Technologies to harvest uranium from sea

India has made modest progress in extracting uranium from sea water. The quantity still remains in milligrammes. There are plans to "scale up" the facilities

K.S.Parthasarathy





Date:12/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2009/11/12/stories/2009111250321300.htm
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Technologies to harvest uranium from sea
There are 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium in sea water, a thousand times more than what is known to exist in uranium mines


The way ahead: BARC and the Commissariat a’ Energie Atomique (CEA), France, are collaborating to develop three innovative and efficient methods of uranium extraction.
Uranium in trace quantities is present in soil, rock and water. Bounteous nature leaves about 4.5 billion tonnes of uranium in sea water, a thousand times more than what is known to exist in uranium mines. Since its concentration is extremely low (only one particle of uranium for 34 million particles of other elements), harvesting uranium from sea is a formidable task.
Japanese technology
Japan developed a technology by using plastic sheets to which amidoxime, which is capable of selectively absorbing uranium from seawater, is grafted by high energy electron beam irradiation.
Scientists from the Desalination Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre recovered uranium at milligram levels from sea water using electron beam grafted amidoxime.
They developed a semi pilot scale facility to produce radiation grafted sheets of 1 metre X 1 metre size.
They collected about 800 microgrammes of uranium in five campaigns from CIRUS Jettyhead; about 1.8 milligrammes from the seawater intake and outfall canals at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station and around 200 microgrammes from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Though these amounts are trivial, it gives confidence in the technology
Field trials carried out at the three locations gave concentration factors of 300, 600 and 700 for the submergence of the absorbent material for 12, 14 and 23 days respectively.
“What are the reasons for obtaining different concentration factors at different locations?” “The concentration factor depends on corrosion, bio-fouling and their combined effect on the adsorption kinetics. These may be different at different locations”, Dr P.K. Tewari, Head, Desalination Division, BARC responded to my query.
BARC scientists studied these factors and the mechanical properties of the materials used in the suspension assembly and the substrate. They established their compatibilities with seawater and process chemicals and the optimum submergence periods for various locations.
They also evaluated the potential of Polyhydroxamic Acid (PHOA) sorbent, for uptake of uranium from seawater. They obtained a concentration factor of over 190, when the resin, filled in a porous bag was dipped in seawater for a period ranging from 10-30 days.
BARC and the Commissariat a’ Energie Atomique (CEA), France, are collaborating to develop three innovative and efficient methods of uranium extraction from the concentrated brine rejected by integrated nuclear desalination systems, which both partners are currently developing.
The first method uses resin-grafted with calixarene (a synthetic material, indecently expensive!); magnetic separation is the second method and the third uses a canal system using absorbents.
These methods are highly selective but need further research and development.
Using three absorption cages, each of cross sectional area of 16 square metres and height of 16 cm and consisting of stacks of 52,000 uranium specific, non-woven sheets with a total mass of 350 kg, a Japanese group recovered more than one kg of uranium in terms of yellow cake during a submersion period of 240 days in the ocean.
Underwater farm
Dr Masao Tanada of the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency hopes to get funding to construct an under-water uranium farm covering nearly 400 square miles that would meet one-sixth of Japan’s annual uranium requirements.
Tanada asserts that Japan’s nuclear power industry can harvest the 8,000 tons it needs annually from the Kuroshio Current that flows along Japan’s eastern seaboard.
Japanese researchers found out that they can harvest uranium from sea by cultivating genetically engineered gulfweed which will grow in sea at an unbelievable rate of two metres an year. The weed selectively soaks up heavy metals including uranium.
A spin-off
What will you do with possibly the millions of tons of grass left over after recovering uranium? Convert it to bioethanol! Gulfweed is an ideal non-food source of bio-ethanol. Gulfweed traps carbondioxide from sea.
Conventional uranium mining requires environmental restoration including long term tailings management. Uranium recovery from the sea does not leave any tailings. With superb green credentials, it is an environmental friendly process.
India has miles to go to reach kilogramme capacities of uranium. BARC has plans to upgrade the capacity.
K.S. PARTHASARATHY
Raja Ramanna Fellow, Department of Atomic Energy
( ksparth@yahoo.co.uk )
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu

