Core Loading Process at India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Commenced at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Core Loading Process at India’s first indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Commenced at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu

    Posted 05 Mar 2024

    Updated 27 Mar 2024

    2 min read

    • Core loading is the first approach to achieving criticality, leading to generation of power from the reactor.
      • Core loading activity consists of loading of reactor control sub-assemblies, followed by the blanket sub-assemblies and the fuel sub-assemblies.
      • Criticality means enough neutrons are created by fission to make up for those lost by leakage or absorption so that fission remains constant.
    • Operationalization of the PFBR (500 MWe) will mark the start of stage II of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme (refer to image).
    • It is constructed by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) along with others. 

     

     

    • About PFBR (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor): 
      • Advanced third generation nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissile material (Pu-239) than it consumes.
      • Will initially use the Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
      • In it, Uranium-238 will undergo nuclear transmutation to produce more fuel, thus called ‘Breeder’.
        • Transmutation is conversion of one chemical element into another.
        • Thorium can be also used, it transmutes into Uranium-233. 
      • Utilizes liquid sodium as a coolant.
      • Key Benefit: Inherent passive safety features ensuring a prompt and safe shut down of the plant in emergency.

     

    • Once commissioned, India will only be the second country after Russia to have commercial operating FBR.
    • Tags :
    • Kalpakkam
    • Fast Breeder Reactor
    • Nuclear power
    • BHAVINI
    • PFBR
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