Website : http:// www.dae.gov.in ISSN-09929-5523 Nuclear India VOL. 40/NO.1-2/Jul.-Aug. 2006
540 MWe Unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Project synchronized with the grid
The 540 MWe, Unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Project (TAPP-3) was synchronized with the grid on June 15. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has authorised synchronisation of the unit and raising its power level The 540 MWe Unit-3 of Tarapur Atomic Power Project (TAPP-3) attained criticality on May 21, 2006. This signifies the start of self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction in the reactor core. The criticality of Unit-3 came about two months ahead of schedule. Last year Unit-4 of this project, had achieved criticality on March 6. Designed and built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), TAPP-3 is the 16 th nuclear power reactor in the country. Many DAE units have provided valuable research and development and material inputs. Indian industry too played a major role in the supply of critical equipment and in meeting highly crashed construction schedules. Tarapur Atomic Power Project -3&4 (TAPP-3&4) comprises two Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units of 540 MWe each. PHWRs use natural uranium fuel and heavy water both as moderator and coolant. TAPP-3&4, India ‘s largest nuclear power plant has been built in the shortest time of any PHWR in India. This gestation period is comparable to international benchmarks. All major milestones of TAPP-3 have been achieved ahead of schedule. For Unit-3, the time taken between criticality and synchronisation is about one-fourth of the time taken for Unit-4, which was synchronised with the grid on June 4, 2005. Presently TAPP-3 is in the process The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a project of conducting mandatory tests. This to demonstrate the potential of fusion as an energy source, is the world’s biggest unit will supply electricity to the grid scientific collaboration of its kind and involves countries representing over termed as “infirm power”. The half the world’s population. The seven parties engaged in the project met in power of the unit will subsequently be Brussels on 24 May 2006 to confirm the agreements negotiated over the past increased to full power based on test year, following the decision to select the site for the construction and operation results and authorization by AERB. of ITER in Europe at Cadarache in southern France. The Seven Parties to TAPP-3 is expected to be declared ITER are the European Union, Russia, Japan, China, India, South Korea and commercial in July 2006, six months the United States. ahead of schedule. The ITER project is an international collaborative research project which The two units of TAPP-3&4, of will reproduce the physical reaction - fusion - that occurs in the sun and stars. 540 MWe each, are India’s largest and Fusion has several most advanced nuclear power units. attractions as a TAPP-3&4 belong to Pressurised large-scale energy Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) source; its basic family, which uses natural uranium as fuels are abundant fuel and heavy water as moderator and and available every- coolant. The two units of Tarapur where; no green- have been built and commissioned in house gas emissions; the shortest time taken by any PHWR no transportation in the country. This gestation period of radio-active is comparable to international materials; no possi- benchmark. bility of meltdown or The experience gained from runaway reactions; TAPP-3&4 is being utilized for no long-lasting radio- uprating the unit size to 700 MWe. active waste to be Four such units of 700 MWe each, two passed on to future at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan and two generations. at Kakrapar in Gujarat are proposed to be built. At present, NPCIL operates 15 nuclear power units with an aggregate capacity of 3360 MWe. This will increase to 3900 MWe once the 16th unit, TAPP-3, is declared commercial. The installed nuclear power capacity will increase to 4,120 MWe by end of Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007) and 10,280 MWe by Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12). It is planned to achieve an installed nuclear power capacity of 20,000 MWe by year 2020. NPCIL is unique in having built, under one roof, comprehensive capability in all facets of nuclear ITER signing ceremony at the technology namely – site selection, European Commission in Brussels. design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance and life extension of nuclear power plants.
1 capsules for making brachy-therapy BRIT : Looking Ahead sources. BRIT has a vast network of customers which ranges from Dr. A.K. Kohli major industrial units, ports, big hospital Chief Executive, Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology chains and sophisticated research laboratories to humble diagnostic laboratories. Consequently, BRIT has In recent years, the Board of out of BARC as an independent created expertise to cater to the Radiation & Isotope Technology constituent unit of the DAE in exacting demands from such a diverse (BRIT) has been leading the March 1989. The production of set of clientele. resurgence of isotope applications radioisotopes, which had begun with and radiation technology across the research reactor APSARA, got a Radiation Processing industry, healthcare, research and boost with the commissioning of A major impact of radiation agricultural sectors. It is focused on research reactors CIRUS and technology has been in the field the bringing the benefits of India’s vast DHRUVA. Later, production of sterilization of medical products, resources available with the robust R cobalt-60 was initiated in the power which over the years has gained & D efforts of Bhabha Atomic reactors. The Rajasthan Atomic tremendous popularity and acceptance Research Centre and large irradiation Power Project Cobalt Facility in society due to its simplicity and capacities available with the Nuclear (RAPPCOF) located at Kota is the reliability. Though the first radiation Power Corporation to create mainstay of the cobalt based processing plant for the sterilization of technologies, applications and programme of BRIT. medical products - ISOMED was services which cannot be replaced by As a constituent unit of DAE, commissioned in the country in the conventional techniques. Harnessing BRIT is unique in more than one way. year 1974, the Radiation Processing the spin offs from the mainstream It deals with radioactivity from Technology has established firm roots programmes of DAE, BRIT has microcurie to million curie levels. The only now with the commissioning of independently created a separate complexities of the tasks involved in four plants fully in the private sector. visible area of contribution to the the day-to-day operations can be BRIT’s other plant at Vashi, Navi society. understood by a few examples like Mumbai has also been performing To widen these activities and to handling of huge casks with very well and now has enabled the enable the commercial exploitation of thousands of curies of cobalt to the introduction of radiation processed the results of R & D, BRIT was carved laser welding of miniature steel food products for domestic , and more importantly, export markets. India being a large producer of agricultural commodities, strategies for food safety and security are of vital importance. Fully indigenous gamma radiation processing plants are going to play a very important role in this regard in the years to come. The recent acceptance of radiation processing as a mode of quarantine treatment for mangoes will enable Indian exporters to re-enter the large US market. Radiation processing of marine products is going to gain importance in the days to come. BRIT has already developed an all metal batch irradiator called Install & Operate irradiator which can undertake such jobs. It is planned to offer this design to private entrepreneurs in near future. Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant Cobalt Facility (RAPPCOF) , Kota, Rajasthan DAE has included the setting up
2 ISOMED Plant at Trombay, Mumbai of Radiation Processing Plants in the particularly farmers. Radiopharmaceuticals & country as one of its major missions. While the major thrust will be on Immunodiagnostic kits It is planned to set up more than 50 the indigenous Cobalt-60 based Production of Radiopharma- large irradiators by 2020 so that technology, expansion of Electron ceuticals, Immunoassay kits and harmful fumigants used for Beam (EB) facilities is also underway. Labeled Compounds constitute a sterilization and hygienization could BRIT is managing the operation of a significant part of the day-to-day be phased out from the country. BRIT 2 MeV EB machine and will support activities of BRIT. Radiopharma- is determined to achieve this mission this technology in a big way once the ceuticals have revolutionized the for the welfare of the public, indigenous machines mature. medical field by their ability to provide static as well as dynamic images of internal organs in a non- invasive manner as well as by offering efficacious therapy for certain diseases. Growth in the quantity of consignments has been accompanied by the expansion in the range of products. Radiopharmaceuticals based on technetium are used in over 80 per cent of nuclear medicine centres and form the workhorse of diagnostic nuclear medicine. BRIT, in conjunction with BARC, shoulders the responsibility of the development, production and supply of radiopharmaceuticals to about Radiation Processing Plant at Vashi, Navi Mumbai hundred nuclear medicine centres in
