[en] Radiological safety analysis of nuclear fuel cycle facilities is carried out to ensure that the regulatory constraints are met during normal operation, anticipated operational occurrences (AOOs) and postulated accident scenarios. It involves performing theoretical calculations for demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards. (author)

[en] In the nuclear installation, hot cells are used for handling highly active radioactive materials. The Master-Slave Manipulator (MSM) is a commonly used remote handling tool in hot cells. In master-slave manipulation, a human being is part of the process, and his/her manipulative abilities are extended to the remote site. (author)

[en] Completely indigenous and highly scalable technology for manufacturing of radiation shielding window glasses of various densities is being developed by Prism Johnson Limited (PJL). The scalability of this technology could be attributed to the utilization of refractory crucible (280 litre) as opposed to the prevailing technologies. PJL has successfully produced 600 mm x 600 mm of 5.2 g/cc density glass slab with very high internal transmission of 98% at 589 nm wavelength. The 5.2 g/cc density glass has completed a radiation dosing of 1 mega Rad without any transmission loss. A suitable anti-reflective coating is also being developed to minimize reflection losses. The indigenous effort to manufacture large size radiation shielding windows is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in India’s nuclear industry (Atmanirbhar Bharat). (author)

[en] The design of equipment with precision motion control for machines intended for deployment in hot cells possess specific challenges, particularly in the adaptation of off-the-shelf systems in such machines. While, significant advances in servo motor drive and sensor technologies have made the design and manufacture of machines requiring precise positioning/speed control much easier, these solutions need to be modified to be adaptable for hot cell deployed systems. This paper discusses various insights gained from the solutions developed over the years at M/s. Interface Design Associates Pvt Ltd. As examples, the following are presented: (1) a laser cutting machine for bundle dismantling incorporating a novel technique for non-contact sensing (2) a CNC system built for cesium pencil welding. As a specific example of a component of motion control systems which poses challenges for adaptation in hot cell deployment, the requirements for a servo motor/drive system with possible solution approaches are outlined. (author)

[en] India has adopted closed fuel cycle which requires reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Head End operation constitutes the first stage of spent fuel reprocessing involving fuel transportation, receipt, storage and charging etc. Adequate know-how has been gained in design, analysis, fabrication & testing of transport casks for handling radioactive material which meets the national regulatory requirements. Novel concepts of Automated Direct Fuel Transfer System (ADFTS) were envisaged followed by design, manufacturing & extensive trial testing to establish the various design parameters, fuel cycle time, the ruggedness of the operating system and remote maintainability etc. This article describes the developmental efforts undertaken for the development of Transportation Cask, ADFTS, Indexing Charging Cask etc. (author)

[en] Post Irradiation Examination Division (PIED), BARC is involved in the examination of irradiated nuclear fuels and core components of research and power reactors. These examinations are carried out inside hot cells. There are two hot cells at PIED, BARC: Old Hot Cell Facilities (OHF) and New Hot Cell Facilities, NHF. OHF was commissioned in 1974, while NHF was commissioned in 2015. The paper discusses the salient features of old and new hot cell facilities at PIED, BARC, some of the important examinations carried out inside hot cells as part of PIE and the radiological safety aspects related to safe and efficient operations of these hot cells. (author)

[en] NUVIATech Automation has been working for industrial automation for the last few decades and has adequate experience in remote operation required for nuclear facilities as well. We provide customized remote-controlled devices as well off-the-shelf reliable and mature solutions to multiple sectors including nuclear sector. NUVIATech has been engaged in the design and manufacture of remote-controlled arms, robotic systems, and manipulators to suit the client's requirements as well as integrated solutions as described below. NUVIATech Automation produces automatic assembly lines for automotive sector and has developed diagnostic systems for production monitoring, machine conditioning and predictive maintenance

[en] The fuel and structural components used in nuclear reactors are subjected to stringent quality control during fabrication. These components suffer degradation during reactor operation under a very hostile atmosphere of fast neutron flux, high temperature and corrosion. To evaluate the condition, many of the reactor components are brought to the hot cells for a detailed post-irradiation examination (PIE). NDE techniques are devised to generate more information on the performance evaluation of reactor fuels and structural core components. This paper presents the details of the information generated on the irradiated reactor materials using NDE techniques. (author)

[en] Advances & innovations in technologies for Hot Cell Engineering Systems of Nuclear Facilities have played a vital role in achieving self-reliance toward establishing the closed nuclear fuel cycle. Continued efforts in technology development helped us to build state-of-the-art hot cells equipped with gadgets including master-slave manipulators, Robots with in-built artificial intelligence, thereby facilitating the handling of higher amounts of radioactive materials safely and reliably. This conference covers these and such topics

[en] Civil structures house various radiological facilities/equipment/systems and are subject to ageing with passage of time and its structural health assessment is an important aspect. This necessitates systematic approach for ageing management and deciding various non-destructive tests (NDTs) and their extent to be conducted, analysis of the results and finally health restoration of the structure. The condition assessment and strengthening may also be required for the integrated extension of an existing structure. This paper presents an overview on condition assessment, repair categorization, materials and methodologies for strengthening of structures. A case study on ageing management of one of the important radiological structures has been briefly covered demonstrating the approaches used. (author)