NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear power production is based on the energy released when an atomic nucleus such as uranium undergoes fission following the absorption of a neutron to form a compound nucleus. This compound nucleus is unstable and may break into two or three smaller atomic nuclei with the simultaneous emission of several neutrons together with the release of considerable amount of energy. Theseneutrons may themselves be absorbed by other nuclei, and if enough of these are uranium nucle, it ispossible for a chain reaction to develop. Chain reactions form the basis of the operation of a nuclearreactor. Fission of a single atom of uranium yields 200 MeV (= 3.2e11 J), whereas the oxidation of onecarbon atom releases only 4 eV. Natural uranium consists of 99.3% 238U and only 0.7% of lighterisotope 235U, but it is the latter that provides the most readily available fission energy in nuclear reactor.The maintenance of chain reaction, with exactly one neutron (on average) eventually causing anotherfission, is the design objective of any nuclear reactor. Nuclear Energy Generation. If the ratio of 235U to 238U in a mixture is low, it is necessary toarrange that the neutrons be slowed down by a moderator (a light material like water, heavy water,helium gas, beryllium, carbon, mixed, usually in homogeneously, with the fuel) in order to take advantageof the increase in fission cross section for low energy neutrons. If the ratio is high, it is possible todesign reactors that are based on fission caused by fast (high energy) neutrons. Reactors using slowneutrons are called thermal reactors in contrast to fast reactors whose design makes use of fissioncaused by fast neutrons. To reduce the size and increase the options for the choice of materials for areactor, it is possible to enrich the uranium that is to enhance the fissile 235U in some portion of the available natural uranium at the expense of the remainder. Higher the enrichment, easier it becomes to maintain the chain reaction, so the volume of the reactor may be reduced and a moderator with a lower moderating ratio may be used. Light water reactors use uranium enriched from 0.7 % to about 3%. In a thermal reactor, the production of fissile isotopes is lower than burn-up of the fissile component of uranium 235U in the fuel. However, in a fast reactor, using high-en ergy neutrons, the number of neutrons produced per fission is higher than in a thermal reactor, and some fission of 238U also occurs, so that there are more spare neutrons available for absorption by the common uranium isotope 238U, giving a higher rate of fissile decay products. By suitable design the conversion gain can be chosen so that more fissile material is produced than is consumed. Reactors of this type are called fast breeder reactors. Practically all power reactors in operation use 235U as a fuel. Resources. About 150 tonnes per year of natural uranium is required to meet the current demand. Proven resources are 2191000 tonnes there may be additional resources of 2177000 tonnes available. It is expected that FBR will takeover the future requirements and hence the future needs may

LPG (LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS) LPG is a widely used fuel in homes. From where is this obtained? You have learnt earlier that petroleum gas is a constituent obtained when petroleum is subjected to fractional distillation. If high pressure is applied to this gas it will be liquefied. This liquid is LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). This is filled in strong cylinders and distributed. The main constituent of this is Butane. Small quantities of Ethane and Propane are also found. Accident From LPG. Gases in LPG are odorless. What happens if it leaks? We will not know even if it fills the whole room. What will be the result then, if an electric switch is switched on or a matchstick is struck? Big fire or explosion will take place. Therefore to detect the leakage of the LPG another gas, Ethyl merchantman, having a special smell is mixed with it. Smell of this is sometimes felt when the gas cylinder is opened. If this smell is felt never try to light the match or to operate electrical appliances. Doors and windows must be opened and check whether there is any leak in the cylinder. When not in use it is better to have the valve of the cylinder closed.

ALCOHOL Spirit lamp is used in classrooms for experiments. The spirit being used in spirit lamp is alcohol. This is a good fuel. Atmospheric pollution is much less when it is burnt. In certain countries a mixture containing alcohol and petrol is used as fuel in automobiles. Spirit lamp is used in classrooms for experiments. The spirit being used in spirit lamp is alcohol. This is a good fuel. Atmospheric pollution is much less when it is burnt. In certain countries a mixture containing alcohol and petrol is used as fuel in automobiles. GASOHOL A mixture of petrol (gasoline) and alcohol is being used as fuel in automobiles in Brazil and Zimbabwe. This fuel is gasohol. gaso from gasoline and hol from alcohol.
HYDRO POWER Water is the only non-conventional energy source that has been exploited by man on a large scale. The technology is well established and simple. The industrial infrastructure for the manufacture of water turbines, valves, gates, generators and associated electrical equipment are well established in many countries.

Based on the capacity, it could be a micro, mini, small and big power plant. Based on the head, it is called a low head (<15 m), medium head (15-50 m) or high head (>50 m). Based on the type of load it may be base load or peak load. Based on the hydraulic features, it may be conventional, pumped storage or tidal type. Based on construction, it may be run of river, valley dam type, a diversion canal type or a high head diversion plant.