Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research IGCAR

About Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research IGCAR

Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research [IGCAR], the second largest establishment of the Department of Atomic Energy next to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, was set up at Kalpakkam, 80 KMs south of Chennai [MADRAS], in 1971 with the main objective of conducting broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced Engineering, directed towards the development of sodium cooled Fast Breeder Reactor [FBR] technology, in India. This is part of the second stage of Indian Atomic Energy Programme, which is aimed at preparing the country for utilization of the extensive Thorium reserves and providing means to meet the large demands of electrical energy in 21st century.

In meeting the objectives, a modest beginning was made by constructing a sodium cooled Fast Breeder Test Reactor [FBTR], with a nominal power of 40 Mwt, based on the French Reactor, RAPSODIE. The reactor attained its first criticality on 18th Oct, 1985 and has been in operation at its maximum attainable power level of 10.5 MWt with a small core. It is the first of its kind in the world to use Plutonium Uranium mixed carbide as a driver fuel.

Over the years, the centre has established comprehensive R & D facilities covering the entire spectrum of FBR technology related to Sodium Technology, Reactor Engineering, Reactor Physics, Metallurgy and Materials, Chemistry of Fuels and its materials, Fuel Reprocessing, Reactor Safety, Control and Instrumentation, Computer Applications etc., and has developed a strong base in a variety of disciplines related to this advanced technology.

With the experience and expertise gained by the successful operation of FBTR, the Centre has embarked upon the design and construction of 500 MWe, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor [PFBR]. Various R & D activities in the areas of Structural Mechanics, Thermal Hydraulics and flow induced vibration, Component Testing in high temperature sodium environment, sodium-water reaction, hydraulic development of sodium pumps etc., were pursued and the design was completed. The PFBR is under advanced stage of construction and commissioning by BHAVINI.