Pyroprocessing (Science and Technology)
Pyroprocessing (Science and Technology)
Why In News:
Pyroprocessing is significant for India's ambitious three-stage nuclear programme which depends critically on a closed nuclear fuel cycle to extract maximum energy from thorium reserves.
What is Pyroprocessing?
It is a way to change a solid material physically or chemically using high temperatures.
It is a dry process and very energy intensive. Three sectors that use it most are cement-making, metallurgy, and nuclear power.
India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme — Why Pyroprocessing Matters:
Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) currently operate using natural uranium fuel and produce plutonium as a by-product.
Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using mixed oxide fuel (plutonium + uranium). FBRs 'breed' more fissile material than they consume — making the cycle self-sustaining. Pyroprocessing can help recycle FBR spent fuel more efficiently.
Stage 3: Advanced Heavy Water Reactors (AHWRs) using thorium-uranium-233 fuel cycle. India has the world's largest thorium reserves (~25% of global reserves) — primarily in the monazite sands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Key Prelims Facts
India's nuclear regulator: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).The SHANTI Act has conferred statutory status on the AERB.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): Under the direct charge of the Prime Minister. DAE oversees BARC, NPCIL, BHAVINI, IGCAR, and other nuclear institutions.