High fissile fuel in nuclear submarine lasts long

High fissile fuel in nuclear submarine lasts long

The prototype is serving as a training centre for the nuclear submarine crew

Reactor internals must be rugged and resilient

Reactor internals remain inaccessible for inspection

Every year, on October 30, scientists, engineers and other officials from the Department of Atomic Energy gather near the Central Complex Building, Trombay to celebrate the Founder’s Day. Being the Birth Centenary year of Dr. Homi Bhabha, this year’s celebration was unique. The stock taking of the research and development activities at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) covered compact reactor for Arihant (the nuclear submarine), improved gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication for fast reactors and work on innovative reactors among other areas in the cutting edge of technologies.

BARC designed, developed and built the steam generating unit of Arihant by facing many technical challenges

“The compact Pressurized Water Reactor was designed for this purpose with several features; such as very quick response for power ramping, extremely stable undership motions and resistance against exposure to very high acceleration resulting from eventual depth charges”, Dr Sukumar Banerjee, Director, BARC said in his Founder’s Day Address

“Since the nuclear reactor is fuelled with high fissile containing fuel, it can supply energy in the submerged condition for an extended period without refuelling”, he clarified. Details about the reactor are classified.

Generally, Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) power nuclear submarines. A PWR has a core of highly enriched uranium. When uranium nuclei undergo fission, the fission fragments carry enormous energy. They dissipate the energy in the core which gets heated up. The high pressure primary system with water as coolant removes the heat from the core continuously.

Water at high temperature enters the steam generators. In the steam generators, the heat from the water in the primary system is transferred to the secondary system to create steam. In the secondary system, the steam flows from the steam generators to drive the turbine generators, which supply the ship with electricity, and to the main propulsion turbines, which drive the propeller. After passing through the turbines, the steam condenses into water which is fed back to the steam generators by the feed pumps.

Naval reactors pitch and roll. Demands of power change rapidly. The manufacturing and quality assurance of reactor components must be of exceptionally high standard.

The reactor internals remain inaccessible for inspection or replacement throughout the long life of their core. They must be rugged and resilient. Reactor components and systems must withstand, harsh and hostile environment, long term effects of radiation, corrosion, high temperature and pressure.

As the reactor operates radiation level increases. Appropriate shields are built around the reactors to ensure radiation safety. A reactor may use over 100 tons of lead as shielding.

“Many systems and equipment designed and built were first of its kind in the country. The entire steam generating plant has been designed to give highly reliable offshore operation in a completely isolated environment”, Dr Banerjee noted.

“Control and instrumentation design is fault tolerant and requires minimum operator interventions. An elaborate diagnostic system enables a very high availability factor. Many new materials and technologies have been developed and new infrastructure has been created for this project”, he revealed.
Prototype system

The development of the steam generating plant of Arihant was preceded by setting up of the land based prototype system at Kalpakkam. The reactor which has been working for the past three years has served as a technology demonstrator.

“The entire plant with primary, secondary, electrical and propulsion system along with its integrated control was packed in the aft end of a land based submarine hull designed and built specifically for the purpose.

This protoype is serving as a training centre for the crew for the nuclear submarine”, Dr Banerjee said. The crew gets training with the help of an indigenously designed and built full scope simulator.

K.S. PARTHASARATHY

Raja Ramanna fellow, Department of Atomic Energy

( ksparth@yahoo.co.uk)

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu

Early history of nuclear medicine in India

23 July 2009

The physicists have designed the “hot laboratory” in the institution following the specifications received from USA. They started radioisotope studies in 1951. The institution imported radioisotopes such as P-32, from Harwell, England. Incidentally, Dr Homi Bhabha organized this national conference at the suggestion of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who wanted that this opportunity may be used to review what has been done in the field of atomic energy till then. Over 100 specialists attended the meeting. The medical use of radioisotopes grew progressively with the commissioning of Apsara reactor in 1956. Besides diagnostic applications, the specialists started using radioisotopes such as iodine-131 and phosphorous-32 in radiotherapy. During early sixties, test monographs for a few radiopharmaceuticals appeared in international pharmacopoeia and in those of some countries. According to the reports available with the Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, the Drug Control Administration in India considered to clear radioisotopes under licence number 720. Uses of reactor- produced radioisotopes increased rapidly. They were in diverse form such as ready-to-use preparations for oral use and for use as injectables; short-lived radioisotope generators to prepare ready-to-use organ imaging agents by intravenous use; cold kits amenable to instantaneous and quantitative incorporation of short-lived radioisotopes for organ imaging etc.
-by Dr K S Parthasarathy
Early History of Nuclear Medicine in India

