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KANUPP Institute
of Nuclear Power Engineering (KINPOE)
KANUPP Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering (KINPOE) came into being in
1993 when Karachi Nuclear Power Training Center (KNPTC) was renamed to
reflect its transition from running a one-year training program for
engineers to holding a two-year degree awarding course. KNPTC, established
in 1973, trained more than 250 engineers and over 900 technicians in nuclear
technology for KANUPP and other establishments of PAEC.
KINPOE is a major step forward in the evolution of the training program of
PAEC. Capitalizing on the know-how, institutional experience, and the
commitment that existed within the premises of KANUPP, a program has been
developed that leads to a Masters degree in nuclear power engineering.
Affiliated with the prestigious NED University of Engg. & Technology,
Karachi, KINPOE is unique in that it offers an advanced degree program
geared to meet the requirements of a high-tech industry like nuclear power.
The faculty comprises 40 full time members. Of these, three have Ph.D. and
26 have Masters degrees, while another four are currently abroad, studying
for their Ph.D. KINPOE is equipped with quite a few laboratories to meet the
specific training requirements of the students.
The duration of the Masters course offered at KINPOE is two years. The name
of the degree has recently been changed by the University from Master of
Science to Master of Engineering. The pre-requisite academic qualification
for admission is B.E./B.Sc. in engineering or M.Sc. in a related physical
sciences discipline.
KINPOE takes pride in the fact that the admission to this program is purely
on the basis of competence. The admission test, held in all the major cities
of the country on a single jay, and the interviews that follow determine the
merit for selection. Once selected, the candidates have to undergo an
orientation program under the name of the zeroeth semester which is
practically six weeks of teaching and almost continuous testing. The zeroeth
semester is very effective in sifting out the less serious and those not
quite competent to follow the pace. At the end of the zeroeth semester, a
select number of students are offered admission to the University.
The M. Engg. program consists of four regular semesters during which the
students take a total of 18 courses. After completion of four semesters,
students are allowed a few weeks to complete their projects that are
generally based on nuclear power plant related problems. On successful
completion of their degree, they are offered jobs in PAEC.
So far, 138 students have graduated from this program. The number of
graduates is small but their achievement is not, nor is the effort that has
been invested in preparing them. Their small number is a consequence of the
high drop out rate to maintain the high standards. The faculty believes in
quality and strives to ensure that the standard of Masters program is
comparable to that offered in any foreign university. There is one simple
objective that the students and faculty of this Institute must jointly
achieve, and that is to produce people who can be usefully employed in the
area of nuclear technology. At this level, we do not produce experts, but we
do try to produce professionals who are equipped with necessary tools to
make them productive in their careers.
In addition to the Masters degree program, KINPOE continues to Offer one
year training to the diploma holders. Trained technicians play an important
role in meeting different levels of manpower requirements of our present and
future nuclear power plants. A one year postgraduate training program has
also been started this very year to meet the immediate manpower requirements
of PAEC.
Indigenously
manufactured Laser Land Levelers handed over to PCRWR
The first batch of four indigenously manufactured Laser Land Levelers were
handed over to Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) at a
ceremony held on 15 July, 2002 at Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and
Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad, with an aim to create awareness about the
benefits of levelled land and conserving water resources.
Conservation of water is an emerging challenge across the world. One of the
solutions is proper land leveling, that can go a long way to check water
resource wastage. It is estimated that in the case of perfectly leveled
agricultural land, the water requirement would be reduced by 30 per cent and
the crop yield would also increase. The application of Laser Land Levelers
in this field has been recognised internationally.
Emphasizing importance of applied research for development of the country,
Mr. Parvez Butt, in his address at this occasion, said that applied and pure
research go together but there was need to focus more on applied research
for benefit of people. "There should be a balance between the two but
sustain- ability of research organizations depends on applied research as
well as commercialization of their products." PAEC has undertaken steps to
encourage its establishments to do commercial work and the production of
Laser Land Levelers is yet another step towards development oriented
research. He eulogized the efforts of PINSTECH in this regard.
