Experience in CANDU Fuel for KANUPP and Establishment of Supporting Facilities for Self Reliance

Abstract

Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) was supplied and commissioned by Canada. It was a first generation of Candu type 137 MWe reactor in Pakistan which is in operation since 1971. To sustain its operation, Pakistan had to establish its own fuel fabrication plant, which successfully started fuel supply to KANUPP in 1980. Pakistan's fuel eventually replaced Canadian fuel. KANUPP is operational on indigenously produced fuel since August 1990. Establishment of fuel fabrication plant made it imperative to establish supporting facilities for self reliance e.g. prospection, exploration, mining, ore processing, uranium refining and uranium dioxide production plants. In 1993 a plant was established for the production of Zircaloy-4 from Zircon. Another plant for the manufacture of seamless Zircaloy-4 tubes, strips and bars was made operational. This plant is supporting the entire Candu fuel Zircaloy-4 requirement for KANUPP. This paper updates the previously presented indigenous efforts towards manufacture of KANUPP fuel and its performance. The establishment of supporting facilities for fuel manufacture are presented. The operational records of KANUPP are highlighted. Refurbishing of KANUPP has extended the life of KANUPP for another 10- 15 years. Fuel fabrication plant is capable to supply fuel for KANUPP for this extended period.