3 India and the number is growing. RIA brachytherapy treatment in the and IRMA kits are supplied to about country. Work has already been 400 laboratories in India. BRIT is undertaken for development of state- routinely manufacturing about 25 of-the art HDR Remote Afterloading radiopharmaceuticals and apart from Equipment which will revolutionize catering to domestic requirements cancer treatment activities in the exporting to some of the neighbouring country. countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka etc.. BRIT has introduced Carbon-14 urea Furthering contribution to NDT capsules used for diagnosis of Sector helicobacter pylori infection which is A major contribution of BRIT to mainly responsible for peptic ulcer Indian industry is the development of and gastritis in human beings. BRIT gamma radiography cameras both is shortly going to introduce P-32 with Iridium-192 and Cobalt-60 Samarium Phosphate colloid sources. The ROLI camera developed synovectomy injection for which by BRIT today enjoys more than thirty multi-centric clinical trials are going per cent market share amongst on. Work is in progress for introducing industrial users for non-destructive therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals like testing (NDT) applications. BRIT is Blood Irradiator I-131 MIBG and certain new cold kits able to meet the demand of all the for technetium labelling. NDT Centres in the country for their In order to facilitate laboratory BRIT operates the 16.5 MeV requirement of Iridium-192 as well as scale research in diverse radiation Medical Cyclotron Facility in the Tata Cobalt-60 radiography sources. There related areas, BRIT has developed Memorial Hospital Building at Parel, is a plan to enter the export market to different models of compact self- Mumbai. This cyclotron produces the nearby countries. Servicing of shielded gamma chambers, which special radiopharmaceuticals like radiography devices and source have been supplied to industries, 18FDG for Positron Emission replenishment is carried out research laboratories, and academic Tomography (PET) studies and throughout the year on a regular basis institutions around the country and supplies are already being made to by BRIT. Advanced models of quite a few units also have been major private hospitals in Mumbai. radiography devices are under exported to countries abroad. BRIT Another 30 MeV medical cyclotron development to provide the domestic plans to come out with much more is planned to be set up in Kolkata customers with improved features at compact table top Cesium-137 based jointly with VECC to cater to the economical rates. Laboratory Irradiators for similar hospitals in the eastern region with purposes. wider range of isotopes. Introduction Laboratory Irradiators of PET-CT has already revolutionized A much needed equipment for the Custom Synthesis in Drug medical imaging scene and demand medical users, Blood Irradiator, was Discovery for it is going to grow very fast. launched a few years back and is used The strengths nurtured over the in specialty and cancer hospitals. years in BRIT with respect to Battle Against Cancer with Patients who are immuno- radiolabelling technology and trained Radiotherapy compromised cannot be given normal manpower has opened up interesting BRIT contributes significantly to blood transfusion. A condition termed new business prospects. Labelled the battle against cancer by supplying post-transfusion graft-versus-host Compounds Laboratory, BRIT has Cobalt-60 teletherapy sources to disease occurs which can only be entered the Compounds Synthesis cancer hospitals all over the country. averted by eliminating the T- Outsourcing business in BARC has recently introduced its lymphocytes in the donor’s blood. Pharmaceuticals industry. Utilising indigenously developed teletherapy This can only be done by low dose the in-house strengths of highly machine – Bhabhatron to enable its irradiation. BRIT has developed the experienced synthetic chemists and deployment in big way. BRIT will do blood irradiator unit which can state-of the art infrastructure, BRIT its bit by manufacturing and supplying process blood bags. BRIT plans to offers development of novel routes the Co-60 sources for the same. It also lease out such Blood Irradiators so and purification methods for clients takes care of the needs of Platinum that these could be utilized in more interested in outsourcing part of their coated Iridium-192 wires for effective manner. synthesis of new molecules. Rallis
4 India Ltd., Godrej Agrovet Ltd., Themis Medicare, Zydus Research Shri R.N. Jayaraj has taken Centre have already outsourced their over as Chief Executive of tasks for radio-synthesis operations to Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) in BRIT. BRIT, today, is gearing up to meet place of Shri R. Kalidas, who has the challenges of the new millennium retired on attaining the age of based on the experience of its past and superannuation. Shri Jayaraj expectant of the prospects of the was holding the post of Deputy future. BRIT would endeavour to consolidate its existing market for Chief Executive (Nuclear Fuel isotope applications and radiation Fabrication) at NFC. Shri technology while constantly opening Jayaraj has vast experience in up newer areas where the benefits of the field of enriched and natural the atomic energy programme can reach all segments of our country’s uranium nuclear fabrication population. which are used in Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) at Tarapur (TAPS 1&2) and all Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in the country. Customer support After obtaining Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in the year The Customer Support Services of BRIT handles the day-to-day needs of 1973 from Osmania University, Shri R.N. Jayaraj joined 17th Batch of hundreds of customers and reachesto Training School of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, them specific isotopes for application for one year re-orientation course in nuclear engineering. He then joined in healthcare, industry, research and Atomic Fuels Division of BARC where he contributed in the production agriculture on a week-by-week basis. More than 45,000 consignments are of metallic uranium fuel assemblies for CIRUS reactor and development dispatched to customers all over the of production processes for the manufacture of fuel assemblies for country every year. A special DHRUVA reactor. Customer Relationship Cell functions at the Project House with all modern communication facilities. The After his transfer to Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad in the year website is deployed to assist the 1978, he played a key role in establishing the assembly plant for the customers to get supply position of production of core sub-assemblies required for Fast Breeder Test Reactor major sources and equipment on a (FBTR). He was instrumental in successfully fabricating and supplying 24x7 basis. Newer customer friendly services such as Retail Outlet to buy all the core sub-assemblies for FBTR for the first time in India. In mid- materials across the counter, advance 80’s, he was given the responsibility of production of natural uranium intimation on booking of consign- dioxide fuel bundles required for all the PHWRs, which he successfully ments on website etc. are introduced. executed in meeting the fuel requirements of Nuclear Power Corporation In the End … of India Limited. While carrying out regular production of fuel bundles BRIT today, is gearing up to meet for PHWRs, Shri Jayaraj immensely contributed in the indigenous the challenges of the new millennium development of various equipment for critical processes involving welding, based on the experience of its past and machining centers and assembly stations. He also contemplated several expectant of the prospects of the future. BRIT would endeavour to process improvements in the uranium dioxide pellet production and fuel consolidate its existing market for bundle fabrication resulting in substantial increase in the production isotope applications and radiation recoveries. Shri Jayaraj played pioneering role in manufacturing fuel for technology while constantly opening the first 540 MWe reactor at Tarapur, first of its kind in the country, that up newer areas where the benefits of the atomic energy programme can was commissioned recently. reach all segments of our country’s population.