Chairman PCRWR, Dr. Akram Kahloon termed the product a big achievement for
water conservation. Water is serious issue for countries like us where
economic base lies in agriculture. Per capita water was declining sharply
and there was an urgent need r to conserve water resources. Introduction of
1 Laser Land Leveler would do a great service r to farmers. It is priced at
Rs. 250,000 per piece which is much less than the imported ) one at Rs.
360,000. "We need to work on it further as it is a multi purpose equipment
and may also help in controlling salinity."
Director General PINSTECH, Dr. Abdul Ghaffar said the fabrication of a
sophisticated equipment having enormous socio-economic impact is an
achievement that could not come about without considerable effort. After
having prepared the first batch, we are now confident to produce more units
to meet the growing demand. "We will be able to do so at a cost which is
considerably lower than the imported unit and the end-user would have the
additional advantage of reliable after sales service". He vowed to make an
all out effort to maintain high quality of the product and customer
satisfaction. He acknowledged the financial support by Ministry of Science
and Technology. While the initial funding of the project was done by PAEC,
the release of Rs. 10 million by MoST proved to be very helpful in the
fabrication of multiple units. He also acknowledged technical skills and
dedication of scientists and engineers of Applied Physics Division and other
organisations involved in this project.
The Chairman PAEC was briefed about manufacturing and functioning of the
equipment. He advised the scientists and engineers to ensure quick delivery
and maintenance services to the organizations and farmers to ensure that
they make best I use of the equipment.
Coordination
Meeting of PAEC Biotechnology and Agriculture Institutes
Coordination Meeting of PAEC agriculture and
biotechnology institutes is a very important forum to review the R&D
activities and discuss the future plan of work. The 13th Coordination
Meeting was held at Nathiagali under the chairmanship of Dr. Kauser Abdulla
Malik, Member (Biosciences) from June 10-12,2002.
Director (Biosciences) presented an over- view of the
progress made by various Institutes as well as actual implementation
situation of the budget, generated income, manpower, new projects and the
progress made in Farmers Participatory Saline Agriculture Development
Project. Directors of NIA, NIAB, NIBGE and NIFA briefed about the release of
improved varieties of various crops as well as other achievements.
The second technical session comprised of presentations
from the Heads of the Divisions of Mutation Breeding from NIA, NIAB, NIFA
and Plant Biotechnology from NIBGE. During the third session, presentations
were made by Heads of Soil Science and Soil Biology from NIAB, Soil Science
and Plant Physiology from NIA, Soil Science from NIFA, and Biofertilizer, at
NIBGE. The fourth session comprised presentations by Heads of Entomology &
Food Science, Biological Chemistry, Environmental, Industrial and Health
Biotechnology Divisions.
During the fifth session, a Panel Discussion on
coordinated projects was held. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, Member
(Biosciences) graced the coordination meeting through his guide- lines for
future R&D work at the agricultural and biotechnology institutes. He
directed that the institutes should launch web sites. He mentioned that we
have been able to get 12 new projects of Biosciences from the Government and
at the moment we are actively working to have a mega project "Natural
Biosaline Agriculture Program, (NABSAP)." He emphasized holding of refresher
courses for scientists to upgrade their skills.
He suggested to organize appropriate R&D programmes as
well as to start new programmes in order to cope with the changing
requirements. He said goal oriented work was done during the last 35 years.
We have spent enough time to accumulate technology, and now this is time to
transfer this know-how and, therefore, each institute should develop a
"transfer of technology cell". Permission for holding summer college in
biosciences have been granted by Chairman and necessary budget has been
allocated. The first Summer College is proposed to be held in second/third
week of July 2003.
PAEC popularising science among
youth
Excellence in
science vital for progress of the country
The Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Mr. Parvez Butt urged the
youth to pursue scientific careers, as excellence in science is necessary
for the progress of the country He was addressing a ceremony to give away
additional cash prizes of Rs. 50,000 each, awarded by President Genera!
Pervez Musharraf to the winners of National Physics Talent Contest (NPTC),
an activity undertaken by PAEC every year for popularizing science among the
youth of the country to attract them to the lure of science.