-by Dr K S Parthasarathy

It appears that the first reference on the medical use of radioisotopes in India has been by Dr Subodh Mitra former Director, Chitaranjan Hospital, Calcutta. In a paper titled “Health Protection, and Biological and Medical Applications of Atomic Energy” (Proceedings of the Conference on development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in India, Nov 1954), he reviewed the radioisotope- related work in his institution.

The physicists have designed the “hot laboratory” in the institution following the specifications received from USA. They started radioisotope studies in 1951. The institution imported radioisotopes such as P-32, from Harwell, England.

Incidentally, Dr Homi Bhabha organized this national conference at the suggestion of Pandit

Jawaharlal Nehru who wanted that this opportunity may be used to review what has been done in the field of atomic energy till then. Over 100 specialists attended the meeting.

The medical use of radioisotopes grew progressively with the commissioning of Apsara reactor in 1956. Besides diagnostic applications, the specialists started using radioisotopes such as iodine-131 and phosphorous-32 in radiotherapy.

During early sixties, test monographs for a few radiopharmaceuticals appeared in international pharmacopoeia and in those of some countries.
According to the reports available with the Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, the Drug Control Administration in India considered to clear radioisotopes under licence number 720.

Uses of reactor- produced radioisotopes increased rapidly. They were in diverse form such as ready-to-use preparations for oral use and for use as injectables; short-lived radioisotope generators to prepare ready-to-use organ imaging agents by intravenous use; cold kits amenable to instantaneous and quantitative incorporation of short-lived radioisotopes for organ imaging etc.

The specialists in this field realized from the very beginning that the production, testing and supply of radiopharmaceuticals must fulfil medicolegal aspects related to the manufacture and use of conventional drugs and radiological safety requirements.

With regulatory control in mind, scientists in the Department of Atomic Energy established a radiopharmaceutical committee and a nuclear medicine committee.

These committees covered all aspects related to the safety of premises, products, patients, workers and the public. Director, BARC set up the Radiopharmaceutical Committee on February 23, 1968. The seven-member committee had Dr V.K.Iya then Head, Isotope Division and, a pioneer in the field as its convener.

The other members of the committee Dr R.S.Mani, Shri T.S.Murthy and Shri N.G.S.Gopal all from Isotope Division were eminently qualified specialists. Since radiopharmaceuticals have to satisfy the general requirements of conventional drugs, the committee had a representative from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, as a member.

The committee was to examine the production, practices, controls and the specifications of the radiopharmaceuticals supplied by the Isotope Division and also to consider and recommend the incorporation of radiopharmaceuticals into the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

Simultaneously, Director, BARC set up a five member Nuclear Medicine Committee with members drawn from BARC (Medical Division, Isotope Division, Radiation Medicine Centre), Directorate of Radiation Protection, and the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Government of India, Delhi.

The Committee evaluated the proposals for research, diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radioisotopes, approved a list of doctors trained in radioisotope techniques for established diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, developed procedures for giving standing clearances to established doctors for using standard products without delay and examined applications from every new user and for every new use of medical radioisotopes.

Another function of the nuclear medicine committee was to establish jointly with radiopharmaceutical committee procedures for the release of new products by the Isotope Division, BARC, for medical use.

These Committees were periodically reconstituted. When The Department of Atomic Energy set up the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), the reconstituted Radiopharmaceutical Committee was brought under it. The Members of the Committee included specialists in nuclear medicine and pharmacy, Commissioner, FDA or his nominee and Drug Controller (India) or his nominee.

These committees met as frequently as necessary. These procedures assured overall though it may be difficult to find direct legal basis for their activities.

In 1977, the Director General of Health Services, Government of India notified that “radiopharmaceuticals” are exempt from the provisions of Chapter IV of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.