5 The project Early Detection of Early Detection of Common Cancers in Common Cancers in Women in India of the Tata Memorial Centre Urban Women in India (Tata Memorial Centre Outreach Programme Project, has Urban Outreach Programme Project) been funded by National Institute of Health, USA. Principal Investigator is Dr. K.A.Dinshaw, Director, Tata Dr A K Dinshaw, Principal Investigator Memorial Centre and Dr. R.R.Shashi Dr S S Shastri, Co- Investigator and Dr. Gauravi Mishra are the Dr Gauravi Mishra, Project Co-ordinator Co-investigator and project co-ordinator respectively. It has been the mandate of the Tata Memorial Hospital, since its inception in the year 1941, to provide the best quality, comprehensive cancer care services, in the country. Over the last 65 years the hospital has provided succour to hundreds of thousands of cancer patients. Unfortunately, the cancer burden in India continues to grow. Today there are around 2.5 million cancer cases. Every year 8 lakh new cases are added to this number, whereas 5.5 lakh cancer patients die each year. This large scale morbidity and mortality associated with cancer continues unabated due to the single most important fact that cancer prevention and early detection services are almost non-existent in the country leading to over 70% of the cases reporting for treatment in fairly advanced stages of the disease. This situation can be easily reversed if we could have, well planned cancer education and organized screening and early detection programmes. Cancers of the cervix and breast account for 50% of cancers and 40% of all the deaths from cancers among women in India. A large proportion of these cancers present in advanced stages at the time of diagnosis, when cure is not possible. The standard methods and technologies used for screening of common cancers in the developed countries e.g. Pap smear for cervix cancer and mammography for breast cancer cannot be applied in developing countries like India because of resource constraints and absence of trained manpower.
6 The Tata Memorial Hospital over serious side effects, chemotherapeutic in 10 geographically defined clusters the last seven years has been devoting medication (e.g. loss of body hair, that have been randomly allocated into considerable time and resources increased risk to serious infections an intervention arm and a control arm. towards the development of simple etc.). Medical Social Workers carry out and cost effective methods for the Early detection through the survey and invite the eligible women early detection of cervical and breast TMCUOP results in down staging of for examinations at the screening cancers, among women. One such the disease and subsequently gives the camp and trained female primary initiative is a programme entitled women the advantage of being able health workers conduct these “Early Detection of Common Cancers to avail of organ conserving treatment. examinations. The project provides a in Women in India”, which is testing (e.g. breast conservation surgery well planned health education the efficacy of a simple test called involves only surgical removal of programme along with breast and Visual Inspection of the cervix with cancerous lump and not removal of cervix cancer screening at 2 year Acetic Acid (VIA) for the early entire breast). Similarly, early stages intervals to 75,000 women from detection of cervix cancer and Clinical of cervix cancer can be treated by selected slum clusters in Mumbai. Breast Examination (CBE) for the simple excision biopsy like LEEP or Another group of 75,000 women from early detection of breast cancer. Both Conization, thereby conserving the other slum clusters are provided these tests are provided by trained uterus and cervix. health education only. Primary Health Care Workers and the This study investigates the The project envisages the study is being carried out among 1.5 effectiveness of well planned health provision of four rounds of screening lakh women in the age group of 35 to education programme (HEP) along followed by another eight years of 65 years, living in the slums of with low-cost screening methods e.g. observation for demonstrating a Mumbai. This study is conducted clinical breast examination (CBE), reduction in the incidence and under the aegis of the Department of and visual inspection of the cervix mortality due to cervix and breast Preventive Oncology of TMC backed painted with 4% acetic acid (VIA), in cancers among women who received by the comprehensive cancer care down-staging and thereby reducing the screening as compared to women facilities of the Tata Memorial the incidence of cervix cancer and who did not receive the screening. Hospital. mortality due to breast and cervix The actual field work was started in Efficacy of mammography in cancers. The screened positive May 1998 and is expected to complete young women is debatable. Our patients are referred to the Tata by December 2015. Till May, 2005, population structure has more than Memorial Hospital for further women from all the ten intervention- 60% of women below age of 50 investigations and management. Also clusters (n=75955) received three (unlike in the west where 70% of one of the secondary objectives of the rounds of intervention (average population is above 50). Hence, a study is to determine if such compliance rate 68%). Also women study demonstrating the efficacy of programmes can be integrated into from first four intervention-clusters Clinical Breast Examination will be routine public health care activities, have received four rounds of of a great benefit and relevance to in India. intervention (average compliance rate almost all the developing countries The population of Mumbai is 66%). Women from all 10 control like India. This study is the only around 13 million (2001 census). A clusters received on round of health scientific study anywhere in the world staggering 30% of the population of education in the beginning that will help establish the benefits of Mumbai lives in slums, which for all (Compliance rate 91%). The present Clinical Breast Examination as a practical purposes can be considered cycle consisting of 4th screen for standalone method for early detection a parallel city. Providing health care clusters (5to10), is ongoing. 128 cases of breast cancer. to the population living in slums is a of breast cancer and 79 cases of cervix Detection of both breast and cervix highly challenging task. The early cancer were detected in the cancers in the advanced stage of cancer detection service programme intervention arm and 61 cases of disease requires major mutilating provides services to this socio-econo- breast cancer and 44 cases of cervix surgeries e.g. mastectomy (Surgical mically disadvantaged population cancer were detected in the control removal of the affected breast) and living in the slums of Mumbai. This arm, till date. hysterectomy (surgical removal of the is a community based cluster This project, which was started in affected cervix/uterus) resulting in randomized study involving 1.5 lakh the year 1997, received funding from serious physical and emotional loss of women, from low socio-economic the National Institute of Health (NIH), sexual identity for the woman. This group between the ages of 35-64 years USA during September 1997 to is in addition to the enormous cost and from the slums of Mumbai, staying August 2003. It is presently run with
7 the intramural TMH grants.The Model Rural Cancer intermediate results of this study are very encouraging showing that simple Control Programme low cost technology carried out by The Tata Memorial Centre highly trained Primary Health commissioned a Model Rural Cancer Workers is effective in downstaging Control Programme in Ratnagiri and breast and cervix cancers. Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra A total of 85 salaried project staff under the DAE Xth plan projects, on members were involved in the study August 17, 2003. These districts were which primarily include the medical chosen since they have a high social workers, primary health incidence/prevalence of common Chiplun, in Ratnagiri district, by workers, project assistants and the cancers but have very poor access to consultants from Tata Memorial Data Management Team. The cancer care and health care in general. Hospital, who visit the site once a investigators, consultants and co- Six Mobile Education-cum- month. ordinator from Tata Memorial Screening Units (MESUs) have been Doctors from the BKL Walawalkar Hospital plan and guide the project established as part of this programme. hospital are also trained during the team. The programme creates awareness project to enable them to treat cancer This study which is the first of its regarding tobacco related cancers, cases. Only patients requiring kind from a developing country is breast and cervix cancers in the local radiation therapy are required to travel expected to guide the future policies population and conducts screening to the Tata Memorial Hospital, on cancer control programmes in India camps for the early detection of Mumbai. and other resource poor countries. cervix, breast and oral cancers among A proposal for setting up a Cobalt This study is also the only women and oral cancer among men teletherapy unit at the BKL Randomized Controlled Trial that through village camps. Trained Walawalkar Hospital is under compares Clinical Breast primary health care workers and consideration. A cancer registry is Examination with noscreening. nurses carry out the primary also being set up to keep a track of screening. Diagnostic confirmation is the cancer morbidity and mortality in Anticipated benefits to the also done at the village through mobile the region. Developing Countries First Referral Level Units (FRLUs) Around 5 lakh eligible men and This trial when completed will by trained doctors. Persons detected women from the two districts are provide the basis for utilizing low-cost positive for any of the above cancers expected to participate in the screening technology tools in down-staging, are treated locally at the B.K.L. programme. The screening will be cervix and breast cancers in societies Walavalkar Hospital at Dervan, near completed by March 31, 2007. that have limited financial resources. This programme of ‘Early Detection of Common Cancers in Women’ can be used as a Model for the planning an implementation of National Health Programme for control of cancers. In the rural areas it can be implemented through the already existing network of field level staff consisting of health workers. In the cities the programme can be implemented by a chain of municipal corporation dispensaries and hospitals. This low-cost effective technology for cancer detection in women will prove to be highly beneficial for the developing countries.
