Most of them were strict vegetarians.ĭr M.R. They were from different regions of the country and spoke different languages. Most of the members of the newly recruited scientific and engineering staff for CIR operations sent for training to Canada during 1956-1957 came from very conservative backgrounds. “ As I see it today, this was a very bold commitment at that time, which ended happily for all, especially the chemical and metallurgical engineering staff that really worked hard and met the commitment with the loading of indigenous uranium fuel for the first “criticality” of CIRUS reactor,” he added
#UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES QUOTES IN TAMIL FULL#
“Bhabha expressed full confidence in the ability of Indian engineers in the production of indigenous, pure natural uranium and its fabrication into fuel rods for the initial loading of the CIRUS reactor”, Shri Veeraraghavan said. He remembered that Dr Bhabha addressed a meeting in the indoor games room in the Old Yacht Club Building, which was attended by CIR project related scientific community sometime end of 1959 or early 1960. Veeraraghavan, former Associate Director, ROMG recalled.
“ever since, CIRUS has been the workhorse of Indian atomic research programme”, Shri N. “…he said that there may be rare occasions when one may need to disregard the orders of his superior, for a good cause”.īy October 1963, they could raise the power level to 40 MW. He remembered that then he worked against the orders from their superiors. Sundaram and his team purified water using ion exchangers and solved the problem. The Canadians did not face such a problem in their reactor they used fresh water from Ottawa River. The total dissolved solids (TDS) such as silica in water got deposited on the fuel cladding, reducing coolant flow and damaging many of them at higher power level. Sundaram, former Director, Reactor Operation and Maintenance Group (ROMG) recalled. “ In a hurry to start the reactor early, Bombay municipal water was charged to the high head storage tank ( ball tank) and was used in the re-circulating coolant water circuit” Shri S.M. Scientists addressed these issues promptly. The reactor operation and maintenance group acquired priceless experience by studying the failure data of components such as valves.įloating materials, mainly plastic waste and seeds and leaves from ever expanding mangroves, clogged the travelling water screens in the sea water inlet system silt accumulation in the gland vent ports damaged the pumps. The 188-page commemorative booklet which describes them is a lucidly written, technical document, an A to Z cookbook on research reactor operation and maintenance! Veterans recalled the teething problems they faced, the ways in which they solved them and their unforgettable memories. Lewis, the eminent scientist who led the designers of the reactor was close to him in his Cambridge days. CIRUS, the workhorse of BARC is a symbol of the advanced developments in nuclear science, engineering and technology in India.ĭr Bhabha chose this heavy water moderated, uranium metal fuelled reactor as it would be a powerful tool for research.
India and Canada shared the cost of about $14.14 million. It was constructed under Canadian assistance. The 40 MW research reactor attained criticality on 10 July 1960. It was an emotional homecoming for many, especially for those who retired decades ago. The organizers invited everyone who was associated with the two research reactors.
On December 18, the scientists and engineers in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of CIRUS and the Silver jubilee of DHRUVA.
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