Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a major milestone with the despatch of its 42nd Nuclear Steam Generator to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The steam generator, to be installed for a 700 MWe unit at NPCIL’s Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP), was flagged off from BHEL’s Trichy plant in the presence of senior officials of BHEL and NPCIL.
Designing, manufacturing nuclear components
BHEL has been catering to the nation's Nuclear Programme since 1976 by way of design, manufacture, testing, and supply of critical nuclear components like Reactor Headers, Steam Generators, Steam Turbine Generators, other Heat Exchangers, and Pressure Vessels.
The first stage of the indigenous nuclear power program of the country has attained maturity with 18 operating PHWRs. Twelve PHWRs accounting for 74% of the Indigenous Nuclear Power capacity is equipped with BHEL-supplied Steam Turbine Generator sets (10 units of 220 MW each and two units of 540 MW).
3 stages of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme
220 MW Unit-1 at the indigenously developed KAPS of NPCIL had created a world record
Notably, BHEL is the only Indian company associated with all the three stages of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme-the first stage Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR), the second stage Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR), and the third stage Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) and has been a partner for over four decades in the development of the indigenous Nuclear Power Programme since its inception.
Equipped with BHEL-supplied sets, the 220 MW Unit-1 at the indigenously developed Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) of NPCIL, had created a world record of continuous operation for 962 days. The complete Steam Turbine Generator set and all the Steam Generators for the above unit of NPCIL have been manufactured and supplied by BHEL. The unit now stands first amongst all the Reactors in the world in terms of uninterrupted operation.
Addressing testing, manufacturing requirements
BHEL has dedicated infrastructure and skilled manpower to address the special design, manufacturing, and testing requirements complying with international codes and standards for various components/equipment of a Nuclear power plant.
BHEL has proven its capability as a designer and manufacturer of both primary (reactor headers, end shields, etc.) and secondary (turbine, generator, heat exchangers, etc.) side equipment for Nuclear power projects.