8 Around 41,000 persons have been already screened till August 31, 2005 and 189 cancer cases have been detected and treated by the programme. Another first in the area is the setting up of telemedicine services as integral part of the programme. Hardware, software and satellite communication for the telemedicine services are being provided free-of- cost by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Valuable benefits and outcomes of the Tata Memorial Centre Rural Outreach Programme are expected to be local capacity building and technology transfer, reduction of disease burden and economic gain. National human resource development for cancer control is another spin off from this programme. The first National Training Programme in Village women Preventive Oncology organised by the registering for Tata Memorial Centre Rural Outreach cancer screening Programme during February 6-7, 2005, was attended by Medical Officers from Regional Cancer Centres across the country, who learnt the theory and practice of evidence- based screening for common cancers through rural community-based strategies. The Tata Memorial Centre Rural Outreach Programme is expected to form the basis of future Cancer Control Programmes in the country. This programme is being conducted by the ‘Department of Preventive Oncology’ of the Tata Memorial Centre in collaboration with the B.K.L.Walawalkar Hospital
All inquiries with regard to this project may be addressed to: Dr. Surendra S. Shastri Professor & Head Dr S.S.Shastri delivering the inaugural lecture at the National Conference for Department of Preventive Oncology, Regional Cancer Centres Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai - 400012 [email protected]
9 live sample. A Personal Identification Hand Scan Biometric System Number (PIN) is allotted to each person at the time of registration. P.S. Dhekne Verification : During verification Former Head, Computer Division, BARC the individual using the system is required to type his PIN to call up his record. A live sample provided by him/ Automated biometric systems Registration : The system first her is compared to the pre-stored consist of complex hardware and captures from nail side of the hand template according to pre-defined software designed to positively image, multiple distinctive 2-D identify an individual or to verify his patterns on fingers. This is known as accuracy limits. Based on this identity using measurements of the the registration process. These 2D comparison, multiple parameters are body. Such bodily measures have the patterns in the hand image of the computed. These parameters indicate appeal that they cannot be lost, individual along with their coordinate degree of similarity of template forgotten or passed from one to information are used to form a unique patterns with respect to the another and they are very hard to template which can be used for his/ corresponding patterns in verification forge. Biometric systems are based on her subsequent verification against a image and also the geometrical fundamental features that are derived from unique physiological or behavioral characteristics of a person. These characteristics which include fingerprints, hand silhouette, iris pattern, blood vessel pattern on the retina, facial features, signature dynamics and voice pattern, have all been explored as biometric identifiers with varying levels of success. BARC has researched the potential of using hand as a biometric identifier in a different way and importance was given for comfortable placement of hand i.e. with palm side resting on a base plate and the charge coupled device (CCD) camera seeing the nail side of hand from the top. A new image processing technique based on simultaneously matching the multiple and distinctive 2-D image patterns on fingers from nail side of the hand at predefined geometrical positions, has been developed for biometric verification. A prototype system to demonstrate the technique has been developed as shown in Fig.1, and Fig.2 shows user verification in progress. Basically, it is a one-to-one system, in which a live sample provided by the user is compared to the pre-stored template according to pre-defined accuracy limits. This technique of verifying the identity of an individual involves following two major steps:
10 distance between some of these patterns. A Quality Degradation Recovery of Uranium from Seawater by Factor (QDF) is computed based on the deviations observed in these Harnessing Tidal Energy parameters and user’s claim for identity is accepted or rejected A K Saxena depending upon the threshold limit set PICUS, Desalination Division for this factor in the template. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400085 Basically, it is a one-to-one system, which compares the biometric In the last century uranium has create grafting sites on the polymer information presented by an universally gained acceptance as chain and then treated with individual with biometric information primary energy source. Currently it acrylonitrile to graft cyano groups on stored in the template corresponding caters to about 16% of the electricity those sites. Then the cyano groups to that individual. generation globally. Uranium was are reacted with hydroxylamine to Three systems based on the above projected as the main workhorse of convert them into amidoxime groups. technique have been installed at three future when the fossil energy reserves These amidoxime groups trap the different locations for evaluation. dwindle by the middle of this century. loosely bonded uranyl ion from the These systems are continuously in use The terrestrial distribution of uranium uranyl tricarbonate present in the ionic and are working satisfactorily. In one 4- ore occurrence is grossly uneven. form i.e. UO2 (CO3)3 in seawater. of the systems where 130 persons With a large coastline, India, Japan, For each pair of two molecules of were registered, analysis of the Korea and a few other nations have a PAO one uranium atom is captured. acquired data comprising of more larger stake in exploiting the 4.5 Stoichiometrically PAO should have than ten thousand Verification billion tones of uranium locked in an extraction capability of 3.6 kg U/ Attempts, revealed that the marginal seawater. The greatest of the scientific kg PAO. cases of False Rejection were only and technological challenges in due to improper placement of the extracting uranium from seawater are Lab-scale experiments hand. After training the persons using lying in finding a technology that During lab-scale experiments, the Training Mode, False Rejection gives a net positive energy balance in many types of fiber cross-sections and rate is reduced to a value below 2%. terms of electricity produced from the geometries were evaluated for No case of False Acceptance has been so recovered uranium and the other establishing efficacy of grafting. reported so far during actual use on is the cost of production. This article Polypropylene fibre of 1.5 Denier any of these systems. Hence, the False deals with the Indian efforts on both cross-sections as stem material in non- Acceptance rate as on today is zero. these issues. woven felt form was used. Electron A Face Verification System has Beam Radiation induced grafting of also been developed for personal Basic adsorption mechanism acrylonitrile was carried out with authentication and is under test. A plan During seventies and eighties the optimized parameters. The solution is also taking shape to carry out fusion Initial investigations on the viscosity and temperature were also of face and hand biometrics to possibilities of recovery of uranium found to be important factors. Then provide layered biometric solution for from seawater were done using the cyno group was converted to PAO. effective access control, especially for inorganic adsorbents. The inorganic The substrate was then reacted deployment at strategic locations. adsorbents suffer limitations of with alkaline solution