These awards were announced by the President in addition to the cash prizes
which PAEC had earmarked for the winners of this scientific contest, on the
occasion of inauguration of 27th International Nathiagali Summer College on
June 24, 2002, an event of international scientific significance. He re-
warded the winners of the last year contest similarly when he gave personal
audience to them and their parents over a dinner at the President's House.
While announcing these personal awards at Summer College gathering on June
24, the President urged the youth to pursue scientific careers, as
excellence in science is necessary for the progress of the country.
It may be recalled that President of Pakistan granted an endowment of Rs. 1
0 millions at PlEAS Convocation early this year to sustain the National
Physics Talent Contest activity
The Chairman said government's special interest for the development of
science and technology in the country is encouraging and motivating the
scientists and engineers. These kind gestures by the President are symbol of
the real commitment of this government towards promotion of science and
technology, as evident from the manifold increase in the S & T budget
raising it from Rs. 120 million to Rs. 6000 million.
He said PAEC's success depends upon its policy of merit and its own
educational set up throughout the country. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
envisaged and implemented an educational programme way back in the 70s to
produce its own manpower needed for its high-tech requirements. PAEC has
established many training and educational centres over the years. Among
them, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PlEAS) is one
of the most prestigious and premier institution of higher learning. He said
that this Institute has recently been accorded the degree awarding status
and is today a multi-faceted educational centre, with academic and training
pro- grams being conducted at the highest level in a broad spectrum of
disciplines. Since its establishment, it has produced world class graduates
in the fields of nuclear engineering, systems engineering and health
physics.
The
Chairman PAEC said that other institutes of PAEC are engaged in educational
and training programme in nuclear power operations and IT systems. The
trained manpower of these educational centres, which initially catered for
PAEC's own extensive and high technology requirements is now available,
indirectly and directly, for playing a vital role in supporting the
industrial growth of the country.
Giving a review of the National Physics Talent Contest (NPTC) and
International Physics Olympiad, Dr. Abdullah Sadiq, Rector, PlEAS said these
students of the age group 17-19 years and F.Sc./A-Level were selected after
a nationwide screening test and several camps during the proceedings of 6th
NPTC. They were extensively trained and coached by the eminent scientists
and engineers for participation in the 33rd International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
held last month in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.
Dr.
Abdullah said out of the five-member Pakistani students team, Syed Abid
Hasan Naqvi of Beacon House School System, Islamabad and Wasil lntisar of
Aitchison College, Lahore bagged Bronze Medals while the remaining three
students, Omair Safwan Malik, Murad Tariq and Osama Ahmad, of Aitchison
College, Lahore, The City School, Islamabad and Burhan College, Islamabad
respectively got Honourable Mention in the Olympiad.
An
Honourable Mention was secured by a member of similar Pakistani contingent
in last year's (32nd) Physics Olympiad held in Turkey.
Rector PlEAS, Dr. Abdullah Sadiq and Dr. Masood-ul-Hasan accompanied the
students as team leaders.
On
the proposal of Dr. Abdullah Sadiq, Chairman PAEC agreed to introduce
Mathematics and Chemistry in National Talent Contest and Pakistan's
representation in International Olympiads in these subjects as well.
Another landmark for
RIAD-PINSTECH
Urea Breath Test
for Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer
Ulcer
is a common term used for the conditions in which lesions occur in the
lining of the stomach or duodenum. Studies have shown that more than 70% of
all ulcers are due to Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection. These
bacteria live under the lining of the stomach and start an inflammatory
response called gastritis, causing damage to the lining of the stomach.
Correct diagnosis of the cause of ulcers is the first step in management of
disease. Diagnosis of ulcer was primarily done by invasive methods,
requiring endoscopy and biopsy. Urea Breath Test (UBT) is the only
non-invasive method with a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of
H. pylori infection. The UBT has the added advantage of being
non-radioactive. H. pylori secretes an enzyme called urease, which changes
urea into carbon dioxide gas. It involves collecting two breath samples, one
before arid other after taking a solution containing labelled (13C) urea.
The samples are then analysed for the amount of CO2 they contain. The
results give indication of presence of H.Pylori.
