Udupi firm develops special nuclear valves

UDUPI: Rajesh K Salins, managing director, Bell O Seal Valves, Udupi, along with his able team, took to the challenge to manufacture special nuclear valves in the year 2019-20, despite limitations and challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bell O Seal Valves, had received this developmental order for the Special Nuclear Valves, under the Make In India programme through a competitive procedure, where the capabilities of Bell O Seal was evaluated by the Department of Atomic Energy at multiple levels.
As a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharath movement, these unique valves were developed in close coordination with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) scientists for extremely critical high-temperature liquid sodium service.
The team has meticulously designed, developed and manufactured these special frozen seal type valves. These large size frozen seal valves were completely made in India for the first time, thus saving a fortune in foreign revenue outflow.
On successful completion of this project, which has taken over a year in development; the company has received appreciation from the top management of IGCAR.
These special type frozen seal valves will be used in fast breeder reactors, which is part of the second stage nuclear power programme of our country.
Fast breeder reactors can produce more nuclear fuel by converting Thorium -232 and Uranium-238 than it consumes during electricity production. India has the largest reserves of Thorium in the world. Thus, fast breeder reactors ensure energy security in our country for the coming centuries.
Rigorous testing of these valves was completed successfully at Bell O Seal Udupi plant and these valves were provided to IGCAR, Kalpakkam earlier this month.