to impart adsorption rate and insufficient hydrophylicity and adsorption mechanical stability. Since early characteristics. The tokens of size nineties extensive investigations are 75x70x2 mm thick and 150x150x2 being carried out on organic mm thick were used. adsorbents. Poly Acrylamid Oxime Corrosion, bio fouling and their (PAO) was picked up as the best bet combined effect on the adsorption for studies since July 1999. It kinetics and mechanical properties of preferentially extracts heavy metal the materials used in the suspension ions by chelating mechanism. A assembly and the substrate were polypropylene fibre substrate is studied and their compatibilities with irradiated with electron beam to seawater and process chemicals were Continued on page 15 11 safety. These opportunities are aimed Research education linkage: at motivating the young minds and to groom them to become competent IGCAR experience professionals. The benefits derived from such interactions are quicker The primary mandate of the Indira academic institutional like Anna R&D outputs, from eager and sharp, Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research University, Annamalai University, if not fully matured students, not to (IGCAR) is to develop fast reactor Sathyabama deemed University and mention the expertise of the Institute technology for economic, safe and PSG College of Technology, to guide. The DAE Graduate Fellowship sustainable nuclear power. This enhance their quality of education. Scheme (DGFS) recently started by requires introduction of innovative Many scientists from IGCAR have DAE, is similar in spirit to identify features to ensure increased bum-up also been benefited from interactions talented students immediately after of fuel, safety in design and operation, with academic institutions such as their undergraduate degree and as well as effectively closed fuel cycle. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT’s), nurturing them to contribute to Succeeding in this mission Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Departmental mission programmes, necessitates a multi-disciplinary R&D Banaras Hindu University, Anna by sponsoring their postgraduate programme, which has been a University, Madras University, etc., to study and enrolling them as hallmark for IGCAR. Synergism of acquire higher qualifications. employees of the Department. The expertise and facilities in IGCAR with benefits to IGCAR from this scheme Indian academia and research Project Students at IGCAR have already been tangible both in institutes is important for speeding up Every year nearly 200 terms of enhanced DAE-IIT linkage this challenging task. A conscious undergraduate and postgraduate and quality of human resource effort has been made over the decades students are selected to participate in addition. to network a vibrant academia- the various on-going projects at research institute-industry interaction IGCAR, encompassing various facets Collaborative Research Projects towards finding solutions for FBR of materials development, chemistry, More than 80 sponsored projects technology. Apart from the reprocessing, reactor design and have already been completed in contributions from eminent faculty members, the inputs provided by the dynamic and enthusiastic students have been commendable. Thus human resource development has been one of the areas of emphasis in the management philosophy of the Centre. Besides, it has also been realised that as a premier R & D centre with state-of-the art facilities, IGCAR is well placed to contribute to enhancement of science and technology education in India. A variety of approaches to strengthen a vibrant interaction with academic and research institutes have been adopted by IGCAR. The various modes of interaction include participation of selected students to pursue postgraduate research at IGCAR, sponsored research projects, The 1.7 mega volt Tandetron Accelerator at the Materials Science Division, IGCAR.. collaborative projects, and by This accelerator is being used for experiments on simulation of radiation damage organizing vocational training courses using ion beams, synthesis of novel phases by irradiation and materials and workshops. Also, a few scientists characterization using Rutherford backscattering, channeling and PIXE. The from IGCAR have been invited as accelerator facilities at IGCAR are extensively used by the students under the UGC- members of Board of Studies by DAE-CSR programme.
12 collaboration with 23 institutes, Projects in critical areas involving tubes of pressurized heavy water including many premier academic and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) reactor, and eddy current based time R&D institutes. Many projects are include: application of criticality domain electromagnetic survey sponsored by IGCAR, while some of refracted longitudinal (LCR) ultrasonic system for remote sensing of uranium the projects are sponsored by Board waves for deformation and residual deposits. Facilities in IISc, Bangalore of Research on Nuclear Sciences stress assessments in stainless steel have been extensively utilized for (BRNS). Most projects are in areas plates and components of nuclear generating the base line data necessary vital to FBR and reprocessing industry in collaboration with the for identifying the safe processing programmes, be it support to robust Anna University; design and windows of important reactor design, detailed materials development of micro-electro- materials using Dynamic Material characterization, establishing and mechanical systems (MEMS) Modeling approach. IISc, Bangalore validating new technologies, or search ultrasonic transducers for NDE is also involved in a project on for new and better processes. Majority applications in collaboration with the mitigation of bio-fouling of Ti surface of the projects with IIT Madras, in IISc, Bangalore; and development of in the coastal waters of Kalpakkam. support of design involve ultrasonic phased array based A project on investigation of fretting development of models, and techniques for rapid evaluation of end wear and tribological behaviour of theoretical and computer code plug welds in fuel pin assembly in Modified 9Cr- I Mo/Aluminised IN development. Some of the projects collaboration with the IIT Madras. 718 materials, has been sponsored to had also experimental components for Two other projects, in collaboration IIT Delhi. Another project on which infrastructure available were with IIT Madras may be mentioned investigation of tribological behaviour used, or specifically built with the here: transient infrared thermography of stainless steel 316LN, Colmonoy project fund. Examples are: buckling based detection of blisters in pressure deposits on 316LN stainless steel, investigations of inner vessel and main vessel, dynamic experiments on core support structure, studies on thermal striping, structural integrity assessment of control plug and sodium piping, seismic qualification studies on Control Safety Rod Driver Mechanism, structural design of reactor vault, geo-technical characterization of 500 MWe Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) site, mathematical model for sodium combustion in leak collection tray, and various thermal-hydraulics studies. Projects with IISc., Bangalore relating to various aspects of 500 MWe FBR design are equally important. These include review of Design Basis Earthquake for the site, seismic response of sodium pipelines, structural reliability analysis of core support structures, coalescence of drops in centrifugal contactors, and experimental and analytical study on the reinforced cement concrete beam column joints with/without fibers under cyclic loading. The Metallurgy and Materials Programme of IGCAR has embarked Leak-Before-Break tests of 500 MWe FBR Steam Generator Shell Nozzle Junction on a range of collaborative research at the Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. projects with various institutes.