Many considerations must have contributed to this. The mass of radioactive material in any radiopharmaceutical is too trivial to cause any toxic effect; the normally used radioactive materials such as Tc-99m have very short half-lives; it may not be feasible to study them for sufficiently long periods to evaluate the relevant parameters as is done for conventional pharmaceuticals.

During the early sixties and seventies, BARC was the only agency preparing radio pharmaceuticals. In light of interactions with the specialists in BARC, the officials of the Directorate General of Health Services must have realized that granting exemptions will not have serious consequences. DGHS gave exemption nine years after the formation of the Radiopharmaceuticals Committee in which DGHS also had representation.

The Central Government set up the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB),to enforce safety provisions under the Atomic Energy Act 1962.

AERB reviewed the procedures followed for ensuring safety in the medical use of radioisotopes and retained the set up. In order to provide the much needed legal basis for carrying out medical radiation procedures safely, AERB issued Radiation Surveillance Procedures for Medical Applications of Radiation, 1989 exercising the powers vested under Rule 15 of the Radiation Protection Rules 1971.

As required in the Surveillance procedures, the Board issued several codes; one of them applied to nuclear medicine procedures.

With about 200 physicians licensed to practice nuclear medicine in the country, the facilities available are very modest. Just over 150 hospitals located mainly in cities provide the service.

The field is changing rapidly. The setting up of seven cyclotrons which serve several centres is a notable development.

India needs a ten-fold increase in facilities and man-power to ensure that its population derives the benefits from this advanced field of medicine.▄

Radioactive contamination in steel: a wake-up call

Frequent appearance of contaminated steel products has been reported from many countries.It appears that three companies made the contaminated steel products from imported scrap.Regulatory bodies have reported that there must be control on scrap imported in to the country.
K.S.Parthasarathy



Date:26/02/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2009/02/26/stories/2009022650061400.htm
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Radioactive contamination in steel: a wake-up call

Regulatory authorities have identified Indian steel products contaminated with cobalt-60 in the U.S., Germany, France and Sweden. The events occurred at disturbingly high rates.
“Overall, 123 shipments of contaminated goods have been denied entry to U.S. ports since screening began in 2003, according to Homeland Security data.
Of those, 67 originated in India, 23 came from China and 20 were from Canada” (The Los Angeles Times, November 13, 2008). We cannot ignore this wake-up call.
150 incidents
In the last three years, out of the 500 incidents, involving uncontrolled radiation sources, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) came to know, 150 were related to sources found in scrap metal or contaminated goods.
The finding in Germany is attracting more attention. On August 19, last year customs officers identified a container of contaminated stainless steel bars from India on way to Russia. They ordered that the container be put back on the ship immediately and be sent back to India (SPIEGEL ONLINE, February 16).
There were several such findings later; The German Environment Ministry received 19 findings which included radioactive bars, steel cables, chippings and valve housings from 12 states. SPIEGEL reported that a total of 150 tons of contaminated steel has been seized.
Some of it, about 85 tons, according to a reliable source, have been sent back to India. Rest of it remains in Germany pending a decision on its safe disposal.
One of the possible practices is to use the items depending on their radiation levels in fencing or in bridges where the occupancy is less.
Imported metal scrap
After a thorough survey, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) concluded that the steel products in the recent incidents were made out of imported metal scrap which contained radioactive material. India imports more than 80 per cent of stainless steel metal scrap for recycling in the steel industry. Also most of the contaminated material was exported.
The health consequences from these products were negligible, as the radiation levels were low. But the presence of even low radiation levels is not desirable.
We do not have any estimate of the humongous economic losses including loss of business suffered by the industry. In some instances, the defaulters had to ship back the rejected material for safe disposal.
In spite of regulatory control, radioactive sources get lost occasionally. These may be melted along with other metal scrap. The steel products include handle bars, manhole covers, metal straps, steel wires, lift buttons, metal strips used in leather bags etc.
Sources licensed for use in India are unlikely to get into metal scrap, because of regulatory measures in place. However since there were a few instances of loss of control of sources, there is no room for complacency.
Presently, we have no firm assurance that contaminated imported scrap will not enter the country. Several measures including the plan to install radiation monitors at shipping ports through which bulk of the imported scrap metals enter the country must be implemented swiftly.
Precautions
Every importer of metal scrap should obtain a certificate from the exporting country that the scrap is free from radioactivity. A multilayer radiation check system proposed by AERB should be followed to prevent the import and export of radioactive contaminated material.
During this week, over 300 specialists from 62 countries including India are attending a five day International Conference on Control and Management of Inadvertent Radioactive Material in Scrap Metal, organized by the IAEA at Tarragona, Spain. The delegates asserted “that further steps are needed to protect people from radioactive material that can end up in junks and scrap yards,” (IAEA release, Feb 23).
All agencies must wake up before it is too late. Not long ago, explosion of live shells in imported metal scraps led to loss of life in India. Import of scrap laced with high levels of radioactivity is a possibility we must be concerned with.
K.S. PARTHASARATHY
FORMER SECRETARY, AERB
© Copyright 2000 - 2008 The Hindu

