom)\n\n[Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)   [Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)\n\nSubscribe\n\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\n[Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)   [Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)\n***\nEdition\n\n[US](https:\/\/us.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[International](https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[Arabic](https:\/\/arabic.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[Español](https:\/\/cnnespanol.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\nEdition\n\n- [US](https:\/\/us.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [International](https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [Arabic](https:\/\/arabic.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [Español](https:\/\/cnnespanol.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n***\n[Africa](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/africa)\n\n[Americas](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/americas)\n\n[Asia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/asia)\n\n[Australia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/australia)\n\n[China](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/china)\n\n[Europe](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/europe)\n\n[India](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/india)\n\n[Middle East](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/middle-east)\n\n[United Kingdom](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/united-kingdom)\n***\nFollow CNN\n\nDownload the CNN App\n***\n\n- [US](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/us)\n  - 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[CNN Leadership](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/profiles\/cnn-leadership)\n  - [CNN Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n  - [Work for CNN](https:\/\/careers.wbd.com\/cnnjobs)\n***\nDownload the CNN App\n\n# Fukushima robot reveals first sign of melted fuel in submerged reactor\n[![Euan McKirdy](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/profiles\/euan-mckirdy)\n\nBy [Euan McKirdy](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/profiles\/euan-mckirdy) and Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN\n\n3 min read\n\nUpdated 12:52 PM EDT, Mon July 24, 2017\n\nLink Copied\\!\n\n![fukushima reactor melted fuel gears close up](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nVideo Ad Feedback\n\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n\n01:07   • Source: [CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n\n01:07\n\n### Story highlights\nSubmersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel\n\nData acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant\n\nTokyo CNN —\n\nA robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said.\n\nThe discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility.\n\nOperating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core.\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\n“You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists.\n\n“So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.”\n\nHe added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris.\n\nLast week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration.\n\n![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 4](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nIntl Research Institute (IRID)\/Intl Research Institute (IRID)\n\n“From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said.\n\nHowever, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.”\n\nThe discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades.\n\n“This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.”\n\n![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 3](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nIntl Research Institute (IRID)\/Intl Research Institute (IRID)\n\nHaving entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident.\n\nThe device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras.\n\nThe small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba.\n\n![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 2](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nIntl Research Institute (IRID)\/Intl Research Institute (IRID)\n\n“We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement.\n\n“In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.”\n\nAs the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen.\n\n![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 5](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nIntl Research Institute (IRID)\/Intl Research Institute (IRID)\n\nThe mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week.\n\nTechnicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown.\n\nThe catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors.\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\nSubscribe\n\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\n[Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)   [Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)\n***\n- [US](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/us)\n  - [Crime & Justice](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/us\/crime-and-justice)\n- [World](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world)\n  - [Africa](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/africa)\n  - [Americas](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/americas)\n  - [Asia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/asia)\n  - [Australia](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world\/australia)\n  - 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A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.   \n CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/google-play-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/app-store-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n![CNN Logo](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn.svg)\n\n## Legal Terms and Privacy\nBy clicking Agree, you have read and agree to the Terms of Use and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our Privacy Policy.\n\nBy clicking \"Agree\", you have read and agree to the [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/terms) and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/privacy).\n\n[Agree](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected\/index.html)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Video Ad Feedback\n\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n\n01:07   • Source: [CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\nFukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel\n\n01:07\n\n### Story highlights\nSubmersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel\n\nData acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant\n\nTokyo CNN —\n\nA robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said.\n\nThe discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility.\n\nOperating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core.\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\n“You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists.\n\n“So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.”\n\nHe added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris.\n\nLast week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration.\n\n“From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said.\n\nHowever, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.”\n\nThe discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades.\n\n“This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.”\n\nHaving entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident.\n\nThe device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras.\n\nThe small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba.\n\n“We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement.\n\n“In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.”\n\nAs the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen.\n\nThe mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week.\n\nTechnicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown.\n\nThe catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors.","meta_canonical":"com,cnn!www,\/2017\/07\/24\/asia\/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected s443"}

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URL	https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/24/asia/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected/index.html
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Meta Title	Fukushima robot reveals first sign of melted fuel in submerged reactor \| CNN
Meta Description	A robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said.
Meta Canonical	com,cnn!www,/2017/07/24/asia/fukushima-robot-nuclear-fuel-detected s443
Boilerpipe Text	Video Ad Feedback Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 • Source: CNN Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 Story highlights Submersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel Data acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant Tokyo CNN — A robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said. The discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility. Operating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists. “So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.” He added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris. Last week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration. “From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said. However, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.” The discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades. “This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.” Having entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident. The device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras. The small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba. “We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement. “In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.” As the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen. The mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week. Technicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown. The catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors.