13 CrN coating on 316LN stainless steel Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Thermax Facilities (IUC-DAEF) Scheme was and ASTM A453 Grade 660 has been Limited, Pune, and IIT Madras. The initiated at Kalpakkam in 1994, with sponsored to IISc, Bangalore. These development of chemical sensors is the express purpose of enhancement will generate important base line data, an important activity, the product of of utilization of the accelerator and will also mark the beginning of a which would not only benefit the facilities at IGCAR. Research scholars new area of research in IGCAR, department but also lead to industrial from various universities in India have namely correlation between applications in a large way. The made use of the low energy microstructure - tribology and fretting development of sensors is a accelerators for pursuing research on properties. In recent years, it has been multidisciplinary activity involving ion beam modification of materials, increasingly recognized that welding not only chemistry, but also and for characterization of materials and hardfacing technologies are electronics, instrumentation and using Rutherford back scattering, crucial to the success of our fast precise fabrication. IGCAR’s Particle-Induced X-ray Emission breeder reactor and reprocessing interactions with Central Glass and (PIXE) etc. In this scheme 13 students programmes. A BRNS project on Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI) completed their Ph.D programmes, optimization of Colomonoy and IIT, Kharagpur are expected to and it is satisfying to note that all of deposition process is in progress in catalyze this activity through the them are well placed in research collaboration with Annamalai expertise available in these institutions laboratories both in India and abroad. University. A technologically in development of ceramics. With the recent enlargement of the important area in which IGCAR has IGCAR is also an active scope of the collaboration in the form developed expertise, is in dissimilar participant in several other of University Grants Commission metal welding. This area has proved important BRNS sponsored Department of Atomic Energy to be of crucial importance for the projects. A first of its kind high Consortium for Scientific Research success of IGCAR’s reprocessing temperature ultrasonic measurement (UGC-DAE-CSR) Scheme to programme. A multi-pronged facility has been established at encompass facilities other than approach has been undertaken, to MEPCO Schlenk Engineering accelerators, it is expected that the generate a research base, which will College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. In collaborative ventures will grow in eventually lead to the identification of addition to dynamic detection of strength. Many talented students from the technologically viable method. phase and structural transitions in different universities would benefit Accordingly, projects that have been alloys and oxide systems with from this opportunity of working with initiated are on Friction Welding of scientific understanding on kinetic state-of-art and advanced techniques, Ti to 304L SS in collaboration with IIT aspects, an important outcome is the many of which are available only in a Madras; Diffusion Bonding of Ti realization of the fact that creep and/ few selected laboratories in the to 304 L SS in collaboration with PSG or fatigue damage can be detected country. The impetus provided by College of Tech., Coimbatore; and with high sensitivity by measurement these opportunities for young students Explosive Welding of Ti to 304L SS of ultrasonic parameters at higher to continue pursuing advanced in collaboration with Annamalai research for their professional career temperatures. Synthesis and University. Through these endeavours, is indeed heartening. consolidation of oxide dispersion IGCAR has been able to provide strengthened ferritic steels by powder support for enhancing the Memorandum of Understanding metallurgical route, as well as infrastructural facilities at the (MoU) with Educational Institutes development of titanium based academic institutes in addition to To formalise the linkages with the coatings by molten salt route and providing opportunities for the educational and research institutions, students to participate in areas of boriding of austenitic stainless steels IGCAR has signed MoUs with many exciting science and challenging for applications in corrosive nitric acid academic institutions. The list technologies. environments are being developed in includes Anna University, IIT Madras, The development of novel collaboration with PSG College of IISc, Bangalore, Loyola College, extractants and resins for reprocessing Technology, Coimbatore. Velammal Engineering College & and waste management is a typical Management Institute, Vellore example of an area where strengths Collaboration under the UGC- Institute of Technology, K.J. Hospital in academic and research institutes DAE Scheme & Research Institute, Sathyabama compliment those in DAE. A Collaborative research under the Deemed University, Crescent collaborative programme has been Inter-University Consortium - Engineering College and St. Josephs adopted involving National Chemical Department of Atomic Energy college of Engineering. These MoUs
14 have provided opportunities not only research scholars was organized at for the research students and faculty IGCAR in February 2004. from these institutes to interact with To summarize, outsourcing of PP fibre IGCAR scientists, but also provided R&D through collaborations with felt opportunities to IGCAR scientists to academic institutes has helped participate in the educational process IGCAR in many ways. Critical inputs Electron though seminars and joint discussions. have been generated in relatively short Beam period, which helped in early irradiation Vocational Training Programmes launching of the FBR programme. In grafting IGCAR has been conducting a six the process, infrastructure has been week long annual Summer Training developed at many centers of Programme for M.Sc (I Year) students excellence. Most importantly, by Graft in Physics and Chemistry. Starting harnessing the available multi- plymerisation from 1995, every year, 20 students are disciplinary expertise in the entire with selected, in each discipline, from more country, a level of technical acrylonitrile than 200 applications. The students achievement has been possible, which receive stipend during their stay. would be too difficult, if not Initially, this programme was confined impossible, to achieve for any single to students from Tamil Nadu and institution because of limitations of Oximation Pondicherry. However, in resources. IGCAR in turn has also consideration of the overwhelming significantly contributed to the response, this programme has been development of science and extended to an all-India basis from technology education, both directly PAO 2005. In this very popular and through the academic institutions. programme, running during May-July Given the ambitious mandate of every year, the selected students IGCAR, it can be confidently undergo an intensive training predicted that such collaborations comprising of lectures, project work between IGCAR and other premier Harnessing tidal waves has the and tutorials. Many of the students institutes will continue to be advantage of positive electricity gain. who attended these courses went on strengthened in the years to come. The extent of energy gain ratio will to pursue research careers at depend much on the site selection. Feasibility studies on various sizes of prestigious universities, and some of Continued from page 11 them have also joined DAE through pilot scales will help in optimization the training school. This course has established. of process design parameters of also created a fraternity of students, Recovery of Uranium from adsorbent synthesis and improving the who helped to create an awareness Seawater .... yield of recovered uranium. Various of the research and development Based on initial success of configurations of contactor array activities of the Department amongst extracting about 800 µg of uranium designs are being developed to the colleges and universities. IGCAR by harnessing the tidal wave using facilitate the operational flexibility for is associated with Chennai PAO adsorbent, a process flow sheet the offshore unit of the plant and Mathematical Institute (CMI) in the for a facility to extract 100gU/year utilization of tidal energy/waves more conduct of the experimental was developed. efficiently. programme for B.Sc. (Hons.) physics students. IGCAR scientists are also Conclusion involved in giving lecture courses to The specially developed organic the young and bright students at CMI. adsorbent PAO has shown promising IGCAR has also been involved in the results for recovery of uranium from conduct of an Indian Academy of seawater. Pumped circulation schemes Sciences sponsored refresher course are inherently riddled with negative for college teachers. A DST sponsored electricity gain, which means that the Science & Engineering Research electricity producing potential of the Council (SERC) school on Methods recovered uranium is less than the in Materials Characterisation for electricity spent in its recovery.
