Criticality

Facts for Prelims

Criticality

News: The Fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat has achieved criticality.

What is Criticality?
• Criticality: This is the normal operating condition of a nuclear reactor, in which nuclear fuel sustains a fission chain reaction. A reactor achieves criticality when each fission event releases a sufficient number of neutrons to maintain an ongoing series of reactions. This is a balanced state where the nuclear energy system is stable.

About KAPP-4:
• Capacity: KAPP-4 is a 700 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR), making it one of the largest indigenous nuclear power reactors built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• Indigenous Design: The reactor is part of NPCIL’s indigenously designed and built 16 pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) being set up in the country.
• Location: The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is located in Surat, Gujarat