Nuclear Power Plant

Overview of Nuclear Power Plants in India

India has been active in the race for nuclear energy for decades. Its first power plant was commissioned in Tarapur, Maharashtra, in 1969. India’s total power capacity of 6780 MW is generated from its 22 nuclear power reactors spread across 7 states. By 2032, the Indian government to increase its nuclear capacity to 63 GW. Such a target would require massive investment and expansion in this sector.

All nuclear power plants in India are governed and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). It is a public-sector organization under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Nuclear power plants use pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) as their leading technology. This technology utilizes natural uranium as fuel and heavy motor as moderator and coolant.

The fuel is contained in vertical pressure tubes immersed in a calandria filled with heavy water. The heavy water dampens the neutrons generated in the reactor and cools the fuel by transferring the heat generated to a secondary coolant.

Strict safety procedures and regulations are followed for India’s Nuclear power. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conduct regular safety inspections (IAEA).

The Indian government has also set up an independent safety organization, the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA), to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants in the country.

Even with all the controversy surrounding the safety of Nuclear power plants, in 2008, the United States and India signed a civil nuclear agreement that allowed India to access nuclear technology and fuel from the international market.

India’s nuclear power program has significantly contributed to the country’s energy mix, and the government has set ambitious targets for expanding the program in the coming years. However, the program still faces challenges from safety concerns and international sanctions.

The Indian government must continue to prioritize safety and engage with local communities to address their concerns about nuclear power plants. Additionally, it will need to work with the international community to ensure it has access to the necessary technology and fuel to meet its energy goals.

Pumps in Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants are highly complicated industrial structures with numerous sub-processes. These include water treatment, fuel handling, feed-water systems, cooling water systems, and other services. Various pumps drive the vast majority of these processes. Therefore, the type of pump used depends on the size and function of the system.

In nuclear power plants, pumps are primarily used to move water to boilers, convert it to steam, and used to drive turbines, and generate electricity. Pumps are then used again to cool the steam and restore it to the water, which is pumped through the boilers again. Fuel oil is also forced into the boilers, with the appropriate pressure set by smaller, more precise pumps.

Since nuclear power plants are built to last long, the equipment must also be durable. Therefore, pumps are selected for their service life, capacity, and wear resistance. In addition, routine maintenance and renovation work extend the service life of pumps in nuclear power plants.

Nuclear Power Plant

JEE Pumps used in the Nuclear Power Plant Sector

Pump application in Nuclear Power Plant