In
Pakistan, the research on the urea breath" test was started at Radiation and
Isotope Application Division (RIAD) at PINSTECH through the collaboration of
its two groups, namely Life Sciences and Mass Spectrome- try groups in 1995.
The UBT has been validated and successfully applied for clinical studies
through a Pakistan Science Foundation-funded research project, during which
300 urea breath tests were performed. There was thus a need to upscale the
developed analytical facility at RIAD, PINSTECH, which serves as a stable
isotope/ breath analysis I laboratory to cater for the need of all research
I and diagnosis centers intending to utilize the j breath test methodology
in Pakistan.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission took keen interest in the
commercialization of , Urea Breath Test and approved an appropriate amount
of funds last year for this purpose. The Life Sciences Group of Radiation
and Isotope Applications Division at PINSTECH is now in a position to
initiate commercialization of this test through appropriate partners. For
this purpose, a fully automatic Breath MAT System was installed at Nuclear
Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Islamabad. Now the UBT
laboratory has started functioning and providing regular facility of
analysis.
An
introductory ceremony was held on 25th July 2002 at NORI to create awareness
about the UBT and the advantages it offers. Maj. Gen. Shujaat, DG
(Medicine), GHQ, was the chief guest. After a brief introduction by Dr. K.
A. Malik, Member Biosciences & Admin, PAEC, Dr. General (Rtd.) Arshad
Hussain and Dr Bushra delivered a talk on "Helicobacter Pylori in peptic
Ulcers" and "Diagnostic method of peptic ulcer", respectively. Dr.
Rakhshanda Bilal, PSO, RIAD introduced salient features of Urea Breath Test
for diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori. The guests also visited the UBT
laboratory.
The
UBT can be used as a diagnostic tool even in areas where adequate clinical
facilities are not available, because of ease of performing the test for the
benefit of patients. UBT is a latest addition in the field of medicine in
Pakistan due to non-invasive method with high sensitivity for the diagnosis
of ulcer.
The
breath test laboratory will also provide an opportunity for the researchers
who are interested in the field of application of stable isotopes for the
diagnosis of diseases.
PAEC providing
skills and services for industrial growth
PAEC, as a part of its programme, is offering
knowledge-based skills to the industry by developing design capability and
establishing workshop facilities, welding skills and inspection techniques
for this purpose. This was stated by Engr. Parvez Butt, Chairman PAEC while
addressing the oath taking ceremony of the 3rd Elected Administrative
Council of the Pakistan Society for Non-Destructive Testing (PASNT). He said
Pakistan has made
fairly good progress during the last 30 years, and PAEC has pioneered this
development by assisting the industry for growth and competitive capability
and introducing technology to the industry.
"Scientific knowledge must be converted into
satisfaction of human needs and prosperity. Wide industrial base is a must
for this purpose as value addition comes only from industry." He said even a
predominantly agricultural economy needs industry for ensuring product
preservation and value multiplication. "Without the availability of
indigenous skills and services needed for the installation and operation of
industrial units, industrialisation remains a pipe dream."
Explaining the development of NDT in
Pakistan, he said, as a
result of strenuous efforts, awareness of quality assurance has been
introduced in many segments of the national industry. PAEC established a
full-fledged National Centre for NDT (NCNDT) which undertakes training and
certification of NDT personnel as well as provision of NDT services. These
techniques are being used as per international standards and because of
these consistent efforts, NDT is now practiced in all the major industrial
organisations.
He said more than hundred industries and departments
have established NDT facilities and over fifteen NOT private organisations
have been set up on commercial basis. Almost all the NOT personnel working
in these organisations have been trained and certified by NCNDT, PAEC. More
than 134 courses, some of which had international participation, have been
conducted and over 1600 participants from 114 industrial organizations
throughout the country have been trained.
While commenting on the formation of PASNT, Mr.
ParvezButt said that PAEC has taken another initiative in consolidating the
efforts already put in this field and hoped that continuing progress in this
discipline will be made on sustainable basis. He said Pakistani industry has
to make full use of NOT as a tool for quality assurance and cost control of
its products in the emerging competitive world order.