When uranium supply lowers capacity factor

Date:10/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2008/07/10/stories/
2008071050021700.htm

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When uranium supply lowers capacity factor

Supplies worldwide are adequate for energy needs for at least 100 years

Growing demand and higher prices have spurred greater investment in exploration

Twenty countries mine uranium now. Iran is the latest to enter the field

Currently, the mismatch between uranium supply and demand is lowering the capacity factors (CF) of Indian pressurized heavy water reactors. The average CF stabilized to about 60 per cent in mid 90s and steadily increased to nearly 90 per cent during 2003.

It was only 50.4 per cent in 2007-08. In June 2008, Tarapur 3 & 4, each operable at 540 MWe operated at about 247MWe. Hopefully, it is a temporary phase.

How is the supply position world-wide? ‘Uranium 2007: Resources, Production and Demand,’ the latest version of the so called ‘Red Book,’ the most authentic public publication on uranium jointly published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development /Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) assures that new discoveries and re-evaluations of known conventional uranium resources show that supplies will be adequate for nuclear energy needs for at least 100 years at present consumption level (IAEA release, June 3, 2008).

As expected, growing demand and higher prices have spurred greater investment in exploration and led to larger identified conventional uranium resources over the past two years (IAEA release, June 3, 2008).

The Red Book estimates the identified amount of conventional uranium resources which can be mined for less than US$130/kg to be about 5.5 million tonnes, up from the 4.7million tonnes reported in 2005.
Undiscovered resources

“Undiscovered resources, i.e. uranium deposits that can be expected to be found based on the geological characteristics of already discovered resources, have also risen to 10.5 million tones”, the report revealed. This indicates an increase of 0.5 million tonnes compared to the previous edition of the report (NEA release, June 3).

New nuclear power reactors in the pipe line in China, India, Korea, Japan and the Russian Federation will influence uranium demand; the phase-out programmes underway in several European countries are another factor.

According to the Redbook 2007, apart from new builds, the planned plant life extensions should increase global installed nuclear capacity in the coming decades. Uranium demand is bound to increase. (IAEA, June 3, 2008)

OECD/NEA noted that at the end of 2006, world uranium production (39,603 tonnes) provided about 60 per cent of world reactor requirements (66,500 tonnes) for the 435 commercial nuclear reactors in operation.

The secondary sources drawn from government and commercial inventories made up the gap between supply and demand.
Long lead time

“Given the long lead time typically required to bring new resources into production, uranium supply shortfalls could develop if production facilities are not implemented in a timely manner”, the Red Book cautioned. (WNA, July 2008).

The uranium ore mined in India is of low grade (less than 0.1 per cent). The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) continues uranium exploration in virtually hundreds of locations in several states and drilling and geochemical surveys extensively at many sites including those in Meghalaya, A.P., Rajasthan and Karnataka.

In 2007-08, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) updated the uranium resources to1,07,268 tonnes of U3O8 (DAE Annual Report 2007-08). The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), which DAE set up in 1967, operates four mines (Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar and Turamdih) and plans to start a few more.
Installed capacities

The quantity of uranium ore produced and processed by Narwapahar mine and Jaduguda Plant respectively exceeded their installed capacities.

Commissioning of Banduhurang, the first open pit uranium mine in June 2007 is a milestone in UCIL’s endeavour to utilize low grade uranium ore in the country (DAE Annual Report, 2007-08).