15 Widened Horizon*
S. C. Hiremath Chairman & Chief Executive, Heavy Water Board
... While pursuing the first phase phenomenal. Heavy water production of unique 3-phase Nuclear Power in India exceeded its own Programme starting with PHWRs, requirement. Competitive cost of Heavy Water was identified as one of production gave India export the key input. Under this back drop, opportunity for this high technology Manuguru Heavy Water Plant the journey for Heavy Water nuclear material. .... Programme commenced. Given the In the new millennium, Boron-10 required for Proto type Fast country’s priority for self-reliance, the considering the trend of performance Breeder Reactors. Civil works for first generation heavy water plants of all Heavy Water Plants, the primary Boric acid enrichment plant through included setting up of Bithermal H2S, mandate given to Heavy Water Board ion chromatographic route at Heavy
H2O exchange plant based on wholly is successfully met. In the process, Water Plant, Manuguru is completed indigenous effort while parallely Heavy Water Board has created and work on execution of EPC constructing plants based on mono- responsive high technology faculty contract execution for the plant is in thermal NH3-H2 exchange process which has the unique capability of progress and is expected to be with the assistance from foreign taking product/process from Lab to completed by June 2006. Resin collaborators/suppliers. The technical industrial production with an ideal testing procedures including its competence generated from design, orientation towards industrial performance evaluation for isotope construction and commissioning of activities. With the onset of new separation has been finalized in these plants, acquired skill of millennium, meeting the requirement consultation with IGCAR. Test cell industrial operation and the urge for of certain key inputs for both the for Elemental Boron production has excellence paved the way for the PHWR’s of first phase and the FBR’s been erected. consolidation phase. The second of the second phase were seen as a Engineering of this production generation plants with higher plant challenge. At Heavy Water Plant, facility for Boron-10 with 90% capacity were taken up for Talcher, development of process & isotopic purity used in neutron construction using indigenous product technologies on industrial detectors is in advanced stage and engineering capabilities. The plants at scale production of various solvents likely to be ready for operation at Heavy Water Plant, Manuguru based having application in nuclear fuel HWP Talcher by middle of 2006 and on H2S-Water Exchange process and cycle are undertaken. At Heavy Water this alternate route would augment the Heavy Water Plants at Thal and Plant, Baroda, an alternate ammonia Boron availability for PFBR as well. Hazira based on Ammonia - based process for heavy water Evaluation of commercially available Hydrogen Exchange process were production independent of fertilizer mass transfer tower internals for thus put into commercial operation. plants is developed. Heavy Water various sizes of Exchange Distillation Having set up more than 500 tons Board has thus exhibited the ability Columns has been completed and of heavy water production capacity to convert the adversities in a specific process design has been finalized for and having stabilized the operation of plant location into the opportunities scaled up version of the plant for all the plants, the emphasis shifted and used its human resource by augmenting the enriched Boron towards fine tuning of plants and diversifying into other activities. production for meeting the PEBR’s improvement of performance. The Since separation of isotopes is the improved schedule for meeting the exercise of self appraisal was main strength for Heavy Water Board, requirement of detector grade BF3- undertaken in a mission mode at all the campaign was started with CaF2 complex for Neutron Detectors. heavy water plants. The result was setting up of production of enriched Heavy Water Board has also taken up process & technology * Excerpts of the address on the occasion of the founder’s day of the Heavy Water development for other isotopes like Board 18 18 O . O is one of the isotopes having application in nuclear medicine and
16 biochemical research. Doubly industrial scale. Work on synthesis of towards development of high Labeled Water (DLW) having certain TOPO has been taken up at Heavy efficiency solvent extraction concentration of deuterium and O18 is Water Plant, Tuticorin on a laboratory equipment has also been taken up. used for measuring energy expend- scale. The results obtained are highly The expertise available in other units iture, total body water content, etc. O18 encouraging and scaling up of the of the Department such as NFC, finds use in Positron Emission synthesis process is being taken up. BARC, IGCAR are being resource Tomography (PET) used for typically In the next couple of years, HWB plan through well organised network for detection and staging malignancies. to set up industrial scale production developing these equipment. HWB is The isotope has demand in DAE and facility for D2EPHA and TOPO as setting up Technology Demonstration the Defence Research & well as other solvents required for Plant for recovery of Uranium from Development Organisation (DRDO). nuclear fuel cycle and FBR fuel cycle. secondary sources especially from HWB has embarked on distillation D2EHPA and TBP being produced at phosphoric acid manufactured using 18 route for production of H2O at Talcher facility are meeting the rock phosphate, which contains 60- 99.8% purity and engineering is in international quality standards and 150 ppm Uranium at the RCF, progress. TBP Plant has met the requirement of Trombay. HWB has also taken up the NRG-BARC, UED-BARC and In order to achieve further assignment of supplying nuclear gearing up to meet the bulk reduction in internal dosage of grade Sodium to be used as coolant requirement of NFC-DAE besides occupational workers of Nuclear for prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. meeting the requirement of test Power Station, a prototype Heavy The plant for production of nuclear facility at HWP (Talcher) itself. Water clean up facility has been grade metallic sodium is set up at DAE has initiated the programme developed and engineered. Utilizing HWP, Manuguru. The process for recovery of uranium from the experience of Hydrogen isotope involves molten salt electrolysis of secondary sources. Phosphoric acid separation and also the experience of sodium chloride followed by produced by fertilizer industries has operation of cryogenic plant at Heavy purification process to meet the been recognized as a suitable Water Plant, Nangal, HWB is setting desired quality of nuclear grade secondary source. Thanks to up a Heavy Water Clean Up Facility sodium. Technology for the plant, collaboration of last three decades at RAPS/HWP (Kota). Project particularly the purification process with Gujarat State Fertilizer execution is taken up simultaneously has been obtained from IGCAR and Corporation (GSFC), SPIC, while concurrent development and the job of engineering, construction Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizer (RCF), engineering is in progress. ... and subsequent operation will be KRIBHCO, Heavy Water Board has Taking note of the large potential carried out by HWB. Engineering and excellent rapport with the fertilizer for non-nuclear applications of manufacturing trial operation of full Industry. HWB possess the required deuterium in the fields of Medical, Scale Fused Salt Test Cell has been management skills to set up uranium life science. Communication and accomplished. The first product drawl recovery plants coupled with microelectronics, HWB has initiated of Sodium metal from the Test cell phosphoric acid plants. Additionally, actions for development of alternate has been accomplished on 15.01.2006 experience of production and applications of deuterium / heavy at HWP, Manuguru. handling of various solvents in its water. Deuterium substituted Solvents play a major role in solvent test facilities has given added polymers have shown outstanding various extraction processes used advantage to HWB for engineering signal transmission characteristics both in the ‘front end’ as well as ‘back solvent extraction facility for specific with reduced loss of intensity and end’ of the nuclear fuel cycle. applications. A solvent test facility to better transmission efficiency when Solvents, which have been identified check solvents’ efficacy and stability deuterium gas is used in the optical for potential use, are TBP, D2EPHA, has been set up at Heavy Water Plant, fibers. As required by one of the TOPO, TAPO, DNPPA, CMPO etc. Talcher. Solvent extraction test, - leading Optical Fibre manufacturers, HWB has already set up industrial using the solvents produced at Heavy HWB has generated deuterium gas of scale production facility for TPB at Water Plant, Talcher - has indicated required quality and supplied gas Heavy Water Plant, Talcher. Pilot encouraging recovery efficiency. samples of 3% deuterium for plant for production of D2EPHA has Apart from above, HWB has also experimental purpose. The results are also been operated successfully. taken up development of solvent very much encouraging and the HWB is now engaged in extraction test facility for extraction manufacturer has come forward for identification of suitable process for of Uranium from phosphoric acid at entering into an MOU with HWB for production of other solvents on HWP, Talcher. Separately action regular supply of 3% bone dry
