The following information was excerpted from an email from the licensee:
On April 16, 2013 at 1701 EDT, the research test reactor automatically shutdown from 100% power (1 MW) due to a valid high power condition. The duty Senior Reactor Operator removed a timed irradiation sample from the core that added positive reactivity. Both the digital (non-safety system) and the analog safety system acted on the high power condition and initiated the shutdown. All systems functioned as designed. The short duration power transient reached a peak power of about 1.3 MW. There was no increase in radiation levels, personnel radiation exposure, or release of radiation from the facility. No emergency event entry criteria were met. The plant was placed in a secured condition and an event review investigation was conducted.
The event is (potentially) reportable in that the Maximum Power Level observed during the short duration (< 1 second) transient exceeded the steady state power limit for non-pulse mode operation as described in Technical Specification(TS) 3.1.1 Non-pulse mode operation sub-section b. The maximum power level shall be no greater than 1.1 MW (thermal).
The reactor was returned to routine service at approximately 1300 EDT on April 17, 2013.