Tokyo Electric Power Services Co., Ltd. and Kyosei Co., Ltd. have taken a significant step in tsunami countermeasures with their jointly developed “Shinkamben®” (Flood Sensing Valve). On June 12, 2024, both companies announced the launch of monitor sales for this innovative technology.
What is Shinkamben®?
Shinkamben® is a groundbreaking device that automatically closes valves by detecting tsunami water pressure. It is primarily installed on pipelines of hazardous material storage tanks to prevent the leakage of internal hazardous substances in case of pipeline damage due to tsunamis.
Development Background
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, preventing leakage from approximately 60,000 small and medium-sized hazardous material storage tanks across Japan became a critical issue. Particularly for small outdoor storage tanks under 500kL, manual main valves were still permitted, making safe operation during tsunami warnings challenging.
Features of Shinkamben®
- Automatic closure upon detecting tsunami water pressure: Operates reliably to prevent hazardous material leakage.
- No electricity required: Operates mechanically, eliminating the risk of becoming an ignition source.
- High durability: Functions reliably even in dirty water, with a simple structure reducing the likelihood of malfunction.
- Easy recovery: Can be easily reset in case of accidental activation.
Development Process
Tokyo Electric Power Services and Kyosei began development in 2019, conducting tests under various conditions. Special attention was given to the water inlet design to handle the “black water” characteristic of tsunamis. By March 2024, they confirmed reliable operation even in dynamic tsunami environments.
Expected Effects
The installation of Shinkamben® is expected to:
- Enable swift evacuation during tsunami warnings.
- Respond to unexpected events such as storm surges and floods.
- Play a significant role in disaster prevention and personal safety.
Future Plans
Monitor sales are currently underway, with full-scale sales planned from December 2024. The companies aim to promote adoption in small outdoor tanks near fishing ports, coasts, and rivers, targeting local governments, fishery cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, oil depots, and various plant owners.
A Step Towards “A World Where No One Dies from Tsunamis”
The development of Shinkamben® represents a crucial step towards realizing “a world where no one dies from tsunamis.” This technology contributes not only to protecting human lives but also to environmental conservation. By preventing the leakage of hazardous materials due to tsunamis, it significantly reduces the risk of secondary disasters and has the potential to accelerate the recovery process.
Moreover, this technology is applicable not only within Japan but also in tsunami-prone regions worldwide. It will contribute to strengthening international disaster prevention measures and lead to improved global “tsunami resilience.”
Conclusion
The development and practical application of Shinkamben® symbolize technological innovation in tsunami countermeasures. This small device brings great peace of mind and hope. The efforts of Tokyo Electric Power Services and Kyosei demonstrate a new era of disaster prevention approaches that use technology to protect people’s lives and the environment.
Shinkamben® has taken a definitive step towards realizing “a world where no one dies from tsunamis.” As this technology evolves and is adopted in more locations, we can move closer to building a safer and more resilient society. With this new weapon against the threat of tsunamis in hand, we are moving forward towards a future full of hope.
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