17 deuterium gas (15 cylinders/month) production process which can bring Three decades of operation and for a period of one year. Discussions in a significant change in the cost of maintenance of heavy water plants on use of heavy water in various production as well as environment has developed about 4000 strong applications in veterinary fields have impact. One such process has been trained and experienced personnel in been also initiated with Indian identified as Water - Hydrogen (H,0- addition to development of suppliers Veterinary Research Institute, lzat H,) Exchange process for which the who are tuned to all aspects of high Nagar. process as well as the catalyst tech industrial activity. This HWB have already supplied small development has been taken as a manpower has been responsive to the quantities of heavy water to Bombay R&D activity. community around the plant, has Veterinary College for R&D purpose HWPs have maintained their developed an unparalleled safety i.e. for studying the effect of heavy Excellent Safety Performance and culture, and has shown utmost water on some specific living cell(s) have achieved accident free concern for the management of and for viral vaccine studies in eggs continuous run of all the operating environment including conservation and tissue culture. plants during the period April - of natural resources. Such an Experience in design, construction December 2005. HWP, Tuticorin & experienced and trained manpower is and operation of cryogenic system HWP, Kota have bagged the an invaluable asset. HWB takes pride will provide HWB the engineering prestigious Shreshtha Suraksha in having such proactive manpower back up for separation of Helium Puraskar for the year 2004 from and wishes to develop them by further from its natural sources. HWB has enhancing their knowledge base and National Safety Council of India and also identified a unique but difficult skill sets. Human resource in particular HWP, Tuticorin has to deal with, source for recovery of development and knowledge bagged it consecutively for the fourth helium using cryogenic process. The management is, therefore, taken as an year. HWP, Hazira has crossed 2877 re-cycled synthesis gas of ammonia important area of activity of HWB. days of accident free running as on synthesis loop of large scale natural As on date. Heavy Water Board 31.12.2005 without any reportable gas based ammonia plants - provides has widened its horizon. While the disabling injury. HWP, Hazira has a feed material which is pre-enriched production of heavy water still by around ten times compared to the won the Winner Award from Gujarat remains its major activity, helium content of the feed natural gas. Safety Council for the year 2004. diversification in other fields will HWB is in the process of firming up Heavy Water Plant, Kota is the first provide growth opportunity to the of unit operation and their sequence among all the Heavy Water Plants Board. Heavy Water Board is as a part of process technology and DAE units to get IS-18001, determined to utilize its expertise in development and to explore the Occupational Health & Safety various areas in supporting nuclear techno-economic feasibility of the Management System (OHSMS) power programme. The odyssey of above process. certification from Bureau of Indian excellence continues in the present HWB has decided to utilize the Standards. HWPs at Thal and year as the performance of Heavy infra-structure facilities available at Tuticorin have also been certified for Water Board surges ahead of its own Heavy Water Plant, Talcher for setting IS-18001. HWB (Central Office) also record of previous best which was up of an In-House R&D Centre as it has been certified for IS:9001-2000 created last year. The credit goes to is of importance for any industrial unit in January 2005 with respect to every member of the HWB and for keeping pace with the development of process products, Heavy Water Plants and HWPs/HWB modernization and front end design and engineering of plants, will raise the bar and set newer bench technologies for developing new production and supply of heavy water, mark every year. process towards isotope separation, specialty chemicals and other nuclear developing synthesis route for materials. No technology can be potential solvents, development of considered as successful if it has not catalysts and its performance addressed the environmental aspect evaluation, testing of solvents and completely. ‘solvent extraction equipment’ for its The technology of development of performance etc. Heavy Water Plants in India is a case New cost effective and eco- in consideration where the technology friendly heavy water production was developed from concept to process HWB intends to develop commissioning and, there are very few other innovative heavy water parallels in the Indian scenario.
18 R.No. 9002/62
18TH ALL INDIA ESSAY CONTEST IN NUCLEAR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DAE invites essays as per Howto send the Essay b) Boarding and lodging in the Guest following details written in any The essay should be sent to the House of BARC at Anushaktinagar, official Indian language or in English address given below directly by the Mumbai during the authorized period from regular full time students contestant, along with bonafide of stay. studying for graduation in India (after studentship certificate from the 10+2), in any discipline, in an Indian principal of his/her College/Institute. Prizes university or an institute deemed to No essay will be accepted if sent by First Prize (3 nos.) : Rs.7,500/- be a university. E-mail or Telefax. The participant Second Prize (3 nos.) : Rs.5,000/- shall write his/her name, College/ Third Prize (3 nos.) : Rs.3,000/- Topics Institute and address on a separate *Consolation Prizes : Rs.1,500/- The introduction should highlight detachable sheet only. Name or * To all those who make oral presentation the multifarious achievements of address should not be written but do not secure first, second, or third DAE in basic sciences and nuclear elsewhere on the text of the essay. prize. technology development and how The prizes will be distributed on these have helped in overall societal Mode of Selection the Founder’s Day (October 30, development in the country. This After initial screening and 2006), which is the birth anniversary introductory portion should not evaluation, a maximum of thirty six of late Dr. Homi J. Bhabha. exceed 500 words and should be essays will be selected and their followed by a detailed essay not authors will be invited to Mumbai in The last date for receipt of essay is exceeding 1500 words in any one of the last week of October 2006 for an September 1, 2006 the following topics: oral presentation of the essays. Final selection will be made on the basis For further details please write to: (1) Energy scenario in India: of combined performance in oral Administrative Officer, emerging technologies in nuclear presentation and quality of the essay. Public Awareness Division, power generation for safe and Only the candidates short-listed for Department of Atomic Energy, sustainable growth. oral presentation will be informed. Government of India, Anushakti Those called for oral presentation in Bhavan, CSM Marg, (2) Achievements and future Mumbai shall be eligible for: Mumbai 400 001. prospect of radioisotopes and radiation technology in India. a) To and fro AC 3-Tier rail fare by This information is also available the shortest route. Claim for on www.dae.gov.in (3) Emerging applications of beam reimbursement of rail fare for journey technologies: present status and performed by Rajdhani/August future prospects in India. Kranti/Shatabdi Express will be restricted to AC 3-Tier by ordinary Express/Mail train.
EDITORIAL GROUP: Dr. R. B. Grover, Director, Strategic Plng. Group, DAE, Director, HBNI and Group Director, Knowledge Management, BARC, K. Muralidhar, Secretary, AEC, Dr. K S Parthasarathy, Raja Ramanna Fellow, SPG, DAE, Dr. Vijai Kumar, Head SIRD, BARC, P.V. Dubey, Company Secretary, UCIL, G.Srihari Rao, Executive Director (IT&TG) ECIL, N. Panchapakesan, Manager (L&IS), NFC, S.K. Malhotra, Head, Public Awareness Dn, DAE, Arun Srivastava, SPG, DAE
EDITOR : R K Bhatnagar, Head, Publication Dn, DAE (e-mail: [email protected], Fax: 022 - 2204 8476)