Mr. Asghar Ali Khan, President, PASNT, in his welcome
address, dilated upon the aims and objectives of PASNT and reviewed the
current status of NOT in the world.
Training Course
at Pakistan Welding Institute (PWI)
Highly skilled, trained and motivated workers are the back bone and asset of
any industrial unit", this was stated by Engr. Javed Iqleem, Member Power,
PAEC in his address at the certificate distribution ceremony of the course
on Pipe Welding by Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technique.
The
course was arranged and conducted by the Pakistan Welding Institute,
Scientific and engineering Services (SES) Directorate, Pakistan Atomic
Energy Commission, from 1-19 July 2002. This course was 17th in the series,
with fifteen participants from ten industries.
He
urged the participants to apply the knowledge and skill gained during the
course at their respective establishments and further enhance thei
professional competence. He eulogized the efforts put in by PWI to bring in
forefront the importance of this very vital technique in fabrication and
maintenance of equipment and structures.
The
PAEC Member Power was briefed about the future training programmes for every
cadre of personnel ranging from the management to the welder. Six more
courses on different techniques and levels will be offered during the
current year, apprised Engr. M. Naeem, Manager PWI. [Details of these
courses appeared in the May-June 2002 issue of PakAtom, Ed.]
Pakistan Welding Institute (PWI), established by PAEC, is running training
courses on industrial welding methods, from which both the government and
private organisations benefit in the form of training and qualification of
their welders. Services of the centre are also available for installation of
industrial units.
PAEC-UoP
Joint Workshop on "Geological
Control and Natural Hazards -Earthquakes & Mass movement
Sound geological
practices to minimise earthquake effects
He said
the undesired effects of earthquakes are seen to be different in parts of
the world where proper safeguards/preventive measures are available, from
those parts where such measures are not taken. He mentioned Japan which is
located on fault lines and has high occurrence of earthquakes, but it has
built and is safely operating factories, dams, nuclear plants and other
sensitive sites on the basis of sound geological/engineering practices. The
causalities in California, USA, were just few as compared to Iran for a
similar intensity earthquake, he added.
He
further said that human beings were responsible for creating artificial
conditions worse ft1an earthquakes by degenerating the environment.
PAEC
has played a leading role in evaluation of seismic risks in various parts of
the country and has consolidated necessary data needed for preventive
measures to be incorporated in construction of sites and structures, which
provide reasonable safety j assurance against earthquakes. Explaining the
professional approach adopted by PAEC, -he said the seismic risk evaluation
of PAEC sites were carried out not only on the basis of seismic data alone,
but also geophysical, geological seismo-tectonic, remote sensing and near
field micro-seismic data. Thorough fieldwork was also carried out to rule
out the possibility of ground rupture at its various sties, he added.
He
said that internationally renowned experts, through the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) were invited for thorough technical review and
endorsement of the work of PAEC personnel. In the case of the KANUPP which
was built in the late sixties when seismic sitting criteria for nuclear
power plant was not fully established, the PAEC arranged a seismic walk
through by a team of IAEA experts about twenty years later." On the basis of
this study, he said, a seismic re-evaluation was carried out for the plant a
seismic retrofitting programme was developed, as a result of which,
anchoring and bolting of various components of the plant was carried out to
improve the seismic response. "This is a unique example of seismic
upgradation of existing structures in Pakistan in line with international
practice," the chairman PAEC added.
He
said the PAEC's mineral exploration and seismology group has not only made
the country self-sufficient in uranium but also did a reliable work on
seismological strikes which was fully endorsed by international experts.
He
also stressed the need for a concerted effort for a comprehensive and
realistic seismic zoning map for Pakistan, an improved seismic design code,
national regulations for the strict observance of seismic design code, )
earthquake hazard preparedness and a programme for public awareness.
On
the proposal of the vice chancellor of Peshawar University that this
workshop be made a permanent event on the footings as 1 those of
International Nathiagali Summer College, Parvez Butt suggested for a step
by ~ step approach towards this end. He said an international level workshop
would be held r next year on the subject, and thus having achieved a basic
standing, the activity may I be institutionalized as an annual global
event.
