ML031560778

Technical Specification Pages, Physics Tests Exceptions - Mode 2 for Point Beach, Units 1 and 2

ML031560778
Person / Time
Site:	Point Beach
Issue date:	06/03/2003
From:	NRC/NRR/DLPM
To:
References
TAC MB5357, TAC MB5358
Download: ML031560778 (2)

Text

PHYSICS TESTS Exceptions-MODE 2 3.1.8 3.1 REACTIVITY CONTROL SYSTEMS 3.1.8 PHYSICS TESTS Exceptions-MODE 2 LCO 3.1.8 During the performance of PHYSICS TESTS, the requirements of LCO 3.1.3, "Moderator Temperature Coefficient (MTC)";

LCO 3.1.4, "Rod Group Alignment Limits";

LCO 3.1.5, "Shutdown Bank Insertion Limits";

LCO 3.1.6, "Control Bank Insertion Limits"; and LCO 3.4.2, "RCS Minimum Temperature for Criticality" may be suspended and the number of required channels for LCO 3.3.1, "RPS Instrumentation," Functions 2, 5, and 17.e, may be I reduced to "3" required channels, provided:

a. RCS lowest loop average temperature is > 530°F;

b. SDM is within the limits provided in the COLR; and

c. THERMAL POWER is < 5% RTP.

APPLICABILITY: During PHYSICS TESTS initiated in MODE 2.

ACTIONS CONDITION REQUIRED ACTION COMPLETION TIME A. SDM not within limit. A.1 Initiate boration to 15 minutes restore SDM to within limit.

AND A.2 Suspend PHYSICS 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br /> TESTS exceptions.

B. THERMAL POWER not B.1 Open reactor trip Immediately within limit. breakers.

(continued)

Point Beach 3.1.8-1 Unit 1 - Amendment No.290,208 Unit 2 - Amendment No.296,213

PHYSICS TESTS Exceptions - MODE 2 B 3.1.8 BASES APPLICABLE The PHYSICS TESTS include measurement of core nuclear SAFETY ANALYSES parameters or the exercise of control components that affect process (continued) variables. Among the process variables Involved are AFD and QPTR, which represent initial conditions of the unit safety analyses. Also involved are the movable control components (control and shutdown rods), which are rquired to shut down the reactor. The limits for these variables are specified for each fuel cycle in the COLR. As described in LCO 3.0.7, compliance with Test Exception LCOs is optional, and therefore no criteria of the NRC Policy Statement apply. Test Exception LCOs provide flexibility to perform certain operations by appropriately modifying requirements of other LCOs. A discussion of the criteria satisfied for the other LCOs is provided in their respective bases.

Reference 6 allows special test exceptions (STEs) to be included as part of the LCO that they affect. It was decided, however, to retain this STE as a separate LCO because it was less cumbersome and provided additional clarity.

LCO This LCO allows the reactor parameters of MTC and minimum temperature for criticality to be outside their specified limits. In addition, it allows selected control and shutdown rods to be positioned outside of their specified alignment and insertion limits. One Power Range Neutron Flux channel may be bypassed, reducing the number of required channels from "4" to 3". Operation beyond specified limits is permitted for the purpose of performing PHYSICS TESTS and poses no threat to fuel integrity, provided the SRs are met.

The requirements of LCO 3.1.3, LCO 3.1.4, LCO 3.1.5, LCO 3.1.6, and LCO 3.4.2 may be suspended and the number of required channels for LCO 3.3.1, "RPS Instrumentation," Functions 2, 5, and 17.e, may be reduced to "3" required channels, during the performance of PHYSICS TESTS provided: I

a. RCS lowest loop average temperature is 2 530°F;

b. SDM is within the limits provided in the COLR; and

c. THERMAL POWER is < 5% RTP.

APPLICABILITY This LCO is applicable when performing low power PHYSICS TESTS.

The Applicability Is stated as "during PHYSICS TESTS initiated in MODE 2" to ensure that the 5%RTP maximum power level is not exceeded. Should the THERMAL POWER exceed 5% RTP, and Point Beach B 3.1.8-5 Unit 1 - Amendment No. 2 , 208 Unit 2 - Amendment No. 26,213