K.S.PARTHASARATHY

Former Secretary, AERB

( ksparth@yahoo.co.uk )

© Copyright 2000 - 2008 The Hindu

Dismal state of medical X-ray safety

This article briefly reviews the dismal status of radiation safety in medical x-ray installations in India.The writer proposes that decentralizing the regulatory activities by forming regional directorates is one of the options to improve the safety status.

K.S.Parthasarathy





Date:05/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2008/06/05/

stories/2008060550081400.htm
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Dismal state of medical X-ray safety

A study supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 12 developing countries (not including India) showed that the fraction of the medical X-ray images rated as poor was as high as 53 per cent (American Journal of Roentgenology, June 2008). This leads to unnecessary radiation doses to patients due to repeat examinations. The conditions in the 45 hospitals in 12 countries improved as the hospitals started implementing quality assurance programmes. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has complete information on the status of medical X-ray safety nation-wide. However, in the implementation of X-ray safety measures in each installation, India has miles to go.

Analysis of dark room techniques in 175 X-ray departments in India revealed that 12 per cent of these installations were exposing patients to excessive doses of more than 200 per cent because of improper techniques. The use of automatic film developing equipment may help in improving the condition.
Needlessly exposed

A more recent survey of 30 mammography clinics in Mumbai revealed that patients are needlessly exposed to high radiation doses.

Researchers in an AERB project measured skin doses in 12 different examinations. For all types of examinations except skull, the skin doses were mostly within the reference levels published in the Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and the Safety of Radiation Sources.

The ratio of maximum to minimum dose was five for chest X-ray; lumbar spine, eight, thoracic spine (lateral) 8.5 etc. If the doses are too high, it is not good practice as the patient does not receive optimized protection.

There is no justification for exposing patients to such a wide range of doses to get the same clinical benefits.

In 1994, AERB found that nearly 30 per cent of over 30,000 X-ray units it studied were over 15 years old. Older equipment may deliver higher doses. The user of the equipment must evaluate the safety features of each old unit; there are ways to remedy their deficiencies.

There are over 2,500 CT units in the country. The progress in carrying out quality assurance tests of these is very slow.

An AERB supported coordinated research programme covered 785 X-ray units in 495 hospitals. About forty per cent of the 1,15,000 examinations studied were on the reproductive sections of the population; 20 per cent of examinations were on children under 15. Physicians must be extra vigilant in X-raying children as their tissues are growing and as such more sensitive to radiation.

Surveys at 71 CT Units in India revealed that on an average 8.9 per cent of CT procedures were on children; paediatric protocols were not used in 32 of the 71 installations. These centres are exposing children to unjustifiably high radiation doses (The Hindu, March 6, 2008).

India has about 45,000 x-ray units; many of them are very old; about 1500 units are added every year. Each unit must be inspected periodically. Large scale introduction of CT scan units and interventional radiology units calls for greater caution. Enforcing the X-ray safety provisions in the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules 2004, is the only way forward to ensure safe use of this potentially powerful tool .

Proactive promotion of X-ray safety is not a substitute for effective implementation of regulations. In 1986, an AERB task group chaired by Dr Arcot Gajraj, an eminent radiologist, recommended decentralization of radiation surveillance programmes for X rays by setting up five Regional Enforcement Directorates.

The suggestion to set up regional directorates came up repeatedly at least once every ten years since 1971! AERB has been persuading the State Governments for the past several years.

State health authorities who are responsible for enforcing AERB provisions in probably the majority of hospitals in each State must get a wake up call.

K.S. PARTHASARATHY
FORMER SECRETARY, AERB

ksparth@yahoo.co.uk

© Copyright 2000 - 2008 The Hindu

Nuclear news who is minding the shop

DAILY EXCELSIOR Julty 12, 2007 (PTI feature)

‘Nuclear’ news : Who is minding the shop ?

By Dr K S Parthasarathy

Recent controversies surrounding the visit of USS Nimitz, a nuclear aircraft carrier to Chennai, initially gave the false impression that there is no one to mind the shop!

Public had legitimate reasons to worry. The reassuring and prompt statements from scientists who knew the safety features of the reactors on board such ships and the lucid press release from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) allayed these fears to a great extent.