Earlier, in his welcome address Dr. Khalil Ahmed Qureshi, Member (Fuel
Cycle), PAEC said geostudies not only are necessary for earthquakes,
assessments and planning but also help us reap the hidden bounties of nature
for the prosperity of human kind. The workshop aimed at discussing the
safety measures and devising a strategy for preventing loss of life in case
such a disaster took place. In depth knowledge about Global Information
System and Remote Sensing was needed for dealing with the natural
disasters, he added.
Vice
Chancellor, Peshawar University, Dr. Zultiqar Gillani proposed a coordinated
effort for studies leading to predictions of earth- quakes and natural
disasters. He said a major outcome of the workshop was that it would create
awareness among the people about taking safety measures during a natural
disaster like earthquake. The main contributor to the ecological disaster
are the human beings, he added.
Director, National Centre of Excellence in Earth Sciences, Dr. Asif Khan
delivered an informative lecture on geological changes of earth and
occurrence of earthquakes. He said that the mega cities of the world located
on earthquake fault lines are the areas where the town planners should take
necessary safety measures in design and construction.
The
need for a concerted effort for a comprehensive and realistic seismic zoning
map for Pakistan, an improved seismic design code, national regulations for
strict observance of seismic design code, earthquake hazard preparedness and
a programme for public awareness were stressed during the workshop.
PAEC
Engineers/Scientists honoured
Engr.
M. Shamim Bhatti, Senior Principal Engineer, Technical Manager, DTD, has
been awarded Performance Gold Medal-2002 in recognition of his meritorious
services for PAEC. The award was announced at the occasion of Youm-i-Takbeer,
28 May, 2002.
A
graduate in Chemical Engineering, Mr. Bhatti joined PAEC as Assistant
Engineer in 1975. He has extensive experience in R&O, designing and
production management relating to nuclear grade materials processing
facilities. During his career with PAEC, he has served at various
establishments and projects of national importance. By sheer dint of
hardwork and persistence, he has achieved record production levels.
A
recipient of National Talent Medal (1966), he has an excellent academic
record. He was promoted as Senior Principal Engineer in 1999.
Dr.
Nasir Ahmad, Chief Scientific Officer, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and
Applied Sciences (PlEAS), Islamabad, has been awarded the Best University
Teacher Award for the year 2001 by the University Grants Commission,
Ministry of Education. The award consists of a certificate and cash prize.
The criterion for the award was teaching, research and academic supervision.
Dr.
Nasir Ahmad was conferred the Best Researcher Award in 1998 by PlEAS and the
President's Award for Pride of Performance in 2000. He is a lifetime member
of the Pakistan Institute of Physics and Fellow of the Pakistan Nuclear
Society.
With
more than 225 research articles in local and international journals, he has
supervised doctoral research work of eight students. He is on the Advisory
Boards of The Science International and The Environ Monitor. He is also a
member of the Board of Governors, PlEAS
Civil Awards for
PAEC Scientists/Engineers
Government of Pakistan has honoured seven scientists/engineers of PAEC with
civil awards on the occasion of Independence Day 2002.
Mr. Ghulam Nabi, Chief Scientist, has been honoured with Hiial-i-imtiaz.
President's Award for Pride of Performance has been announced for Mr. Bashir
Ahmad, Syed Shabbir Hussain, Engr. M. Riaz Khan and Engr. Maqsood Ali, while
Mr. Shahid Man- zoor has been awarded Tamgha-i-imtiaz. The civil awards will
be conferred on 23 March, 2003.
Innovation and Creativity Gold
Medal Award launched by PAEC
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is initiating gold medal award for
innovation and creativity to encourage its employees. Ad- dressing the oath
taking ceremony of the 3rd elected administrative Council of the Pakistan
Society for Non-Destructive Testing (PASNT), Chairman PAEC, Mr. Parvez Butt
said that this award would help create local solutions of industrial
problems. He said the award would be given on comprehensive evaluation of
the usefulness of the proposal and competitiveness. A Committee would be
constituted to adjudge the best performers on merit.
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