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[CNN Leadership](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/cnn-leadership) - [CNN Newsletters](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters) - [Work for CNN](https://careers.wbd.com/cnnjobs) * Download the CNN App # Fukushima robot reveals first sign of melted fuel in submerged reactor [![Euan McKirdy](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/euan-mckirdy) By [Euan McKirdy](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/euan-mckirdy) and Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN 3 min read Updated 12:52 PM EDT, Mon July 24, 2017 Link Copied\! ![fukushima reactor melted fuel gears close up](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Video Ad Feedback Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 • Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/) Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 ### Story highlights Submersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel Data acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant Tokyo CNN — A robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said. The discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility. Operating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists. “So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.” He added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris. Last week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration. ![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 4](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Intl Research Institute (IRID)/Intl Research Institute (IRID) “From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said. However, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.” The discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades. “This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.” ![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 3](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Intl Research Institute (IRID)/Intl Research Institute (IRID) Having entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident. The device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras. The small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba. ![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 2](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Intl Research Institute (IRID)/Intl Research Institute (IRID) “We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement. “In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.” As the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen. ![Fukushima Unit 3 reactor robot images 5](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Intl Research Institute (IRID)/Intl Research Institute (IRID) The mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week. Technicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown. The catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors. 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Readable Markdown	Video Ad Feedback Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 • Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/) Fukushima robot: Apparent sign of melted fuel 01:07 ### Story highlights Submersible robot sends back images thought to be of melted nuclear fuel Data acquired by robot will be key to cleaning up the ruined nuclear plant Tokyo CNN — A robot operating deep inside a failed reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo has revealed what appears to be stalactites of melted nuclear fuel, the plant’s operator has said. The discovery is considered a key development in the decommissioning process of the plant, which suffered a catastrophic meltdown in 2011 after a huge tsunami swamped the facility. Operating remotely within submerged parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant’s Unit 3 reactor, the robot sent back 16 hours worth of images of massive, lava-like fuel deposits on the floor of the pedestal, a part of the reactor that sits underneath and supports the core. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “You can see something melted and solidified fallen from the inside of the reactor,” Takahiro Kimoto, acting director for nuclear power and placement, told journalists. “So we believe there is high possibility that it was molten metal and fuel debris.” He added that the data and imagery would be invaluable in determining how to remove the fuel debris. Last week, technicians from the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed their initial findings from three days of exploration. “From today’s investigation, we confirmed likely melted materials that are consolidated, (including) some fallen substances such as grating and sediments,” a statement said. However, it added that further analysis of the data is needed to confirm “conditions inside the pedestal” which will be examined “based on the image data obtained through consecutive explorations.” The discovery is key to determining how to further advance the cleanup of the plant, a process that is expected to take decades. “This was the first time that we could confirm the status inside the pedestal,” TEPCO spokesperson Maki Murayama said. “This is a big step towards the decommission process.” Having entered the stricken Pressure Containment Vessel (PCV) through a pipe designed to prevent the escape of radioactive gas, the robot descended into the cooling water which accumulated following the accident. The device was equipped with thrusters to navigate through the water, and featured front and rear cameras. The small “radiation-hardened, screw-driven” submersible robot was designed to fit through the narrow, 14-centimeter (5.5-inch) diameter entrance of the pipe, according to the Tokyo-based International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID), which developed the device alongside technology company Toshiba. “We have already developed remotely operated robots for inspections at Fukushima,” said Goro Yanase, General Manager of Toshiba’s Nuclear Energy Systems and Services Division in a statement. “In this case, we had to meet the specific challenges of limited access and flooding, in a highly radioactive environment. Working with IRID, we succeeded in developing a small robot with high level radiation resistance, and through its deployment we expect to get information that will support the advance of decommissioning.” As the robot navigates through the ruined reactor, melted equipment and the fuel deposits can be seen. The mission was launched after previous photographic inspection of the Unit 3 reactor suggested that, “during the accident, fuel assemblies melted from the excess heat, dropping from their original position down to the pedestal area,” according to a statement released by TEPCO last week. Technicians guided the robot over three days to film the inside of the reactor and the damage wrought by the meltdown. The catastrophic event was caused when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, creating a massive tsunami, knocking out the nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. The cores of three of the plant’s six reactors were damaged by overheating, and the resulting hydrogen explosions blew apart the buildings surrounding two of the reactors.
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