MOD had evolved the process of clearing the harbour for berthing nuclear vessels since January 5, 1988 when Indian navy inducted the nuclear powered INS Chakra into its fleet. The procedures included survey by an Environmental Survey Committee (ESC) set up by the Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. MOD drew up a Radiation Safety Contingency Plan and implemented it prior to berthing of INS Chakra; the ship operated from 1988 to 1991.

From 15 February 2001 to 3rd November 2006, three nuclear powered ships from USA, three from France and one ship from UK visited India. There were ten visits; nine were to Goa and one to Mumbai. Indian Navy conducted the ‘International Fleet Review’ during which the French Nuclear Submarine Perle berthed in Mumbai harbour from 15 to 20 February 2001.

MOD intimates the ESC of an impending visit by a nuclear powered ship or submarine. ESC proceeds to the port well in advance before the arrival of the nuclear powered vessel and carries out a survey.

Movement of the nuclear powered ship takes place only during daylight hours, in good visibility and with escort tugs in attendance. No other ship is berthed within 200 metre radius of the nuclear powered ship. Ships berthed within 600 metre of the berth are kept at short notice, not exceeding tour hours, to get underway.

Radiation monitoring laboratories manned by scientists from Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)/Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Defence personnel, set up onboard a suitable ship, undertake frequent monitoring of water and air samples.

A standing ESC has carried out a detailed survey at Chennai and cleared the visit of USS Nimitz from radiation hazard point of view. The stingent radiation monitoring protocol in place includes periodic monitoring protocol in place includes periodic monitoring and analysis of air and water samples. The agency conducts these activities under the ambit of a well rehearsed Radiation Safety Contingency Plan over seen by a Crisis Management Group and a Crisis Management Cell comprising of scientists from DRDO, BARC, Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, representatives of the Chennai Port Trust and the Indian Navy.

In spite of the well established and frequently rehearsed procedures in place, the visit of the carrier generated some controversy. Nobody discussed the issues so far though nuclear powered ships have been visiting Indian ports periodically. It is amusing to note that even as late as July 2nd this year news agencies continue to state that USS Nimitz is the first nuclear powered ship to visit an Indian port though the press release dated July 27 from MOD gave details of ten visits during 2001-2006. Our scientists and engineers have been operating nuclear facilities including several nuclear power reactors for the past many decades, a few of these are based at coastal areas. Scientists in the Environmental Survey Laboratories have developed state of the art capability to measure radioactivity in samples of air and water from the sixties.

Plant, site and offsite emergency plans are in place at every nuclear power plant. Preparing relevant documentation and enforcing appropriate plans with the help of scientists and engineers are routine functions for the concerned authorities.

In April 1994, a ‘‘scientist’’ working with an NGO reported that his team measured high levels of radiation in several parts of Lucknow, including MLA's hostel and a few posh areas. Many national dailies and local Doordarshan covered the news.

Three scientists from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) investigated the observations and unambiguously demonstrated that the reported increase in background radiation was due to a deficiency of the instrument. It was sensitive to light and indicated some spurious reading when its detector was exposed directly to sunlight with its window open.

The team measured radiation levels in the locations referred to in the NGO's press release and observed that they were within the range normally expected in that part of the country arising solely from natural background radiation.

AERB publicized the findings of the committee. Though the ‘scientist’’ working with the NGO accepted the conclusions of the committee on the spot, he repeated his claim later and said that he was confident he would ‘‘come out with clinching evidence’’ at an appropriate time.

In September 1994 a report from Washington stated that Pakistan was within hours of sending American supplied F-16 jets on a mission to drop conventional bombs on the nuclear reactors at Trombay. ‘‘Millions of people would have died and it would have been a holocaust beyond anything...had Pakistan attacked the two research atomic reactors, Dhruva and Cirus’’, the report warned.

In response to a senior journalist from a national news agency, I explained the topography of Trombay and the design features of the reactors. I explained that a nuclear facility may have plant, site and offsite emergency plans as appropriate. Detailed analysis has shown that releases, if any, from the reactors at Trombay even in an extreme emergency will not have any offsite impact. I told the journalist that the statement from Washington is ‘most absurd’. The item got wide media coverage and hopefully allayed some fear.

Nuclear and associated community must realize that, often, radiation or nuclear safety matters raise alarm totally disproportionate with any measurable harm. They must address these concerns promptly, honestly and openly. It is at times wiser to be proactive. Media is always receptive to those who are minding the shop !

