Nuclear Fuel Complex: a centre for development and processing of advanced materials for nuclear and strategic applications

Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), one of the constituent units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), was established at Hyderabad during early 1970s. NFC has mandate to develop and manufacture structural components and fuel assemblies required for all the operating Nuclear Power Reactors as well as future advanced reactors, in the country. The Complex is engaged in the manufacture of various Zirconium alloy reactor core structures like Pressure Tubes, Calandria Tubes, Garter Springs, Reactivity Mechanism Assemblies for the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Square Channels for the Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs). The type of structural elements varies with different types of reactors i.e., PHWR, BWR and the Breeders etc. The expertise gained in manufacturing Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) sub-assemblies was successfully translated to develop technologies required for manufacturing core sub-assemblies and components required for the forthcoming 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. NFC also manufactures a variety of seamless tubes for strategic applications to meet the requirements of DAE, Space and Defence. NFC being multi-disciplinary center; it provides excellent opportunities for metallurgical, mechanical and other engineers to be associated with processing and manufacturing of technological challenging materials and their components. (author)