BARC-Mangalore University develop indigenous thoron mitigation system

MANGALORE: Mangalore University has developed a thoron mitigation system in collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaborative research programmes. The development of a simple and inexpensive activated charcoal-based mitigation system will find immense application in continuous removal of radon and thoron (which are radioactive gases) from off-gas streams of uranium and thorium processing facilities.
This new system has the potential to offer numerous advantages over conventional systems for the continuous removal of radon and thoron from air in industrial workplaces. Spin-off applications of the system include remediation of radon and thoron problem in mining and processing industries, site remediation, and reduction of personal radiation exposures due to radon and thoron. Other potential application is recovery and isolation of radioactive Xenon and Krypton gases in workplaces.
While a team of scientists led by N Karunakara of the Radioecology Research Laboratory, University Science Instrumentation Centre, Mangalore University have designed and fabricated the system, BARC has provided necessary support in theoretical calculation and calibration of the system. Subsequently, scientists of Mangalore University carried out experiments on radon and thoron absorption efficiencies of charcoal, holding capacity, degassing characteristics, and fabrication of prototype mitigation system.
The radioecology research laboratory of University Science Instrumentation Centre, Mangalore University is involved in extensive research in frontline areas of radiation protection and radioecology for the last 20 years. BARC funded the MoU research programme. Scientists involved from BARC in developing the system are D N Sharma, director, health safety and environment division, Y S Mayya, B K Sapra and B Sahoo. Technology and prototype system are in the process of transfer to BARC.
Karunakara told TOI that the system, a high end technology is the first of its kind in India. “It finds its application in nuclear facilities where mined uranium and thorium, critical to India’s nuclear power generation programme, is processed.” This is the first such system developed indigenously for similar technology developed abroad is classified. K Byrappa, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University will formally transfer the prototype system to a team of scientists from BARC on July 18.