PTI Feature

The first report on how India achieves nuclear safety

The article is a summary of the first National report for the Convention on Nuclear Safety submitted by India in September 2007 to the fourth Review Meeting of Contracting parties to be held in April 2008

K.S.Parthasarathy





Date:13/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/seta/2007/12/13/stories/2007121350101500.htm Sci Tech



The first report on how India achieves nuclear safety

It lists important safety improvements at each power station, starting with Tarapur

The average capacity factor for the Indian nuclear reactors for 2005-06 was 74 per cent

Among other measures, reduction of radiation doses to workers is notable

Recent debates on the Indo-US agreement for cooperation concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy compelled the media to look at nuclear power more benignly. Members of the public realised for the first time that nuclear power has a role to play in the energy mix of the country. Those who have concerns on nuclear safety, must read the first ‘National Report for the Convention on Nuclear Safety (September 2007),’ to find out how India achieves nuclear safety . (Please see www.aerb.gov.in or www.dae.gov.in for the text of the report.)

Measures explained

The 208 page report explains the measures taken by India to implement the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the first international legal instrument dealing directly with the safety of civilian nuclear power plants. The Fourth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties scheduled to be held in April 2008 will examine the report along with 13 others including those from Canada, France, Russia and U.S. The international peer review is unique to the nuclear industry.

The report highlights the steps taken to implement Articles 6 to 19 (Chapter 2 titled ‘Obligations’). It lists important safety improvements at each power station starting with the Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) which began its operation in 1969. The comprehensive safety review and implementation of safety up-gradations for continued operation of TAPS-1 and 2 are notable.

The report gives graphically the electrical power generated by each reactor in India and its availability and capacity factors. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) deserves congratulations for consistent performance for the past few years.

The average capacity factor for the Indian nuclear power reactors for 2005-06 was 74 per cent. India must compete with other countries now. The U.S. recorded an average capacity factor of 89.6 per cent in 2006 for 105 reactors with 29 reactors exceeding 95 per cent. The comprehensive safety assessments carried out after major events such as the accident at Three Mile Island in the U.S. and that at Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union are very informative. NPCIL implemented the recommendations arising from these assessments.

Following the pressure tube failure incident at the Pickring-2 reactor in Canada, India introduced a major programme to ensure the integrity of the pressure tubes in Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors by enhancing the design as well as in-service-inspection and rehabilitation technologies.

The thoroughness with which AERB reviewed the fire incident at Narora in March 1993 and the tsunami incident at Kalpakkam in December 2004 and ensured implementation of its recommendations is reassuring.

Seismic re-evaluation of old generation reactors, enhanced inspection of certain systems and components, ageing management and reduction of radiation doses to workers are notable.

The directive prescribing ‘formal and elaborate retraining and re-licensing of all the frontline operating staff and the station management personnel’ following a safety-related incident at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station reflects the no-nonsense attitude of AERB

The report describes the legislative and regulatory framework including the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and the rules framed under it and other legal instruments such as Indian Electricity Act 2003, Environment (Protection) Act 1986 etc.

It highlights the functions and responsibilities of AERB, the Board’s organisational structure and its position in the government which ensures administrative and financial independence in its functioning.
Forum member

AERB participates in the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

It is a member of the forum for the CANDU senior regulators with six other countries operating pressurized heavy water reactors. AERB and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have held several meetings on safety related topics.

The Board has a cooperation agreement with the French Directorate General of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection and the Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority of Russia.

The measures India takes to comply with other Articles covering the responsibilities of the licensee, financial and human resources, capabilities and limitations of human performance, quality assurance, assessment and verification of safety, radiation protection, siting, design and construction and emergency preparedness are very comprehensive.
Acronyms, jargon

The report contains some tongue-twisting acronyms and incomprehensible jargon (defendable as the report is meant for scientists and engineers!); it also contains a wealth of useful information patiently collected, collated and interpreted from government documents, incident reports, minutes of meetings and publications.

The feedback from the review meetings will help to enhance nuclear safety in countries operating nuclear power plants.

K.S.PARTHASARATHY

Former Secretary, AERB

( ksparth@yahoo.co.uk )

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