ANUSHAKTI : Atomic Energy In India : Back-end of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

ANUSHAKTI : Atomic Energy In India

Back-end of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Nuclear Power Generation Programme
Front – end of the nuclear fuel cycle	Back- end of the nuclear fuel cycle
Mining of U, segregation, chemical purification Conversion to appropriate form and fuel rod fabrication	Reprocessing of spent fuel, separation of fissile, fertile components, safe disposal of radioactive Waste after proper treatment

The back end of the nuclear fuel cycle is a strategically important activity due to its significance both in terms of the sensitivity as well as safety. Fuel reprocessing technology was developed and standardized entirely by in house R&D efforts. Three reprocessing plants one at Trombay, second at Tarapur and recently the third one cold commissioned at Kalpakkam to extract Plutonium from spent fuel.

ATOMIC ENERGY IN INDIA

A Preface to its Future Perspectives

Strategy for Nuclear Energy

Evolution of PHWR Design

Fast Breeder Reactors

Heavy Water

Nuclear Fuels and structural Components

Back End of Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Research & Development

Conclusion

The Kalpakkam plant incorporates a number of innovative features such as

Hybrid maintenance concept in hot cells using servo-manipulators
Engineered provisions for extending the life of the plant. This plant will cater to the needs of reprocessing fuels from MAPS as well as FBTR.

In this part of the activity top priority is given to efficient handling, safe management and proper disposal of the highly radioactive waste generated in the fuel cycle with minimum environmental impact.

Indigenous technology for safe handling and disposal of waste developed by the R&D efforts meeting the stringent regulatory standards.
Waste processing plants set up and are in operation at all nuclear power plant sites.

Long-term action plan formulated for waste management is identified with the following:

High-level waste immobilized by vitrification in glass matrix and after double encapsulation in corrosion resistant canisters, stored separately in engineered storage facility provided with continuous cooling for 20 –30 years. The ultimate disposal is then carried out in deep underground geological formations with extra protection barriers.
Medium level wastes after solidification into a suitable matrix was stored in leak tight containers and buried them in water- proof concrete tiled holes with adequate shielding.