Renovation & Mordenisation of KAPS 2 completed ahead to schedule

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The second Unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS-2 — 220 MW) attained Criticality (initiation of controlled self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction in the reactor) on September 17, 2018, at 02:22 hrs, after completion of Renovation & Modernisation (R&M) works, encompassing en-masse Coolant Channel Replacement (EMCCR), en masse Feeder Replacement (EMFR) and other safety upgrades. This task was completed about three and half months ahead of schedule.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Nuclear Fuel Complex (manufacturer of coolant channels), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and various vendors/contractors rose to the occasion in this endeavor.

he approach to criticality was undertaken after meeting all the stipulated regulatory requirements. This will be followed by conduct of various tests, connection to the grid and increase in power level to full power as per laid down procedures and regulatory clearances.

KAPS located in Surat district of Gujarat comprises two units of indigenous 220 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors- PHWRs- (KAPS-1&2) which commenced commercial operation in 1993 and 1995 respectively. Two more units of 700 MW PHWRs (KAPP-3&4) are under construction at this site, according to a PIB release.

NPCIL operates 22 nuclear power reactors (including RAPS-1 of 100 MW owned by DAE) with a capacity of 6,780 MW and has eight reactors with a capacity of 6,200 MW under construction. Work has also been initiated on twelve more reactors (9,000 MW) accorded administrative approval and financial sanction by the Government.