Core Catcher: Device to contain nuclear accidents

Core Catcher: Device to contain nuclear accidents

Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- Energy, Infrastructure, Science & Technology

In News

• Moscow-based Rosatom State Corporation installed a core melt localisation device (CMLD) or “core catcher” at Unit 3 of Tamil Nadu’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP).
• The device is designed to localise and cool the molten core material in case of a meltdown accident.
• Such an accident occurs when the nuclear fission reaction taking place inside a reactor is not sufficiently cooled, and the buildup of heat causes fuel rods to melt down
• In 2011, the device was first installed at the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China, which is of Russian design

• In 2018, a 200-tonne core catcher is being installed Rooppur 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh (India-Russia collaboration which goes into operation in 2023)